Windseeds, by Norman Mooney (Scott Lynch)
Winter wonderland ‘Lightscape’ returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Over one million lights create a dazzling mile-long journey across the Garden's grounds
Lightscape, an immersive experience featuring 18 different light installations spread throughout the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, is back for its second holiday season and, considering last year’s debut sold out almost every night for its entire run, the time to order your tickets is now.
Winter Cathedral, by Mandylights (Scott Lynch)
Some favorites from last year are back, like the twinkling tunnel that spawned a million selfies (the Winter Cathedral is its official name), and an updated, sadly somewhat safer version of the vaguely-satanic Fire Garden.
Fire Garden, by Ashley Bertling (Scott Lynch)
But the mile-long illuminated trail also has plenty of new surprises in store this year. Marsha Tsimring’s towering Light Like Water makes excellent use of disco balls and music by LCD Soundsystem.
Light Like Water, by Masha Tsimring (Scott Lynch)
Culture Creative’s Neon Tree transforms a Japanese Elm into a, uh, neon tree. And Norma Mooney’s spiky Windseeds are simple, lovely, and bold.
Neon Tree, by Culture Creative (Scott Lynch)
Colorful projections highlight the Garden’s trees and landscapes all along the route. Music accompanies you the entire way, from a fiddle-heavy rendition of Auld Lang Syne to a cover of Wish You a Merry Christmas that will remind all of you ’70s kids of Emerson Lake and Palmer, to the deathless Charlie Brown Christmas classics of Vince Guardali Trio.
What If, by Adjua Gargi Nzinga Greaves (Scott Lynch)
Hot cocoa, hot cider, and mulled wine are available at pop-up concession stands along the trail, as well as snacks such as samosas, empanadas, and cookies. “We’re so happy to be here,” Kathryn Glass of the BBG tells Brooklyn Magazine. “So happy just to share all this with our friends, neighbors, and community. It’s great for families. It’s great for couples, and dates. It’s great for friends. It’s so much fun to be out here at night and see this collection.”
A Magical Season, by Christopher Wren (Scott Lynch)
Lightscape is open most nights through January 8. Capacity is limited, and timed-entry tickets are on sale now.
