Astra Lumina

An Enchanting Night Walk Amongst the Stars

Immersive Scene Los Angeles 2025 Review

There’s an undeniably contemplative nature to the spectacular Astra Lumina immersive experience currently being held outdoors at the lovely South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes.  Surrounded by a harmonious blend of soaring and magical lights, awe-inspiring music and the natural surroundings of the outdoor flora and fauna and starlit sky above, visitors can’t help but pause at the wonderment of it all.

The creators of this experience have struck the perfect balance, avoiding any over-the-top elements. This is not solely a holiday show by any means, yet it feels just right for the season though it would impress any month of the year.  Unlike some events that push too hard on trying to achieve the wow factor, Astra Lumina’s incredible lighting effects and musical score fill your senses in an organic and unhurried manner.   In less steady hands, a show like this could take a bombastic or over-the-top approach, but the show’s creators were too smart to let that happen.  They’ve taken a pretty much perfect setting and made it even better.  Having attended many holiday themed events at the Garden over the years, I can safely say this one soars above anything that has come before it.  By the end, you’ll indeed be wowed and invigorated rather than overwhelmed by any onslaught. 

This isn’t simply a nighttime commune with nature, yet the natural setting of the Botanical Gardens, beautifully illuminated with just the right balance of lighting and special effects, enhance the already special environment, making it a truly unique experience.

Astra Lumina, which currently runs in several cities across the country, arrives in the Southbay with great success.  As the sky darkens and the impressive lighting grids take over the night- some literally reaching up to the stars above that they honor - the balance of technology and nature are achieved with great care.

Described as an enchanted night walk amongst the stars, the night we attended was just that, with a clear sky filled with stars did their part in adding to the narrative.  I suspect even on a cloudy night the impact of this impressive event wouldn’t be diminished much.

Immersive Scene Los Angeles enjoys the show photo by Wendy Winston

Upon entering the Botanical Garden you’ll find a large map explaining the layout of the night’s event.  A winding, lit just enough, path will guide you through much of the natural environment, where you’ll visit no less than nine thematic areas.  You’ll encounter cosmically-named installations such as Astra Archway, Starlight Lanterns, Stardust Rays, Stellar Visions, Astral Genesis and our favorites - the spectacular and otherworldly Falling Stars and the final installation of a memorable night at the inspiring Rise of the Stars.  Over the roughly one-hour, one-mile walk through a significant portion of the 87-acre landscape, you will see and feel something quite unlike anything else that exists this year. 

And if your schedule permits you can even have a second or third go round to take in the energy and embrace the spiritual and technological experience all over again. We saw too many people breezing through the paths, but to do so is to miss the point.  Slow down, watch and feel each environment’s full presentation.  The experience rewards those who give it time to work its way into your soul. 

Visitors are accustomed to signing waivers upon visiting pretty much any event these days, and that’s no exception to that rule at Astra Lumina.  But here it’s completely warranted as you’ll be walking on uneven ground, sometimes in dimly lit paths as you make your way through the ample exhibits.  Comfortable shoes are an absolute requirement as well.  Stay on the lumina paths and you'll be fine.

The expansive setting affords you plenty of space too, ensuring you never feel crowded.  We found plenty of opportunities to feel we had the whole place to ourselves, despite finding a large crowd at the entrance and later at the refreshment bar on the way out.  Once back on the pathways, however, you can spread your wings and celebrate this special evening as if it’s just you and the stars - the real ones above and the man-made ones that have been created in the incredible structural lighting environments.

You’ll no doubt have plenty of options this holiday season to be blown away by lights and music.  Make sure that you have Astra Lumina on your list as one adventure to not miss.  It is literally a one-of-a-kind magical and soul enriching experience.

Astra Lumina

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

at

South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 Crenshaw Blvd.

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Los Angeles, CA  90274

Tickets: $19-$35 depending on age, date and time