Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s mile-long ‘Lightscape’ will light you up this holiday season (PHOTOS)

BROOKLYN — Now that Thanksgiving dinners and autumnal decorations are a recent memory, holiday displays are in full swing. And what better way to welcome the season than with an evening trip to Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape?

Now in its fifth year, my husband, adult children and I bundled ourselves into the car last weekend and made our now-traditional visit to Lightscape — the event that helps our family ease into the Christmas spirit.

The thousands of moving lights enchanted us as darkness fell Sunday night, shimmering along the mile-long path that still manages to catch me off guard — the way one million lights can turn a familiar landscape into something dreamlike and new.

This year brings a revamped trail, and the words that come to mind are “magical” and “otherworldly.” Every twist of the path offers something unexpected — washes of color, bursts of music, and artwork that glows, shimmers or seems to move with you as you walk.

Lightscape is the kind of winter outing that works just as well for families as it does for couples, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the holiday spirit the moment you arrive.

Some installations that stood out to us were the Winter Cathedral, the fields of illuminated poppies and the firefly-like lights that flicker low to the ground.

The interactive displays make you feel like part of the show rather than just a spectator.

Lightscape is thoughtfully organized too. Even when it gets crowded — and it often does, so booking ahead is smart — the one-way route keeps everyone moving comfortably.

Entry is smooth, the signage is clear, and the entire experience feels well-paced, never rushed. It strikes that rare balance of being festive and exciting while still giving you space to take everything in.

There’s also something undeniably romantic about wandering through the Garden at night, bundled up, with lights glinting off every branch.

Music echoes between glowing trees and water features that ripple with color. Monumental lighted sculptures rise out of the shadows like guests from another, more festive world.

My daughters — grown, practical, lifelong New Yorkers who are not easily impressed — still stopped more than once just to take it all in. That, to me, is the real holiday magic.

We always make a night of it. We bundle up (it is a fully outdoor event in December), grab something warm from the on-site dining spots, and take our time — usually about 90 minutes, though photos add a few more.

BBG encourages pictures, though tripods and drones aren’t allowed; trust me, phones capture the glow beautifully. Wear comfortable shoes, hats, scarves and gloves.

For those thinking of going, tickets are staggered by entry time and must be purchased through the BBG website.

You can’t stay on from daytime hours — the Garden closes at 3:30 p.m. for the Lightscape reset, and all daytime visitors must exit before evening ticket holders arrive.

Entry is at the Visitor Center at 990 Washington Ave., and the trail ends at Eastern Parkway. Street parking is possible if you’re patient, and there’s also a parking lot available for a fee.

It’s worth booking ahead; this event sells out quickly each season. Personally, I’ve come to love the rhythms of the night: the quiet shuffle of bundled families, the bursts of laughter when a new installation surprises them, the way the lights shift from bold to serene.

It’s a gentle reminder — especially for those of us who spend our days racing deadlines — to slow down.

Some families bake; some trim trees. Ours walks a glowing mile through Brooklyn each December. It’s worth the trip.

For tickets, visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden website.

BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos BBG Scene from the 2025 Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, a winding trail awash in artistic lighting design. Ticket times are staggered so groups can comfortably stroll the trail with family and friends. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos