Tickets on Sale Now! Light Show at Meijer Gardens Is Worth the Drive to Grand Rapids. Hello, ENLIGHTEN!
Share
ENLIGHTEN is Back, Michigan’s Coolest Walk-Through Light Show
Michigan is full of holiday light displays and something extraordinary is back in Grand Rapids this winter. The team behind Chicago’s famous ILLUMINATION at Morton Arboretum has brought their magic back to Michigan, and they’ve transformed Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park into an experience that might just make that winter drive west totally worth it.
What are we talking about? ENLIGHTEN – a groundbreaking holiday light show that combines cutting-edge technology with one of Michigan’s most beautiful cultural destinations. On select nights November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026 visitors will step into a mile-long artistic journey that’s part light show, part interactive experience, and pure holiday magic at:
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
in this article
Why It’s Worth the Drive
Here’s the really cool part – this isn’t your typical “walk past some pretty lights” experience. They’re letting visitors play with the lights themselves through interactive installations. Plus, those incredible outdoor sculptures Meijer Gardens is famous for (like the massive “American Horse”) get a dramatic glow-up that will make you see them in a completely new… well, light.
At least two laser light shows are part of the experience, too.
The entire journey morphs the gardens into a winter wonderland that would make National Lampoons swoon. Multiple spots along the path offer warm drinks and seasonal treats, and inside, the conservatories and Garden Pavilion are decked out is their holiday finest.
Two Experiences in One
Your ENLIGHTEN ticket pulls double duty – it also includes access to the annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. We’re talking more than 40 trees, the beloved railway garden, and displays celebrating holiday customs from around the world.
For Metro Detroit folks, Lansing locals, or anyone in between, this makes the trip even more worthwhile.
Plan Your Visit
Running select nights from November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026, ENLIGHTEN requires a bit of planning. Here’s what you need to know:
Plan for 1½ to 2 hours to walk the path, but honestly, you might need 3 just if you hang out at the waterfall laser light show for an hour like I did last year. And yes, it’s fully accessible for strollers and wheelchair users.
Ticket prices vary based on when you visit:
Enlighten Value
November 24, 30, 2025
December 1, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 18, 28, 29, 2025
January 2, 3, 2026
Enlighten Standard
November 26, 28, 29, 2025
December 5, 13, 19-23, 26, 27, 30
Enlighten Date Night Dinner Package
November 29, 2025
December 13 & 20, 2025
Pro tip: Members get the best deals ($12-$27), and if you’re planning multiple visits to Grand Rapids, a membership might be worth considering.
Address: 1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Where to Stay for ENLIGHTEN
If you’re making the trip from elsewhere in Michigan, here are some great hotel options:
AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Canopy by Hilton – Grand Rapids Downtown
CityFlats Hotel – Grand Rapids
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown – Grand Rapids
Drury Inn & Suites- Grand Rapids
Hilton Garden Inn – Grand Rapids East
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton – Grand Rapids Downtown
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
The Bottom Line
ENLIGHTEN isn’t just another holiday light show being added to Michigan’s winter calendar. Meijer Gardens has brought something completely unique to our state’s holiday scene. The combination of world-class art, interactive technology, and holiday magic makes this worth bundling up for.
So pack some snacks, load up that road trip playlist, and grab your tickets before they sell out. From November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026, Grand Rapids’ Meijer Gardens has landed as one of Michigan’s must-see holiday destinations.
See you there, Michigan!
