Enlighten at Meijer Gardens

Hey there, friends. I just wanted to share a fun winter activity our local community has to offer. Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan, opened its Enlighten Exhibit on November 24, 2025. We checked it out on Saturday, December 6.

It was a chilly evening, dipping into the low 20s. We bundled up, and I wore gloves, a hat, and a heated vest under my winter coat.

When we arrived, a Meijer Gardens staff member mentioned to us that some of the lighted exhibits look even more impressive in photos than they do in person, so we took plenty of pictures along our route to add to our experience.

It’s about a mile walk to take in the beautifully lit displays in the Enlighten exhibit. There are fire pits along the way to help guests warm up, plus hot drinks and snacks. There are also portable toilets about halfway through the walk.

We're in our sixties, and we found the walk super manageable. We could take our time and stroll at our own pace. The trail is nice and smooth with clear walkways, and surrounded by trees which serve as wind barriers. We felt cozy in our winter gear, really enjoying all the glowing lights amongst the art sculptures.

Many kids were bundled up with their families, having a blast. One little boy was riding a four-wheeled scooter. He was so captivated by the glowing installations. The cold temps clearly didn’t bother him one bit. He appeared to be loving his scooter ride through the light show.

A surprise treat at the end of the outdoor light show was getting to enjoy the indoor museum exhibits and the annual Christmas Trees from Around the World – a personal favorite! Whether you've traveled the globe or not, the decorated trees from the many countries are unique and colorful. The many ornament materials and styles are unique to the traditions and crafts of each country. If you like exploring the family history of your ancestors from other countries, this exhibit can add an extra layer of enjoyment.

The exhibit is open until January 3, 2026. It's a cheerful, magical experience that's perfect for families and couples alike. See the following links to learn more:

https://www.meijergardens.org/enlighten/

https://www.meijergardens.org/enlighten/#faqs

See the Companion Shopper No. 3 for warm winter apparel so you may enjoy your experience at Meijer Gardens Enlighten.

Photos by Our Zest for Life