ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens Belongs on Every Grand Rapids Holiday Itinerary
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Grand Rapids truly is a magical city to visit during the holidays.
Rosa Parks Circle transforms into a giant outdoor ice rink, the European-style Christkindl Markt bustles with holiday shoppers, and DeVos Performance Hall puts on numerous holiday concerts and shows.
Among these annual Grand Rapids holiday festivities, one stands out as a crowd-pleasing favorite: ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
This immersive light experience invites visitors to see one of Grand Rapids’ most beloved landmarks in a whole new way.
ENLIGHTEN: A Bright Tradition in Grand Rapids
On most nights between 5:30-10:30 p.m. from November 24, 2025, through January 3, 2026, visitors are invited to experience ENLIGHTEN, a dazzling celebration of light, art, and nature.
Presented by PNC Bank, it offers a one-of-a-kind journey through a 1-mile illuminated pathway that weaves together the Gardens’ world-renowned sculptures and imaginative light and music installations.
A Celebration of Light and Community
Each step along the ENLIGHTEN trail reveals something new: stunning visual displays, synchronized musical soundscapes, and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to become part of the art itself.
It’s more than a walk through lights. It’s an immersive experience that encourages reflection, connection, and joy – perfect for guests of all ages.
Whether you’re taking in the glow of a sculpture or the peaceful winter landscape, ENLIGHTEN celebrates both the artistry of Meijer Gardens and the beauty of Michigan’s winter nights.
Featured Points of Interest
As you journey through the glowing mile-long ENLIGHTEN pathway, each stop reveals a new blend of art, light, and imagination. Here are descriptions of each point of interest that make this experience truly unforgettable:
- Festive Beer Garden – Kick off the evening with cozy holiday vibes, where you can sip hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a local brew.
- Main Stage with HYBYCOZO’s Glacial Light – Marvel at mesmerizing geometric sculptures illuminated in icy hues, creating a dazzling centerpiece of light and shadow.
- DeVos Van Andel Piazza – The American Horse – See Meijer Gardens’ iconic sculpture by Nina Akamu bathed in radiant light, transforming this landmark into a breathtaking winter focal point.
- Winter Walk – Stroll through a serene landscape of softly glowing trees and pathways that celebrate the quiet beauty of the season.
- Neuron Sensory Experience – Step into a captivating, interactive display inspired by the connections of the human brain — a fusion of science, art, and light.
- Road to Rodin – Wander among illuminated sculptures that highlight Auguste Rodin’s timeless artistry in a new, ethereal light.
- Winter Waterfall Show – Watch as cascading lights and gentle music bring the Gardens’ waterfall to life in a shimmering dance of color and motion.
- Moonlight Melody – Enjoy a tranquil, musical light display that captures the calm and romance of a moonlit winter night.
- Ways to Say Goodbye – Reflect on the beauty of change and transition through a poetic light installation that invites quiet contemplation.
- Field of Dreams – Step into a glowing meadow where thousands of lights stretch across the landscape, evoking wonder and imagination.
- Dance of the Butterflies – Delight in a whimsical display of fluttering lights that celebrate transformation and joy.
- Shadowplay – Interact with playful projections that respond to movement, turning your shadow into part of the art.
- Finale – End your journey with a breathtaking crescendo of light, sound, and sculpture — a perfect close to an evening of enchantment.
Plan Your Visit to ENLIGHTEN
On ENLIGHTEN event nights, the park will close at 4:30 p.m. to prepare for the evening’s festivities. Although you don’t have to purchase tickets online, it’s recommended to ensure that you can enter the experience before it sells out.
Tickets are priced at $15 to $30 and are separate from general, daytime admission to Frederik Meijer Gardens. To avoid missing your chosen time slot, you should arrive 15 minutes early.
You can see available event nights and times and purchase tickets here.
Accessible for All
In true community spirit, Frederik Meijer Gardens is making sure ENLIGHTEN is accessible to all. For starters, the pathway is accessible to both strollers and wheelchairs.
Guests who present a SNAP EBT card at the ticket counter will receive a 50% discount on timed tickets, ensuring that the magic of the season can be shared widely. Just keep in mind that you can’t get this discount online; it’s only available in person.
