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Luminaries At Deser
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, -94- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ December, 2023
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.
