PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Winter evenings can be long, dark and gloomy, especially after the end of Daylight Savings Time.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden banishes the gloom with its annual Lightscape happening — a mile-long nighttime trail that winds through a garden transformed into a land of enchantment by art made of colorful lights synchronized to music.

Visitors familiar with daytime BBG will be transfixed by its nocturnal metamorphosis. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden becomes the site of dancing, multi-colored fountains by Sense Effects. Trees are framed with illuminated icicles; a walkway is sprayed in a palette of Gauguin-like colors; on the side, hundreds of illuminated roses bloom. The Cherry Esplanade becomes a canvas for a spectacular moving light and music show, ‘Winter Reflections’ by ITHACA.

Along the route, you’ll pass kinetic sculptures — such as ‘Singularity’ by Squidsoup — while illuminated butterfly wings flutter over the Lily Pool Terrace (‘Butterfly Effect’ by Masamichi Shimada & Light Art Collection). There are lovely surprises around corners.

The pace is casual, with some visitors in wheelchairs or pushing strollers, so allow about 90 minutes. You could rush through the course in around an hour, but why not take your time? At a certain point, it will hit you that the mission here is to just enjoy yourself and marvel at the light show. 

This is Lightscape’s fourth year, and BBG has its act together when it comes to staging and organization. Garden helpers stand along the path, ready to answer questions and point participants towards bathrooms or hot cocoa stands, and food can be purchased at the Lightscape Café. 

Lightscape might also make a great date night or special dinner out. If this is your goal, you can reserve a sit-down dinner at Lightscape Lodge at Yellow Magnolia Café, with special dishes such as cabernet-braised beef short ribs with celeriac potato puree and glazed baby carrots.

All ages would probably enjoy this experience, including older children, but the event might be too late and chilly for toddlers. (Bundle up!)

The trail begins at the Visitor Center and ends at 150 Eastern Parkway. Ticket times are staggered every 15 minutes. The event runs through Jan. 5, and prices start at $24 for adults on value nights and go up to $45 on peak nights. Children under 12 are half-price. Tickets and additional information are available at bbg.org.

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Lightscape’s lead sponsor is Con Edison, in partnership with Sony Music. Illuminated trail created by Culture Creative.