A bewitching new Halloween event has arrived in Palos Verdes, as Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group debuted Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns this past weekend at its new home, the South Coast Botanic Garden. I was fortunate enough to be invited to experience the glowing spectacle firsthand.
The event, which runs on select nights through November 2, is an immersive experience boasting over 10,000 intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns. While it was my first time attending, I’ve seen images from past locations, and the lush botanical garden provides a unique and magical backdrop that elevates the immersion to a new level.
Upon entering the South Coast Botanic Garden, visitors should be prepared for a bit of a trek to reach the event, which is nestled along the garden’s winding trails. The path to the experience is a gentle downhill slope, but the return trip is a noticeable uphill climb. It’s a key detail to keep in mind if you have small children or older family members in your group.
The journey begins with a mesmerizing tunnel of dancing jack-o’-lanterns, their lights synchronized to music, creating an otherworldly entrance. Stepping through, you are immediately greeted by hundreds of multicolored pumpkins that signal the start of a truly magical journey.
The trail is approximately a mile long and mostly dirt, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended, as some parts are uneven. As you traverse the path, you’ll encounter a variety of radiant jack-o’-lantern displays, from classic Halloween icons like witches and spiders to playful pop culture scenes featuring superheroes, celebrities, dinosaurs, and even a mystical underwater world complete with fog-filled bubbles.
At the midway point, the path opens up to a bustling area filled with food, drinks, and merchandise. Here, you’ll find classic fair food, pizza, nachos, and hot dogs. A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with coffee, is also available. For an additional fee, visitors can add the Fun Zone ($5) or a S’mores package ($8) to their tickets.
Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns is an excellent option for families looking to celebrate the Halloween season. Children are sure to be mesmerized by the towering jack-o’-lantern sculptures, and it offers a welcome alternative for those who want to get into the Halloween spirit without a fright. If you want to see some highlights from my experience, check out the video below:
Tickets start at $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids on select nights. For more information on this year’s event or to purchase tickets, visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com
