More than 80 percent of Lightscape is new and reimagined for 2023, with larger, never-before-seen artistic installations and one million holiday lights throughout a 1.2-mile winding walking trail
The international sellout sensation, Lightscape, will soon return to the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden for its second consecutive year to dazzle audiences with more than one million holiday lights and never-before-seen artistic installations from around the world throughout a 1.2-mile-long winding walking trail. In total, over 80 percent of Lightscape will be new and reimagined for 2023.
Fort Worth-based Higginbotham, one of the nation’s largest independent insurance, financial, and HR services firms, has signed on as Lightscape 2023 presenting sponsor.
Beginning Nov. 17 and running select nights through Jan. 1, 2024, this year’s Lightscape will feature all-new, custom-designed installations that will come alive with color, imagination, and sound, each of which is expertly choreographed to holiday-themed music in a completely transformed magical atmosphere. Lightscape 2023 will also feature an all-new “Christmas Village,” complete with fire pits, s’more-roasting, hot cocoa, holiday music, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus (Santa will be present during peak nights only).
Also new for 2023 is a revamped pricing structure, including new reduced pricing for off-peak dates and the option to purchase $50 “Anytime Access” tickets, which include flexible admission dates and arrival times, parking, and a dedicated check-in line. Tickets for Lightscape are on-sale now at https://fwbg.org/lightscape at the following price levels:
Off-Peak Pricing:
- Adult -$23 / $15 for FWBG members
- Child – $15 / $11 for FWBG members
Regular Pricing:
- Adult -$28 / $20 for FWBG members
- Child – $18 / $14 for FWBG members
Peak Pricing:
- Adult – $30 / $22 for FWBG members
- Child – $20 / $16 for FWBG members
Lightscape creators aim to build on the success of last year’s inaugural show, bringing back fan-favorites such as Bluebonnets, Fire Garden, and the Winter Cathedral, while custom-designing over 15 all-new installations for the 2023 show, with never–before–seen glowing riverbeds, enchanting water displays, dramatic laser shows, twinkling lights, nature-inspired installations, and curated holiday music. New installations for 2023 include:
- Welcome Arch –A 30-foot illuminated holiday wreath and bow greeting visitors at the garden entrance
- Star Walk – Hundreds of suspended twinkling stars create a glowing canopy overhead
- Santa’s Grove – Fort Worth’s-own “12 days of Cactus Christmas” with illuminated cacti and a giant snow globe
- Branch Fireworks + Pealight Trees – Fireworks of light shooting through tree branches, interspersed with colored pealights, glowing riverbeds, and laser fireflies
- Sea of Light + Star Tree -– A field of 2,000 color-changing lights leading to a 40-foot illuminated Christmas tree wrapped in hundreds of lit stars
- Heart Arches – Six heart-shaped arches funneling attendees down a gloriously romantic red path
- Neon Tree – The leafless branches and trunk of a massive tree are lit with strips of neon colors overlooking the hill of bluebonnets
- Laser Garden – Thousands of slowly rotating-colored beams piercing through fog within a tree canopy
- Candy Lane – A “Candyland-inspired” winding playful path lined with gumdrops, licorice, peppermint, gingerbread, lollipops, chocolate, peanut brittle, and more
- Poleen – Poetic sculptural chandeliers floating on the water expressing the light of a pollen seed
- On the Tide – Water-based floating lightworks using long bespoke floating strands of individually addressable LEDs, creating multiple interventions flowing throughout the Japanese Garden
- Light Lines – Pixel batons create a dynamic light tunnel guiding attendees through a colorful winding path
“With an astonishing 80 percent newly designed displays, this year’s reimagined Lightscape promises an even more immersive and magical experience for guests of all ages,” said Patrick Newman, CEO & president of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. “From the moment guests step foot into Lightscape, they will be transported into a world of wonder and awe, with an array of stunning light installations expertly designed with our gardens in mind. Every tree, every plant, and every step along the trail will be illuminated with a combination of lights and music to create a breathtaking atmosphere that will mesmerize attendees of all ages.”
Other important details for Lightscape ticketholders include:
- The average tour time from start to finish is 1.5 hours, although there is no time limit.
- Guests should plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to their entry time slot, allowing time to park, ride the shuttle (for those parking off-site), and check-in.
- Early entry cannot be accommodated. Late entry is not guaranteed and will be granted at the discretion of the box office.
- Guests should dress appropriately for an outdoor walking experience.
- Food and drink will be available for purchase at the event. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Garden.
- The event is rain or shine. If the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, the Garden’s decision to cancel the event will be made at 2 p.m. on the day of the event. If Lightscape is canceled, ticketholders will be notified by text message of any cancellation and the re-booking process.
- On-site parking must be purchased in-advance (cost is $20/vehicle). Off-site parking is also available in the yellow lots at Dickies Arena, and a free shuttle transports guests to the FWBG (cost is $15/vehicle). For more information about on-site and off-site parking passes, please visit the website https://fwbg.ticketapp.org/portal/product/38.
- To view more detailed information and other frequently asked questions (FAQs), visit https://fwbg.org/lightscape-faqs/.
“The opportunity for Higginbotham to serve as presenting sponsor of Lightscape is one that fits squarely with our culture of generosity,” said Rusty Reid, chairman and CEO of Higginbotham. “At Higginbotham, we prioritize investing and supporting the City of Fort Worth, and backing local events and nonprofits plays a crucial role in this mission. We are privileged to champion both the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Lightscape, which has quickly become a must-attend holiday tradition for Fort Worth families. As we celebrate Higginbotham’s 75th anniversary, giving back to our hometown is the perfect way to cap off the year.”
Lightscape is produced by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden in association with Sony Music, and creatively produced by Culture Creative.
