AND NEW ENLIGHTEN EXPERIENCE!

Experience the wonder of the holidays as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts its annual University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition Nov. 27 through Jan. 5, 2025. Guests can take in more than 40 trees and displays representing countries and cultures across the globe. This holiday tradition is in addition to Meijer Gardens’ new ENLIGHTEN experience, offering an immersive experience illuminated by light displays, music and interactive displays.

Guests will experience a winter wonderland illuminated by lights and artfully adorned trees and cultural displays, showcasing the diversity of festivities that bring people together for holiday traditions, from feasts and festivals to ceremonies and stories to crafts and carols. Meijer Gardens also transforms into a botanic winter wonderland featuring fresh poinsettias, evergreens and amaryllis, inside and out.

The Railway Garden—and the holiday wonderland encompassing it—once again will loop through three indoor garden spaces, including the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and the Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor. The unique horticultural artistry and water features of the Railway Garden, sponsored by Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, complements the trolleys, trains, and handcrafted buildings replicating 40 West Michigan landmarks. Five landmarks representing Grand Rapids Sister Cities around the world are also highlighted in the Railway Garden.

Meijer Gardens again presents the original film joy, which explores the diverse festive fabric that is holiday life across our local communities. This film will be shown continuously in the Hoffman Family Auditorium during the University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, and is also available on the Meijer Gardens YouTube channel.

ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens

Making its debut this winter, ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens offers a captivating blend of art, light, and nature. Running during evening hours from Nov. 27, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025, this immersive experience features a stunning one-mile pathway illuminated by innovative light displays, enchanting music, interactive experiences, and world-renowned sculpture. Timed tickets for this evening experience are available now at MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN
Press Release for ENLIGHTEN is available here.

University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions
Exhibition Programs:

 

  • Santa Visits

Fee: Included with admission.

Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in a whimsically lit Garden Pavilion inside of the Welcome Center, near the main entrance, for a picture-perfect setting.

Tuesdays: Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 | 5–8 pm

 

  • Cultural Music

Fee: Included with admission.

Enjoy a variety of cultural performances in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

Tuesdays: Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 | 5–8 pm

 

  • The Original Dickens Carolers

Fee: Included with admission.

The Original Dickens Carolers roam the BISSELL and Gunberg corridors, singing holiday favorites and bringing good cheer.

Saturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 | 1–4 pm

 

  • Rooftop Reindeer

Fee: Included with admission.

Visit Michigan's Farm Garden for a close-up reindeer experience—and maybe even touch their soft velvety noses. Reindeer provided by Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm.
Saturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 | 1–4 pm

 

The following programs are offered in conjunction with West Michigan community partners who will share their holiday gatherings and traditions.

 

  • Celebrating Ghanaian Holiday Traditions

Grand Rapids Sister Cities – International Ga District Committee

Sunday, Dec. 1, 2–3 pm

 

  • Celebrating Mexican Holiday Traditions

Hispanic Center of West Michigan

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2–3 pm 

 

  • Celebrating Ukrainian Holiday Traditions

Ukrainian American Archives & Museum / Ukrainian Society of Michigan

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2–3 pm 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens will be closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24, 25, and 31, and Jan. 1.

University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions is made possible by University of Michigan Health–West; The Meijer Foundation; Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation; Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Life EMS; Michigan Public; FOX17; and Star 105.7. The Railway Garden is sponsored by Warner Norcross + Judd LLP. The exhibition is also made possible by the many volunteers who donate hundreds of hours to decorate trees and set up displays.