One of Brooklyn's favorite holiday traditions is back! Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden returns with a brand-new illuminated trail from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. For families in East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Flatbush, it's an easy holiday outing close to home. Here's what to know before you go, plus a few tips to keep your winter gear fresh all season.
What Is Lightscape?
Lightscape is an evening light show that winds through the Garden. According to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you'll find:
- Monumental lighted sculptures
- Colorful lighting effects on the Garden's trees, architecture, and water features
- Site-specific music and sound along the trail
This year's trail begins and ends at the Visitor Center at 990 Washington Avenue. Entry times are staggered in 15-minute windows, so you can stroll at a comfortable pace.
Key Dates to Know
- Main run: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Sensory-Friendly Early Entry: Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 18 at 4 p.m.
- Family Benefit: Tuesday, December 8 (BBG's annual fundraiser)
- 21+ Nights: Thursday, December 10 and Thursday, December 17
Heads up: The Garden closes to daytime visitors at 3:30 p.m. during the run. Only Lightscape ticket holders are admitted in the evening.
Tickets
Tickets are sold through Leap, the Garden's official ticket provider. Prices vary by night:
- Adults: $29 (Value Nights) to $44 (Peak)
- Kids 3–11: $15 to $28
- Babies 0–2: Free
- Members get discounted pricing
Popular dates can sell out, so book early! Check bbg.org/Lightscape for the latest details.
Dress for a Brooklyn Winter Night
Lightscape takes place in all weather (unless there's a safety risk), so bundle up! A night outdoors calls for:
- A warm coat, plus a hat, scarf, and gloves
- Layers you can open up when you step into the indoor Lightscape Bar
- Comfortable, warm shoes for walking the trail
Laundry Tips for Your Night Out
Hot chocolate spill? Concessions along the trail sell hot drinks, and drips happen. Blot (don't rub!), rinse the spot from the back with cold water, and work in a little liquid detergent before washing. Skip the dryer until the stain is gone.
Freshen your winter layers. Hats, scarves, and gloves get worn almost every day this time of year, but they're easy to forget on laundry day. Check the care label and toss washable ones in with your next load.
Coats and puffers. Many puffer jackets can go in a front-load washer on a gentle cycle. Dry on low heat. Our large washers and dryers give bulky coats plenty of room to tumble.
FAQ
When is Lightscape 2026 at Brooklyn Botanic Garden? Lightscape runs from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Special 21+ Nights are December 10 and 17, and Sensory-Friendly Early Entry is December 3 and 18 at 4 p.m.
Where does the Lightscape trail start? The trail begins and ends at Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Visitor Center at 990 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.
Can I bring food to Lightscape? No. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but hot drinks and snacks are sold along the trail, and there's an indoor Lightscape Bar.
Spend Your Evenings Under the Lights, Not Over a Laundry Basket
The holidays are busy enough! Let Speedy Fresh handle the laundry so you can enjoy Brooklyn's brightest nights. Drop off at our wash & fold counter at 9702 Church Ave. Same-day service is available if you drop off by 1PM. Or schedule a pickup and delivery, available 7 days a week across our Brooklyn service area. Prefer to do it yourself? Our self-service laundromat is open daily 6AM to 10PM, with large washers and dryers ready for your bulkiest winter coats.
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