'Garden of Lights' is not to be missed at San Diego Botanic Garden

ENCINITAS – After the sun goes down in December, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland!

More than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminate the flora of this fantastic 37-acre urban oasis each evening from 5 to 9 p.m. for a magical holiday experience.

The Garden of Lights, which runs Dec. 5 through 23 and Dec. 26 through 30, is the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual gift to the residents of the county.

Garden of Lights has events and activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Nightly entertainment, including local blues and jazz bands, as well as delicious food from Red Oven Artisanal Pizza and Pasta, and hot coffee and treats from the Jitter Bean, will be available. Numerous family-friendly activities are also part of the festivities including:

• Horse-drawn wagon rides (on select evenings)
• Holiday crafts
• Spin art
• Marshmallow roasting
• Visits with Santa (Dec. 5 - 23)
• Hot mulled wine
• Snow for sledding (on select evenings)
• Puppet shows (on select evenings)
• Holiday carolers (on select evenings)
• Nutcracker display

The garden's gift shop will feature unique plant-related gift items in addition to items like cork purses, garden-themed jewelry, hats, aprons, candles, and garden art.

Experience the holidays Southern California-style at San Diego Botanic Garden's Garden of Lights! For more information or to access the nightly schedule of events and activities, please visit SDBGarden.org/lights.htm. Admission: $15/adults, $10/adults with membership, $5/children ages 3-12, Free to children age 2 and under. Additional fees apply for some activities.