Las Noches de Las Luminarias

We really enjoyed our evening experiencing the luminary lighting at the botanical garden. We did arrive right at 5 PM, the sun did not set until 530 and there were several areas that did not open until that time as well.We were pleasantly surprised that they had so many different types of musical offerings, including Jazz, country, Native American Flute, a string trio that was quite modern and the last group we saw actually singing somgs you could dance to. If you keep walking, you can pretty much find whatever it is that you like.The area around the park is well signed, but it is very dark so you need to make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes and you are paying attention to steps and the path.They did have quite a few employees at the ready to answer any questions or help you navigate where to go next.Wine was about $10 per glass and readily available in several areas.We really enjoyed all of the beautiful scenery, there were so many people here but yet they were spread out enough, It didn't feel too crowded.Parking was fairly simple and included in your ticket for the event. Make sure to buy tickets in advance as the event sells out. There are plenty of opportunities for food and drink both inside and outside the park.

Cool to see all the lights and displays. Plenty of folks to help guide you if you get lost. Need to do a little research first so you know what you want to see or hear and able to find it. A little disorienting in the dark like that. The sheer amount of people was a little much especially in the dark like that. Be ready for a lot of folks pushing past to get to a specific spot or event. Plenty of parking all within a short distance.

The Luminary nights series at the desert botanical gardens is a wonderful event for the holiday season. The trails are open as they would normally be, but the paths are illuminated by luminaries and festival lights. The night we went there were wonderful musical groups scattered throughout the gardens. There was a folk band, Spanish guitarist, singing duets, harp concert, caroling quartet, mariachi band, and indigenous flute player. There are food and drink stands throughout the park serving alcoholic beverages, hot chocolate, and a few different food options. Taking one star away for lack of food options and being way too crowded (so many people that it took away from the serenity of the gardens).

This is one of my favorite holiday events to attend. It's a little less packed than ZooLights and they always do a great job each year. Desert Botanical Garden in Tempe has hosted Las Noches de las Luminarias since the late 70's. It has been a Valley tradition ever since. The luminarias are brown paper bags with sand and a candle in them. Hundreds of them are placed all over the garden. The staff goes around and lights each candle every evening for this event. There is also live music, hot cocoa, wine tasting and food over at Gertrude's. The Traveler band is one of my favorites and they play here almost every evening. This past year they had the Chihuly in the Desert exhibit. Having these beautiful glass installations in the garden really made this past year's Luminarias special. They blend well against the plants and trees in the garden. I have been attending Las Noches de las Luminarias for many years going back to my membership days (they host a few members only nights). Definitely get your tickets ahead of time as some evenings sell out. Parking can be a bit of a hassle as it can get crowded during peak times. Also most of the staff are retired folks who volunteer and sometimes they can be a little cranky. But majority of them are really nice and helpful. Overall I love coming here for Christmas with family and friends to enjoy a fun festive evening under the stars.

I have been to the Botanical Gardens during the day and enjoyed that visit, but this felt like a totally separate place, even though you walk the same path. It was beautiful to see all the lights lining all the pathways and all the lit up artwork strewn about. They also had musical performers in many different sections so when you are walking, you can stop and listen or even just as you walk, you hear various different musicians playing. A very serene and beautiful way to spend your night. I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting or living in the desert. It's fun to go with friends or family, but it is especially fun for a date.

This review is not for the event itself but for the fact it was oversold and the parking was horrendous. We got here 20 minutes early to find parking and spent an hour looking for parking and even had one of the workers tell us that the event was oversold and that we should "try to reach out for a refund". This was very poorly planned.

This is the second time my boyfriend and I have visited Las Noches De Las Luminarias - the first being in 2017. We love the Botanical Gardens and have become members to support this lovely Phoenix institution. Coming the the Luminarias was something I've been excited about for weeks. It's an enjoyable part of the holiday season. This isn't your typical light experience - this is more romance, beauty, and experiences. Everywhere you turn there's an intimate musical performance or an experience. There's really something here for everyone. I recommend arriving when they open (around 530pm) and then finishing off your evening around 8pm at Gertrudes with some cocktails and dessert. Some of our favorite performances were the hand bell choir, the all female mariachi group, and the native american flutist. I love the holidays, and I love this experience!

My favorite event of the holiday season. Definitely something for everyone in the most beautiful setting

The garden looked beautiful. However, for ticket prices, there should be more bars available throughout the event. Additionally, the storage of warm drinks needs to improve. The hot cocoa cocktails were in fact, not hot at all.

Our family loved this event - something for everyone and a fun way to see the garden. It was so beautiful at night as well!