Back to once again captivate West Michigan for a third magical year at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank, an immersive holiday light experience. Starting November 23 through January 10, this new winter tradition welcomes new enhancements for the winter ‘26/’27 season, including a 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.”
Photo courtesy of Jake Orr.
On select evenings during its run, 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.
Once again produced by world-renowned 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.
Photo by Bryan Esler, courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR
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 November and December, 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.
Photo courtesy of Jake Orr.
“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.”
Following the ENLIGHTEN experience, guests conclude their visit indoors with the annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, featuring a celebration of cultures and traditions from around the world. The BISSELL Corridor, Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and surrounding indoor spaces will be adorned with cultural displays, the Railway Garden, unique performances and authentic elements representing holiday traditions from across the globe.
Learn more and purchase tickets at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Main photo by Bryan Esler, courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids.