Experience the wonder of the holidays as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes you to the 29th annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, on display November 21, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Guests from around the world visit Meijer Gardens to take in more than 40 trees and displays representing countries and cultures across the globe. The adored and enchanting Railway Garden—and the holiday wonderland encompassing it—once again loops through three lush indoor garden spaces, among them the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and the Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.
A hallmark of the holidays at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the anticipated annual exhibition marks its 29th year. This year, Meijer Gardens spotlights the meaningful ways people Gather for the season.
As you wander the winter wonderland illuminated by glistening lights and artfully adorned trees and cultural displays, note the diversity in festivities that bring people together to recognize time-honored traditions. From feasts and festivals to ceremonies and stories to crafts and carols, folks near and far gather to celebrate in good company. Each winter, Meijer Gardens transforms into a botanic winter wonderland with fresh poinsettias, evergreens and amaryllis. The sights and sounds of cultural celebrations from throughout the world make it a place to gather and reflect on the holiday season. Indoors and out, the grounds sparkle with 350,000 lights. Volunteers donate hundreds of hours to decorate trees and set up displays.
The unique horticultural artistry and water features of the Railway Garden, sponsored by Warner, 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.
Only a short distance from the main building, venture out to the DeVos Van Andel Piazza to enjoy a NEW immersive and majestic Winter Glow lighting experience, surrounding Nina Akamu’s The American Horse. Beacons of colorful light pull you in to begin the journey, color-changing light sabers come alive with undulating and chasing dance-like choreography, playful patterns of light projected onto the hilled topography give the feeling you’ve stepped inside a snow globe or another world. A custom soundtrack accompanies this theatrical experience. Gather outdoors with family and friends to cozy up around firepits and enjoy hot drinks as you celebrate the season at Winter Glow.
“This year, we’re embracing many traditions from around the world that highlight the importance of gathering and togetherness during the holiday season,” said Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “With the introduction of our new Winter Glow experience near The American Horse, we’ve created a space that encapsulates the spirit of community and shared celebration, offering an additional layer of connection to the cherished components of this beloved exhibition.”
In many cultures, the holidays bring people together in distinct and memorable ways difficult to capture in a display. 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 and is also available on the Meijer Gardens YouTube channel.
EXHIBITION PROGRAMS:
Exhibition programs are complimentary and registration is not required.
- Winter Glow
- Fee: Included with admission.
- Colorful beacons draw you into a vibrant dance of changing lights and playful patterns, creating an immersive world akin to a snow globe, all set to a custom soundtrack. Warm up beside firepits with loved ones and enjoy hot beverages, surrounded by the enchanting outdoor display.
- This continuous looping experience shows from 5–9 pm in the DeVos VanAndel Piazza, December 18–22 and 26–30.
- 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 for all to hear!
- Tuesdays: November 21 and 28, and December 5, 12, and 19 | 5–8 pm
- Santa Visits
- Fee: Included with admission.
- Visit Santa in a whimsically lit Mimi’s Garden on the Courtyard Level of the Welcome Center, across from the Wege Library, for a picture-perfect setting like no other!
- Tuesdays: November 21 and 28, and December 5, 12, and 19 | 5–8 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: November 25 and December 2, 9, 16, and 23 | 1–4 pm
- Wintertime Walks
- Fee: Included with admission.
- Winter can be chilly—yet fun for all ages! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor discovery walk as we investigate the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden in new ways.
- November 28–December 30
- Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays | 10:30 am
- Family and Friends: Fridays and Saturdays | 11:15 am
- Christmas and Holiday-Themed Classes
- Fees apply. Visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for more information and to register.
- Enjoy festive learning opportunities for adults and families.
- Join us as we celebrate the many ways people gather to uplift hope, warmth, faith, remembrance, gratitude, prosperity and more. Learn from our community partners as they share about their holiday gatherings.
- Celebrating the Christmas Bird Count
- Grand Rapids Audubon Club
- Sunday, December 3, 2–3 pm
- Audubon’s 124th Christmas Bird Count takes place December 14, 2023, through January 5, 2024. Join the local Audubon chapter as they highlight how anyone can join in this tradition to support birds through citizen science and share ways to get involved in the local birding community, year-round.
- Celebrating Szopka
- Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids
- Sunday, December 17, 2–3 pm
- Learn the history of szopka—the Polish Nativity scene—and the annual competitions that highlight the craftsmanship behind their design. Society members will talk about how this Polish family tradition and others are celebrated locally in Grand Rapids during the holiday season.
- Celebrating Seollal
