ENLIGHTEN is This Year’s Light Show Experience
Okay, Grand Rapids, sit down. We need to talk about Meijer Gardens. The ENLIGHTEN light show experience they’re cooking up for the holidays might just make you do a double take in the greatest way possible.
Seriously, they are transforming into a winter wonderland that would make Clark Griswold weep with joy. We’re talking a full mile of jaw-dropping light installations here. Really.
On select nights November 27, 2024 – January 4, 2025, Meijer Gardens morphs into ENLIGHTEN.
It’s part light show, part art exhibition, part holiday celebration, and part “whoa!”
This special ticket will have you strolling through a mile of gardens, but instead of the usual “oooh, pretty, look at that” experience, you’re in the middle of a light extravaganza with cutting edge light installations that will knock your winter socks off.
This sensory experience promises to be one of the area’s hit Christmas events of season.
November 27, 2024 – January 4, 2025 (typically Wed – Sun)
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
What to Expect at ENLIGHTEN
Let me break it down for you:
- beloved outdoor Meijer Garden sculptures like the “The American Horse” are getting a glow-up that will make you see them in a whole new… well, light
- multiple on-site food locations will be open, serving up warm and cold drinks along with seasonal food offerings
- illuminated paths take you on a mile-long adventure through the gardens and twinkling lights
And, here’s the kicker – they’re letting us play with the lights, too. That’s right, interactive elements mean you get to control some of the magic.
Back inside, the indoor conservatories and Garden Pavilion are all dolled up, showcasing holiday trees and traditions from around the globe.
The folks at Meijer Gardens suggest planning for 1½ to 2 hours to walk the path, but if you’re anything like me, you might need 3 just to pick your jaw up off the ground. Strollers and wheelchair users, this is accessible for you, too.
Your Ticket
The going rate for tickets depends on whether you’re a member and how much holiday spirit you can handle before bursting into a cloud of glitter.
Prices range from $12 for the kids to $30 for adults. Different pricing tiers – “Value” “Standard” and “Premium,” reflect the projected demand for certain dates.
Members, you get the best deals, with prices ranging from $10-$20.
Timed tickets are available now.
Enlighten Value
December 1, 8, 11, 15, 18, 2024
Enlighten Standard
November 27, 2024
December 12, 29, 30, 2024
January 2, 3, 4, 2025
Enlighten Premium
November 29, 2024
December 6, 7, 14, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 2024
Grab your timed tickets – and do it fast. Word on the street is that some nights are going to sell out pronto.
Christmas Trees Displays Included!
Good to know:
Your ticket also includes entry to the annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, letting you explore 40+ trees and displays celebrating holiday customs from around the globe.
Why You Should Brave the Cold for This
In a world where we’ve seen it all, ENLIGHTEN promises to show us something new.
It’s art, it’s tech, it’s holiday cheer – all rolled into one spectacular package that’ll make your Instagram page look like a dream.
So grab your mittens and your sense of wonder – from November 27 to January 4, Meijer Gardens is gonna be the place to be.
See you there, Grand Rapids!
*images below: Illumination at Morton Arboretum Courtesy of Lightswitch. The people bringing us ENLIGHTEN also created ILLUMINATION in Chicago
