Gardens light up the holidays

Art

Nov 18

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will present its annual University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition from Nov. 26 through Jan. 4, 2026. The seasonal event features more than 40 decorated trees and cultural displays representing holiday traditions from around the world. It will coincide with the return of ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens, an immersive light experience presented by PNC Bank.

The exhibition highlights global customs through décor, storytelling, music, and community programs. Displays include handmade ornaments, ceremonial elements, traditional foods, and folklore. Seasonal horticultural elements—such as poinsettias, evergreens, and amaryllis—are featured throughout indoor and outdoor garden spaces.

The Railway Garden will return with handcrafted buildings, trains, and trolleys that depict West Michigan landmarks and Grand Rapids’ Sister Cities. Installations span several interior areas, including the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and the Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.

The exhibition also includes a short film titled joy, which explores holiday traditions in local communities. The film will be shown in the Hoffman Family Auditorium and is also available online through the Meijer Gardens YouTube channel.

Christmas & Holiday Traditions Exhibition Programs:

Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. – Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m.
Santa Claus – Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 1–4 p.m.
Rooftop Reindeer – Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 1–4 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Garden Pavilion – Tuesdays: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 5–8 p.m.
Celebrating Cultural Traditions – Tuesdays: Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 6 p.m.
Celebrating Cultural Traditions – Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 1 p.m.

Meijer Gardens will be closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24–25, and Dec. 31–Jan. 1. It will also be closed on Mondays in January and February.

University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions is supported 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.

ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens will run during evening hours from Nov. 24 to Jan. 3, 2026. The nighttime program features illuminated installations, ambient music, interactive displays, and sculptures lit across a 1-mile outdoor pathway. The experience begins at the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. ENLIGHTEN is supported by PNC Bank, Consumers Energy, WOOD TV8, and Atucún Chocolate. Timed-entry tickets are required and are available at MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN.

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