ABOUT THE EVENT
What is Moonlight Forest?
Moonlight Forest is a family-friendly walk-through event where colorful designs of animals, plants and Chinese culture come to life in the form of ancient Chinese lantern art. This family friendly and romantic event is a great opportunity to experience the gardens in the evening. Artisans from the Sichuan Province of China construct and design the lanterns and create a night full of light and magic.
What are the days and hours of operation of Moonlight Forest 2019?
Dates: November 9, 2019 – January 12, 2020; Wednesday through Sunday
Hours of Operation: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Entry times: 5:30pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm (closes at 10:00pm)
Where is Moonlight Forest located?
Is there parking?
Yes. Parking is
FREE at the Moonlight Forest!
Parking is limited to onsite Arboretum lots and offsite Additional Event Parking lots. Service shuttles are available from and to the offsite lots throughout the event. Street parking is NOT available at any time.
Please always follow parking staff directions and signage. If Arboretum lots are full, you’ll be directed to the additional parking lots.
Click on the links below for directions to onsite parking lots.
1-Onsite
2-Onsite
3-Onsite
Is there an age restriction?
Moonlight Forest is open to all ages. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
TICKETS and ADMISSIONS
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.arboretum.org/moonlight-forest-magical-lantern-art-festival/ and at the box office during Arboretum business hours (9:00am – 4:30pm; Monday – Sunday) and during event hours, limited to capacity.
Moonlight Forest does not guarantee ticket availability at the Box Office on the day of the event. Due to high demand we highly recommend you purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your entry.
When can I purchase tickets?
Members can purchase presale tickets starting September 23rd through October 14th.
Moonlight Forest tickets go on sale to the public on October 15th.
How much are tickets if I’m not yet a Los Angeles Arboretum Member?
Wednesday – Thursday: Adult $25, Children (ages 3-17) $20, Senior (62+) & Student with ID $23
Friday – Sunday: Adult $28, Children (ages 3-17) $23, Senior (62+) & Student with ID $25
Do I have to leave before the next entry group comes in?
Once you are admitted to the festival you do not have a time limit to complete your visit.
The date I want is sold out. Can I buy tickets at the door, day of?
We do not guarantee ticket availability at the door (day of) due to limited capacity and strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online and in advance due to high demand.
What if I can’t use my ticket? Can I get a refund?
Choose your date carefully! Moonlight Forest tickets and Arboretum memberships are not refundable. In the event you are unable to use your ticket, please consider your purchase a donation to the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID 95-1582650.
Will Moonlight Forest be open in inclement weather?
Moonlight Forest is a rain or shine event.
Arboretum reserves the right to shut down or cancel the event if weather conditions are assessed to pose a risk to our guests’ safety.
I will be late/early for my timed entry; can I still attend the event?
We strongly advise that you plan on arriving at the venue 15 minutes prior to your entry time to allow for parking and check in. In order to provide you with the best festival experience, entry is granted based on the time designated on your ticket. For the 7 and 8pm entry, you will be allowed to enter 15 minutes prior to that time, no earlier. There is no early admission for 5:30 entry. There is a 30-minute grace period after the entry time on your ticket.
Can I change the date of my tickets?
Choose your date carefully! Moonlight Forest tickets are not changeable. If you are not able to attend your initial date, please consider your ticket as a donation to the Arboretum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID 95-1582650
Does my Arboretum daytime admission give me access to the Moonlight Forest event?
Moonlight Forest and Arboretum admissions are separate.
Moonlight Forest is an event with live performances and light installations that are best viewed at night. Moonlight Forest admissions start at 5:30pm.
If you visit the Arboretum during the day regular Arboretum admission prices apply.
During Moonlight Forest days the Arboretum is open 9am to 4.30pm with admissions closing at 4:00pm daily. Closing hours subject to change.
Other days Arboretum is open 9am to 5pm, with admissions closing 4.30pm.
The Arboretum opens at 8:00am for members.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Is there ADA access at the Moonlight Forest Festival?
It is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility assistant devices. Wheelchairs are not provided and cannot be rented on site.
Is there food? Can we bring food and drinks?
We provide a great selection of food trucks, cafe and a full bar at the festival. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
How long is the walkthrough Moonlight Forest?
The exhibition route is a gentle mile long and takes about 1 hour to walk through. This is a walking event, there are no shuttles.
Do you give tours?
The event is a self-guided walking tour. We do not provide private tours or trams. We do provide festival maps for your convenience.
Are animals allowed?
Pets are not allowed. ADA-designated service animals are allowed.
Can I take photographs?
Yes! Please use hashtag #MoonlightForestLA – We want to see your photos! While waiting for that perfect shot please do not block pathways or the view of others. No tripods allowed. Photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes. No night commercial photography is allowed during Moonlight Forest, permits will not be given.
Does it get cold?
We strongly recommend dressing up warm and cozy. Arboretum may get very cold during winter months. However, we do serve hot chocolate and other warm treats to help!
PARKING
Is there a dropoff area for rideshare?
Yes! The Depot Lot is the designated dropoff and pickup area for Uber and Lyft.
MEMBERS
I am an Arboretum Member; Do I need to purchase tickets?
Los Angeles Arboretum Members are eligible for $7 discount per ticket during our presale, beginning September 23, 2019 through October 14, 2019. Starting October 15, members will be able to buy tickets with $5 off per ticket. For more information please visit our box office during Arboretum visiting hours.
How many tickets can I buy with my membership discount?
You may purchase up to 9 tickets with your membership.
May I become a member and then be eligible for the discount?
Yes, you can become a member by
going to our website or visit our Membership Office during Arboretum business hours.
I am a member of a reciprocal garden through the American Horticultural Society. Do I receive the member discount?
No, only Arboretum members are eligible for Moonlight Forest discounts.
I have a question that is not listed here. Who can I speak to for more information?