(photo coutesy of Descanso Gardens)

Descanso Gardens is transformed into one of the best nightly holiday light shows in Southern California through Jan. 8. Visitors can stroll through eight festive areas along a one-mile path. Each garden features colorful and interactive shows illuminating ancient trees, sprawling lawns and the 50-year-old Japanese Garden. Dine at master chef Joachim Splichal’s newest destination, Maple. The restaurant is open for brunch and dinner service nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. The special menu features classic winter dishes along with garden-fresh cocktails, craft beer and wine. Chef Mark Salazar uses seasonal herbs from the botanical gardens and market-fresh ingredients for his menu. Starter highlights include winter squash salad; jumbo poached shrimp cocktail and creamy spinach, artichoke and lump crab dip blended with melted gruyere cheese and served with freshly toasted bread. Entrées include mesquite grilled hanger steak with fresh rosemary chimichurri; herb crusted salmon on cranberry couscous with braised greens and juniper berry butter sauce; osso buco with creamy polenta; roasted free range chicken glazed with grain mustard sauce; and Yukon gold cheesy potato gratin with sautéed rapini. The menu also includes puffed pastry chicken pot pie. Cinderella pumpkin tarts, Empire apple tarts with brown butter streusel and chocolate pretzel bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce are available for dessert. Children’s options are also available. Make reservations for an enchanted dinner at Maple when purchasing tickets to “Enchanted: Forest of Light” by visiting www.descansogardens.com. 1418 Descanso Drive. (818)864-6435.