A Self-guided Holiday Light Experience at the Ruth Bancroft Garden

See the Garden and plant collection transform into a dazzling waterwise wonderland illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, sculptures, and lasers. The Nursery will be open for evening shopping, with hot cocoa, spiced wine, and beer available to enjoy as you wander through the lights.

Garden of D’Lights takes place rain or shine.

Get Tickets

MEMBERS: Please check your email for your discount code and link to purchase tickets. 

Garden of D’Lights Calendar and Pricing

VIP LOUNGE TICKETS:

Elevate your Garden of D’Lights experience with exclusive access to a private oasis, including:

– Freedom to explore the light show for 3 hours

– Access to our VIP patio with heaters and fire pit

– VIP bar with featured cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages

– 2 drink tickets with the ability to purchase additional drinks

– Indoor seating and tables

– Access to food vendors

– Bespoke art installations and light projection


Thank you to our generous corporate partners:


 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Special Note: This event is not recommended for people with photosensitive epilepsy or sensitivity to flashing lights.

Learn more about the exhibit

Explore the Ruth Bancroft Garden’s exciting winter holiday light exhibit, Garden of D’Lights. Visitors of all ages will be in awe as they wander through three acres of illuminated cacti, succulents, and other plants, designed to transport you to a realm of wonder and awe.

This fundraising event is rain or shine. We do not refund or reschedule based on weather. Thank you for supporting the Garden!

How do I get discounted tickets as a Member?

An email with a one-time-use discount code was sent to members. To redeem your member discount, select the date and time you want to attend, add tickets to your cart, and enter your unique code (sent to you via email) in the ‘Voucher’ section at checkout.

If you have just become a member, please allow 2-3 business days to receive your discount code. Email us at lights@ruthbancroftgarden.org if you don’t receive your code.

How do I get ahold of someone to ask questions about this event?

Call +1 (213) 320-3762

We ask that you please email us any comments, questions or concerns to lights@ruthbancroftgarden.org

Parking

We encourage everyone to carpool or rideshare (Uber or Lyft) to this event as we have limited parking onsite. We only sell a certain allotment of tickets per timeslot in an effort to ensure that ticketholders will be able to park onsite. Please arrive as close to your entrance time as possible to help us accommodate this.

We have overflow parking available to all guests at Doctor’s Park. If our onsite lot is full, please park in Doctor’s Park and walk over. Below is a map with instructions on how to get to Doctor’s Park from our parking lot. It is on the corner of Ygnacio and Walnut Ave.

EBT & Museums4All Tickets

Please be aware that EBT cardholders and those who purchase discounted admission through programs like Museums4All CAN NOT use those passes for Garden of D’Lights. The only discount we offer on Garden of D’Lights tickets is the Member Discount.

What's the refund policy?

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. This event will take place rain or shine. There are no ticket cancellations, refunds or exchanges for other Garden Events. Thank you so much for understanding and supporting the Garden.

We are dog-friendly!

Pets are always welcome. Please ensure dogs are on a leash and are friendly.

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

Please purchase tickets in advance. Capacity for each entrance time is limited to accommodate onsite parking. Please use your tickets for the time slot you purchase for.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

While this event is open to adults and children of all ages, we want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I use Garden Guest Passes for this Event?

No, guest passes may not be used as entry tickets for this or any other ticketed event.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Please try to carpool or use rideshare services like UBER or Lyft. We have parking available onsite and implement the scheduled time slots to ensure most if not all are able to park onsite. We have overflow parking available at the Doctor’s Park parking lot off of Ygnacio. Use caution and crosswalks to walk to the Garden from Doctor’s Park.

The Garden is located 1.5 miles from the Pleasant Hill BART Station and only three blocks from The Contra Costa Canal Trail, which can be accessed from the BART Station. The County Connection Bus also stops near the Garden during weekday commute hours.

Do you have group tickets available?

Does my AHS Reciprocal Garden Membership qualify me for discounted member tickets to this event? 

No. Only valid Ruth Bancroft Garden Membership qualifies for the purchase of discounted tickets. Guests purchasing discounted tickets will be asked to show their membership card at check-in.

What can I bring into the event?

We recommend you dress warmly and bring your phone as there will be lots of great photo opportunities. If it is raining, please bring your umbrellas and rain boots! We are a rain or shine event. The Garden pathways are compacted gravel, so our pathways get wet, but not muddy.

Can I bring food or beverages?

No outside food or beverages are allowed into the Garden during this event.

Is the Garden handicapped accessible?

Yes, the Garden is accessible, but the pathways are compacted gravel, not paved. We have 2 wheelchairs available onsite for those who need.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You may bring either your printed ticket OR have the email of your ticket order receipt showing on your phone.  Tickets are only valid for a single entry and for the time slot you purchased. Those purchasing Member discounted tickets will be asked to show a valid RBG Membership card at check-in.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Where can I listen to the GODL playlist?

 

Photo credit: Kelly Lotosky of Let’s Spread Beauty & Assorted Garden Staff Photographers