Stroll through a mile-long trail filled with all things pumpkins, including an illuminated forest of jack-o’-lanterns, during Descanso Gardens’ annual Carved.
For a month this fall (Oct 2–Nov 1), the event lines a loop of the botanical garden with pumpkins in all sorts of forms: as a sea monster rising from a pond, in thick clusters on the ground and cobbled together into a house.
Last year, the event introduced a new route, and for the 2026 edition, the popular neon-hued Rhizome light sculpture will move into the dramatic Oak Grove, and the labyrinth will feature immersive new sculptures by Helsinki-based artist Alexander Reichstein. The gardens’ model trains will again be illuminated during the event. Timed tickets ($29–$52, kids 2–12 $19–$37) are on sale now. This year also sees the introduction of a new “anytime” ticket that can be used on any date—though at a pricey $85, it makes a case for just committing to a day and time.
Look out for the expanded Día de los Muertos ofrenda altar near the entrance on your way to the two main jack-o’-lantern areas. The first is a forested section lined with expressively carved (but fake) pumpkins, some of which have been arranged into wonderfully whimsical characters (a crow-like scarecrow and a pumpkin holding its own head, among them). Meanwhile, there’s a pavilion in the rose garden with real gourds whose designs are inspired by pop culture characters (plus a station where you can see them being carved).
There are a few familiar sights if you’ve ever attended Descanso’s other holiday tradition, Enchanted, but tweaked for Halloween. Like Enchanted, the music is moody (but not spooky or scary; this is definitely made for families), and the installations are artfully assembled: Sure, they could’ve just dumped a bunch of jack-o’-lanterns everywhere, but supplementing them with woven straw lanterns, glowing boxes and a neon tangle of web-like ropes was a way more creative choice.
Depending on the crowds and how often you stop for photos, expect to spend at least 45 minutes walking around—plus some extra time if you stop for snacks and drinks in the courtyard or some sweets in the rose garden (the churro is great). Alternatively, while you’ll miss out on all of the after-dark elements, the decor is all still visible during a daytime trip to Descanso; it’s also considerably cheaper ($18) this way, and while nothing will be illuminated (which is admittedly the essence of Carved), you can still pose in front of the pumpkin house or navigate the hay maze.
