Each winter, Grand Rapids transforms into something magical thanks to ENLIGHTEN — a one-of-a-kind nighttime art and light spectacle that turns the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park into a glowing wonderland. From November 24, 2025 through January 3, 2026, visitors are invited to walk a one-mile illuminated path after dark, where art, nature, technology and holiday spirit merge into an immersive, unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re with family, friends or a special someone, ENLIGHTEN offers a mesmerizing blend of lighted installations, music, interactive displays, world-class sculpture, and seasonal surprises. It’s quickly earned its place among West Michigan’s top holiday attractions — and for good reason.
A Mile-Long Pathway Through Light and Sculpture
As the sun sets, the Meijer Gardens Amphitheater becomes the gateway to a glowing winter journey. Guests stroll along a curated, one-mile path that weaves through gardens, forested areas, and open lawn spaces — all transformed by light. Sculptures by renowned artists, including massive works like The American Horse by Nina Akamu and Scarlatti by Mark di Suvero, take on new life under LED illumination, lasers, and color-changing projections and create a magical interplay between art and environment.
Immersive Art, Sound & Interactive Displays
ENLIGHTEN isn’t just pretty lights — it’s a full sensory experience. Throughout the walk, installations are synchronized with ambient music and soundscapes that set the mood. Some sections even invite visitors to engage directly with touch pads to change the color of lights, trigger sound effects, or interact with shapes and shadows for a personalized moment of wonder.
A Lively Holiday Atmosphere
It’s a holiday event that feels designed to celebrate togetherness. Warm drinks and seasonal treats — like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or local brews — are available for purchase at cozy firepits and an outdoor beer garden. Glow-in-the-dark accessories, warming tents, and areas to pause and take in the views make it as much about comfort as it is about spectacle.
Indoor Traditions & Festive Displays
ENLIGHTEN doesn’t end outside. After completing the light walk, guests can warm up and enter the indoor spaces at Meijer Gardens, where the annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition is also open. Inside, the conservatories and greenhouses are decked in poinsettias and evergreens, and the beloved Railway Garden returns — with miniature trains, festive displays, and over 40 culturally themed holiday trees. It’s a warm, botanical complement to the outdoor show.
Tips For Visiting ENLIGHTEN
- Dates & Hours: ENLIGHTEN runs select nights between Nov 24, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026. Entry begins at 5:30 PM, with last tickets sold at 9 p.m.; the grounds close at 10:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Adults $30, Seniors/Students ~$22.50, Children (3–13) $15; kids under 2 are free. Members get 10% off. SNAP EBT holders get 50% off (in person).
- Parking & Access: Free parking is available onsite. Entry is through the Amphitheater; timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended as nights often sell out.
- What to Wear / Bring: Dress warmly — winter weather is part of the charm. Comfortable shoes are a must for the mile-long walk. Gloves, hats, and layers help.
- Plan for 1.5–2 Hours: Allow at least 90 minutes for the light pathway itself; add time for snacks and the indoor Holiday Traditions exhibition if you’d like a full evening.
There’s something magical about seeing towering sculptures glow against the winter sky, hearing music bounce through the trees, and walking under a canopy of lights with snow dusting the path. In just its second year, ENLIGHTEN has become a destination for locals and travelers alike — more than just a holiday light show; it’s an experience that blends art, nature, and community.
For Grand Rapids, it’s a new tradition. For families and couples, it’s a cozy and magical night out. For art lovers, it’s an inventive reimagining of sculpture and landscape. And for anyone — it’s the kind of event that makes you believe, at least for a moment, in a little bit of holiday magic.
If you’re looking for a holiday activity that feels fresh, enchanting, and totally memorable — ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens is well worth planning a trip around.