Enlighten named one of the best botanical garden holiday light shows in the country
ENLIGHTEN named one of the best botanical garden holiday light shows in the country
GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A holiday light display at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is among the best in the country, USA Today says.
The park’s ENLIGHTEN was voted as the third best botanical gardens with holiday lights, USA Today 10Best said. Readers voted for the top 10 after a panel of experts nominated the top 20 displays.
The Grand Rapids-area holiday light display blends “art with nature and twinkle lights,” the outlet noted.
“ENLIGHTEN offers the people of Grand Rapids a joyous, sophisticated way to get into the holiday spirit,” the list says. “Not only will you see beautiful festive displays, you’ll also have the chance to encounter the works of some top names in the art world via light installations set to music (think Ai Weiwei, Auguste Rodin, and Nina Akamu). Turn it into a much-deserved date night with a themed dining experience including cocktails and mocktails and even a visit from ol’ Kris Kringle and his wife.”
ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Dec. 1, 2025)
ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Dec. 1, 2025)
ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Dec. 1, 2025)
ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Dec. 1, 2025)
A sneak peek of ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Nov. 23, 2025)
A sneak peek of ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Nov. 23, 2025)
A sneak peek of ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Nov. 23, 2025)
In its second year, ENLIGHTEN offers a 90-minute walking tour with an immersive light display, interactive highlights and seasonal soundscapes. There’s also festive food and seasonal beverages, plus firepit places throughout the venue.
The show runs through Jan. 3.
Frederik Meijer Gardens in February was voted as the country’s best sculpture park for the third consecutive year by USA Today 10Best readers.
Destinations throughout Michigan claimed other top spots for winter and holiday activities, USA Today said Wednesday. The Upper Peninsula claimed the No. 1 spot for the best snow destinations. The Rink at Campus Martius Park in Detroit was named as the No. 1 ice skating rink in the country, while the Frankenmuth Ice Rink came in at No. 4.
Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester and Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores came in at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, for the best holiday historic home tours. Ludington came in at No. 5 for the best New Years Eve drops; Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo came in at No. 10 for the best zoo lights events.
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