ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens Presented by PNC Bank at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has been nominated a second consecutive year for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, a prestigious recognition that highlights the top botanical holiday light experiences across the country.
Supporters 18 years and older can help Meijer Gardens secure the top spot by voting daily through Nov. 30 at 11:59am EST.
“We are thrilled to be recognized once again by USA TODAY’s 10BEST for ENLIGHTEN, our spectacular holiday light experience that transforms Meijer Gardens into a radiant celebration of art, culture, and nature,” said Carol Kendra, chief operating officer of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “Now entering its third year, ENLIGHTEN is quickly becoming a cherished holiday tradition, drawing enthusiastic support from guests across Michigan and throughout the Midwest. This nomination reflects both the growing regional excitement surrounding the experience and the creativity and dedication of our teams who bring it to life. We are grateful for the tremendous support and invite our community, near and far, to vote daily and help us earn this national distinction.”
Meijer Gardens is one of only 20 botanical gardens nominated nationwide for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights and the only nominee in Michigan.
This nomination shines a national spotlight on Meijer Gardens’ immersive winter spectacle of light, art, and wonder that runs on select evenings between Nov. 23, 2026 and Jan. 10, 2027. The one-mile journey features light installations set to music, interactive moments, and sculptures transformed through light and sound. Along the way, guests experience masterpieces by artists like Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Ai Weiwei, and Nina Akamu’s The American Horse, reimagined in brilliant lightscapes. Created by Lightswitch and Upstaging, ENLIGHTEN rivals the world’s most celebrated holiday displays.
Nominees for the 10BEST Awards are selected by a panel of travel experts and editors, with winners determined by popular vote. Readers 18 years and older can vote once per category per day throughout the contest.
Voting begins Monday, Nov. 2 at noon EST and ends Monday, Nov. 30 at 11:59am EST. The top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10BEST readers, will be announced Thursday, Dec. 3 at noon EST.
Supporters 18 years and older can help Meijer Gardens secure the top spot by voting daily through Nov. 30 at 11:59am EST.
Meijer Gardens has earned national recognition in other USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, including Best Sculpture Park in 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as in the top five for Best Botanical Garden in 2026.
