WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA — Forget the traditional Christmas trees and reindeer. One of the East Bay’s most unusual holiday light displays is about to return, featuring thousands of colorful lights illuminating towering cacti, dramatic succulents, and otherworldly desert plants.
Garden of D’Lights returns to Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft Garden on November 20, 2026, with select evening performances continuing through January 10, 2027.
The popular annual event transforms the garden’s 3.5 acres into a nighttime spectacle, with winding pathways, colorful projections, glowing sculptures, and thousands of sparkling lights.
And this year’s display has a new theme: “Desert Nights.”
A Desert Wonderland Right In Walnut Creek
Unlike traditional holiday displays, which typically feature evergreen trees and familiar Christmas decorations, Garden of D’Lights takes advantage of the Ruth Bancroft Garden’s collection of drought-tolerant plants.
Cacti and succulents take on almost alien appearances as colored lights and lasers transform the garden after dark.
The 2026 “Desert Nights” theme celebrates the mystery and beauty of desert landscapes at night.
Visitors can explore the displays at their own pace on a self-guided walk, which takes approximately one hour.
The experience is designed for all ages, and even leashed dogs are welcome.
According to the Ruth Bancroft Garden’s official event page, visitors can also purchase hot cocoa, spiced wine, and beer while exploring the illuminated grounds.
The garden’s nursery will remain open for evening shopping, offering plants and holiday gifts.
Special Themed Nights Are Coming
This year’s Garden of D’Lights also includes several special events.
Three themed evenings invite visitors to dress up and enjoy music corresponding to each night’s celebration.
December 18 — Holiday Sweater Night: Visitors are encouraged to wear festive sweaters, holiday accessories, and their most outrageous seasonal knitwear.
January 1 — Disco Night: Ring in the new year with sequins, sparkle, and disco music.
January 8 — Intergalactic Adventure Night: Visitors can dress as their favorite science-fiction characters, galactic heroes, or villains.
For those looking for an upgraded experience, the garden is also offering VIP Lounge access on December 5, 12, and 19.
VIP tickets include access to a heated patio with a fire pit, indoor seating, a private bar, two drink tickets, food vendors, special art installations, and up to three hours to explore the illuminated garden.
The garden also features artwork from several artists, with selected pieces available for purchase.
How Much Are Tickets?
General admission tickets are available through the event’s official ticketing partner, Fever.
At the time of publication, standard adult tickets are listed at $29, plus a $3.53 booking fee. Tickets for children ages 5 through 17 cost $16, plus a $2.62 booking fee.
Children ages four and younger can enter free.
Timed entry options include 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., with dates and availability varying throughout the season.
The event is a fundraiser supporting the nonprofit Ruth Bancroft Garden, which preserves and showcases one of the region’s most distinctive collections of water-conserving plants.
Garden members can receive discounted admission using a special promotional code.
What to Know Before You Go
Garden of D’Lights takes place at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek, near the intersection of Bancroft Road and Ygnacio Valley Road.
Organizers strongly encourage visitors to purchase tickets in advance, since entrance times are limited.
Parking is available onsite, with overflow parking at Doctors Park near Ygnacio Valley Road and Walnut Avenue.
Visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. The garden’s pathways consist of compacted gravel rather than pavement, and the event operates rain or shine.
Those sensitive to flashing lights should also be aware that the displays include lasers and other lighting effects.
Tickets and additional information are available on the Ruth Bancroft Garden website.
