Luminaries At Desert Botanical Garden

Julie Diebolt Price Photographer and Travel Writer www.PhotoTravelWrite.com

PHOENIX-For 46 years, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, has been hosting Las Noches de las Luminarias during November and December. My favorite luminarias transform the garden into a stunning desert wonderland with 8,000 hand-lit glowing paper bags, creating a magical destination offering the best Sonoran Desert holiday season.

The luminarias tradition at Desert Botanical Garden began with 700 hand-lit paper bags and homemade cookies. The event now attracts nearly three million visitors with special musical programs, art installations, festive food, and beverages.

What are Luminarias

Luminarias, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century in Mexico, originally used to light the way for people during Christmas. Luminarias are typically made by placing a small candle inside a paper bag filled with sand, creating a beautiful and warm glow. They often line pathways or decorate outdoor spaces during festive occasions.

About Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden was established in 1939 by a group of passionate individuals who wanted to preserve and showcase the unique desert plants of the region.

The garden’s mission is to advance the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of desert plants and ecosystems. It aims to inspire people to protect and conserve the desert environment through education, research, and public outreach programs.

The garden is home to more than 50,000 plants, including rare and endangered species, and it offers a variety of exhibits, trails, and events for visitors to explore and learn about the desert’s beauty and importance.

With Papago Park as a backdrop, Desert Botanical Garden is about four miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and less than four miles from Old Town Scottsdale.

The Trails at Desert Botanical Garden

During the day, the gardens are bright and colorful. But, under the cloak of darkness, the gardens take on a mesmerizing ambiance as you make your way through this vast expanse of 140 acres filled with illuminated paths and trails.

The Discovery Loop Trail at Desert Botanical Garden spans 1/3 mile and showcases various desert plant species, including historical collections.

Five diverse habitats in the 1/3-mile Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop demonstrate how indigenous people used native plants for shelter, fiber, and food.

Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trailci s a ¼ mile loop offering extensive mountain views, telescopes, and an organ pipe cactus forest.

The Center for Desert Living Trail is a short, 1/10-mile edible garden loop that grows seasonal herbs and vegetables.

The Desert Wildflower Loop is 1/3 mile of brightly colored blooms and pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Entertainment With My Favorite Luminarias

This year, exciting entertainment is offered in ten entertainment venues throughout the gardens, with seating for everyone’s enjoyment.

Handbell ensembles, Mariachi bands, jazz bands, carolers, and the Phoenix Astronomical Society are among the exciting lineup of performers for the night I will be attending this season.

Additional Attractions

Oversized art installations are breathtakingly placed and lit throughout the gardens. Brilliant blown glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly permanently decorate the entrance to the Desert Botanical Gardens.

One section of the gardens has giant fir Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments, perfect for my selfie and holiday greeting card photo.

The gift shop stocks everything from hats and T-shirts to mugs, seeds, and souvenirs.

Dining at Desert Botanical Gardens

Gertrude’s offers Contemporary American and Vegetarian pasture and farm-to-table meals for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and kid’s meals. My husband and I enjoyed dinner before our stroll through the gardens. They have an extensive wine list featuring Arizona wines (did you know Arizona has three wine-growing regions? See August 2022 Extended Weekend Getaways issue.) and earned the Diners’ Choice Award from Open Table. Be sure to make reservations far in advance to get your preferred seating.

The Patio Café offers salads, sandwiches, and sweets during the day.

When To Visit

Las Noches de las Luminarias is held in late November and throughout December. This year, event hours are 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and the last entry is 8:30 pm. You can purchase tickets on the Desert Botanical Garden website (dbg.org).

Visitor Tips

Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance because this is a popular event in the Valley of the Sun, and entry times have limited capacity. While there were a lot of visitors when I was there, I didn’t feel rushed or crowded.

Parking is free in a huge parking lot. Ride Share Pick-up and Drop-Off is conveniently located at the main entrance.

You might think it’s always warm in the desert. However, during November and December, the temps may dip into the 40s and 50s during the evening and night, so dress accordingly.

You might think it’s always warm in the desert. However, during November and December, the temps may dip into the 40s and 50s during the evening and night, so dress accordingly.

Hydration stations are located on every trail in the gardens. Restrooms and beverage stations are near every trail except the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop and the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop.

Electric scooters and wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Most trails are stroller-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, my favorite luminarias, uniquely blends nature and culture for a traditional and delightful holiday experience.