Holiday light spectacle returns with new additions
Photo credit: Bryan Esler for Experience Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is bringing back its immersive holiday light experience ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank Nov. 23 through Jan. 10 with new enhancements, including a new grand finale within the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
“If our inaugural years are any indication, ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank promises to deliver another unforgettable holiday season that continues to elevate Grand Rapids as a premier cultural and tourist destination,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “With tens of thousands of guests experiencing ENLIGHTEN each year—including many visitors traveling from beyond West Michigan—it has become a must-see winter tradition. We’re excited to build on that momentum with new experiences that encourage guests to explore every corner of Meijer Gardens in fresh and inspiring ways.”
On select evenings between Nov. 23, 2026, and Jan. 10, 2027, ENLIGHTEN will transform Meijer Gardens into a winter wonderland, guiding guests along a one-mile outdoor walking path featuring major light installations synchronized to music and enhanced by interactive elements.
Again produced by Lightswitch and Upstaging, ENLIGHTEN will feature updated choreographed lighting and musical experiences that incorporate unique sculptures and water features along the one-mile outdoor path. As visitors wander the trail, they’ll encounter world-renowned sculptures by artists including Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Ai Weiwei, HYBYCOZO and Alexander Liberman, brought to life through choreographed lighting and digital artistry.
Located at the midway point of the experience, Scarlatti by Mark di Suvero has been reimagined for 2026 with new lighting, music and choreography, creating a dramatic midway experience that offers returning guests a fresh perspective on one of ENLIGHTEN’s signature moments. This stopping point also provides a warming tent, firepits and food and beverage options.
This third season also introduces new guest amenities, including a hot chocolate bar inside Mary's Ice Cream Parlor in the Lena Meijer Children's Garden, serving warm beverages and sweet treats in a cozy setting. Additional food and beverage offerings and guest amenities throughout the park continue to enhance comfort and enjoyment.
Following the outdoor journey, guests will discover a new, immersive experience inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, where a new grand finale transforms the tropical landscape into a vibrant indoor spectacle.
The James & Shirley Balk Café will now be open until 9 p.m. on ENLIGHTEN event nights in Nov. and Dec., allowing guests the opportunity to dine inside before or after visiting the outdoor experience. ENLIGHTEN Dinners return on select dates, pairing seasonal small plates with ENLIGHTEN admission and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“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. “Each year, we look for new ways to surprise and delight our guests. From the reimagined Scarlatti experience to hot chocolate in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden and the ending experience in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, this year’s ENLIGHTEN provides even more reasons for families and friends to make Meijer Gardens part of their holiday traditions.”
For more information, visit MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN.
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