Pittsburgh Botanic Garden set to dazzle this holiday season

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Lasers illuminate the woods in the Radiant Beams display at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

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Pittsburgh Botanic Garden executive director Keith Kaiser (right) and Beth Exton, External Relations Director (left) share a light moment while engaging guests at the annual light-up event at the conservancy. This year's Dazzling Nights display runs through Dec. 31.

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The Snow & Glow display features a snow making machine that puts visits in a festive mood for the season.

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No holiday celebration would be complete without an illuminated Christmas Tree like the one displayed at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

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Visitors experience a "Joyful Journey" when they travel through the lighted tunnel in the Dazzling Lights display at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

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Snowflakes line the path to the Snow & Glow display at the Dazzling Nights display, open through Dec. 31 at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

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Pittsburgh Botanic Garden executive director Keith Kaiser discusses the Dazzling Nights display with guests during a special preview event.

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Green trees highlight the Neon Expanse of the Dazzling Nights display at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

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Snowflakes line the path to the Snow & Glow display at the Dazzling Nights display open through Dec. 31 at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

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While most light displays are drive-thru events, Dazzling Nights, running through Dec. 31, offers an opportunity to meander on foot through the grounds of the conservancy, located at 799 Pinkerton Run Road.

“The display is exciting,” said PBC executive director Keith Kaiser. “It’s a great way for us to reach out to the community and invite them here to see what the botanic garden is like at night time. With a lot of holiday lights lighting up the skies.”

Created by The Memoir Agency, the team behind epic, immersive events across the country, Dazzling Nights is a mile-long journey that includes lasers, an illuminated firefly field, neon and shimmering trees, a glowing forest synchronized to music, a meadow dubbed Peppermint Pass featuring candy-cane white and red neon and arboreal anthems.

“Probably a billion lights,” said employees along the lit pathway. “Really there are so many lights. One can’t give an estimate.”

The consensus, however, is the Joyful Journey and the Snow & Glow exhibits are the highlights. At the Joyful Journey, guests travel through a brilliant 70-foot long tunnel of white lights. The Snow and Glow has a snow-making machine and patrons can frolic among the illuminated white flakes.

In its third year, the illumination show at PBC has entertained thousands of customers. This year’s goal is for attendance to surpass 40,000.

“It’s about connecting with the trees and the plants and seeing the landscape and how innovative the designers have been to incorporate that into it,” Kaiser said. “Hopefully it intrigues visitors to return in the summertime, spring and fall too.”

Those attending Dazzling Lights should also take the short detour on the marked path and visit the Holiday Pop. The display features circular spots on the ground that when pressed upon by footwear, glow in an array of colors.

Additionally, guests will find sweet treats and holiday beverages in the Holiday Celebration area. The location also houses a display of decorated Christmas trees where children and families can take holiday photos.

Most, of all, Kaiser explains the event is a destination for people to bond.

“Everybody likes all the lights but my favorite part is having people here. That’s what it’s all about. Enjoying the outdoors, walking around and being with family and friends.”

Visit www.dazzlingpittsburgh.com to order tickets, which start at $19 for children and $22 for adults.

For hours or more information on the PBC, visit pittsburghbotanicgarden.org or call 412-444-4464.