The SNAP EBT discount isn’t the only one available. Frederik Meijer Gardens members also get 10% off their tickets, and group rates are available.
What to Bring
Since ENLIGHTEN is held after sundown, visitors are encouraged to dress warmly — especially since walking the pathway takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Fortunately, there are a few warming tents with fire pits along the way, as well as a handful of restrooms.
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended for the walk as well.
The Eileen Devries Concessions Center will be open during the event, so have some extra spending money on a cozy drink and festive bite. If you have special dietary needs, you can check out the menu beforehand.
The Perfect Family Holiday Outing
Awesome Mitten writer Amanda Shaffer highly recommends ENLIGHTEN as a holiday experience that’s perfect for all ages!
This holiday season, I had family from North Carolina visiting. I knew that I wanted to give them a taste of the holiday magic here in Michigan, but with a wide range of ages between the cousins, I wasn’t sure where to start.
What was something that could hold a five-year-old’s attention but a 15-year-old wouldn’t think was boring? That’s where ENLIGHTEN came in for me. The walk is doable for all ages, and watching the sculpture park we have become so familiar with transform under the lights was a true treat.
There are concession stands at the start of the show, as well as another spot to grab festive food and drinks on the path. With fire pits as you walk along to take a break and warm up at it’s truly a light show you can take at your own pace and make your own.
Ending at the Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition was the perfect way to finish the night as we made our way back to the front while marveling at all of the different christmas trees from around the world.
If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, I highly recommend giving ENLIGHTEN a try.
– Awesome Mitten writer Amanda Shaffer
Kringle Mingle Date Night Dinners
Looking for a way to make your ENLIGHTEN experience even more memorable? Treat yourself and someone special to a cozy evening at Kringle Mingle, a festive dining event that pairs perfectly with the glow of the Gardens.
Held on select nights — November 29, December 13, and December 20 — Kringle Mingle Date Night Dinners invite guests to savor a chef-crafted meal in the James & Shirley Balk Café, surrounded by the warmth of the season.
Each dinner features a selection of small plates designed to delight your senses, blending creative flavors and local inspiration into a distinctly memorable meal.
Whether you dine before or after your walk, Kringle Mingle offers the perfect balance of romance, flavor, and festivity. Tickets are $80 per person, with Frederik Meijer Gardens members receiving 10% off.
Each ticket includes both the dining experience and ENLIGHTEN admission, making it a complete evening of light, art, and culinary delight. You can buy tickets here and peek ahead at the menu here.
Give ENLIGHTEN Your Reader’s Choice Vote
If ENLIGHTEN has captured your heart — or if you’re planning to experience its magic for the first time this season — you can help shine an even brighter spotlight on this Grand Rapids gem.
The event has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights!
Each year, USA TODAY’s 10Best honors the most dazzling holiday light displays across the country, and ENLIGHTEN is proudly representing West Michigan among the nominees. This recognition celebrates the creativity, artistry, and community spirit that make the event so special.
Voting is open now, and you can cast your vote once per day on the USA TODAY 10Best website.
Add More Holiday Wonder to Your ENLIGHTEN Visit
After wandering the glowing outdoor pathways, step inside to warm up and experience a world of holiday wonder at the University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition in the Bissell Corridor of Frederik Meijer Gardens.
This cherished indoor display features more than 40 beautifully decorated trees and cultural exhibits from around the globe, each telling a unique story of celebration, heritage, and hope.
From the twinkling lights of European evergreens to the vibrant colors of international customs, it’s a journey through how the world celebrates the season.
The exhibition has delighted guests for decades, and pairing it with ENLIGHTEN makes for a truly unforgettable evening — one that blends art, light, and culture in perfect harmony.
The University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition is open from November 26, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Admission is included with an ENLIGHTEN ticket.
A Bright Tradition in Grand Rapids
ENLIGHTEN isn’t just an event. It’s a celebration of what makes West Michigan shine: creativity, community, and connection.
As the lights shimmer across the gardens and sculptures, visitors are reminded that even in the darkest months, beauty and inspiration are everywhere.
So, bundle up, bring your loved ones, and discover the glow of ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a winter experience you’ll remember long after the lights fade.