Holiday light spectacle returns to gardens

Art

Sep 9

Written By Staff

Photos courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is bringing back its immersive, holiday light experience ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens with updates for 2025. On select evenings between Nov. 24, 2025, and Jan. 3, 2026, ENLIGHTEN will transform Meijer Gardens into a winter wonderland, guiding guests along a one-mile outdoor path featuring cutting-edge light installations synchronized to music and enhanced by interactive elements.

“If the first year is any indication, ENLIGHTEN promises to deliver another unforgettable season that continues to elevate Grand Rapids,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “With 80,000 tickets sold in our first year and 39 percent of attendees from outside of Kent County, ENLIGHTEN is considered a must-see event during the holidays.”

Again produced by the visionary teams at Lightswitch and Upstaging, ENLIGHTEN will feature updated, choreographed lighting and music experiences and incorporate unique sculptures and water features along the one-mile outdoor path. As visitors wander the path, they’ll encounter world-renowned sculptures by artists including Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Ai Weiwei, HYBYCOZO, and Alexander Liberman, brought to life through imaginative lighting and digital artistry. Centerpieces like The American Horse by Nina Akamu and Scarlatti by Mark di Suvero serve as monumental anchors in this innovative fusion of art, light, music, and nature.

The 2025 guest amenities include additional restrooms, food and beverage offerings, and an expanded beer garden entry experience to ensure greater comfort and enjoyment for guests.

“ENLIGHTEN is more than a light show—it’s a celebration of the season through the lens of art, culture, and nature,” said Carol Kendra, Chief Operating Officer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “We are thrilled to elevate the experience in 2025 with exciting enhancements and to welcome guests back for another magical season.”

Renowned for their exceptional work on global productions and immersive environments, Lightswitch and Upstaging bring decades of expertise to Meijer Gardens as they return to produce ENLIGHTEN. Their projects include Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, installations at major theme parks, and live performances for award-winning artists such as Hans Zimmer and Paul McCartney.

For more information, visit: MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN

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