GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is bringing back its blockbuster ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank, an immersive holiday light experience that has captivated audiences for the past two years, Nov. 23 through Jan. 10 with new enhancements, including a new 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."

On select evenings between Nov. 23, 2026, and Jan. 10, 2027, 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.

Again produced by 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.

New Features in 2026-2027 Season

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 Nov. and Dec., 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.

"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."

Renowned for their exceptional work on global productions and immersive environments, Lightswitch and Upstaging bring decades of expertise to Meijer Gardens as they return to produce ENLIGHTEN. Their projects include Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, installations at major theme parks, and live performances around the world for award-winning artists such as Hans Zimmer and Paul McCartney.

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.

Ticket Information

Timed tickets go on sale for Meijer Gardens members Sept. 1. Members of Meijer Gardens save 10%. Groups of 10 or more receive special pricing. ENLIGHTEN runs 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on select dates from Nov. 23 through Jan. 10. Public ticket sales begin Sept. 8. A new Anytime Flex ticket provides ease of untimed entry on the date of choice. For more information and to purchase timed tickets, visit MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN.

About Lightswitch

Lightswitch is a leading design firm specializing in unforgettable visual experiences. With projects like the Morton Arboretum Holiday Light Show Illumination: Tree Lights and concert lighting production for performers including Hans Zimmer, Imagine Dragons, Lionel Richie, and Elton John, Lightswitch is at the forefront of lighting design and technology.

About Upstaging

Upstaging is a top-tier production company known for delivering high-quality, creative lighting and staging solutions for events around the globe for clients including Beyonce, Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones. Their expertise and commitment to excellence have earned them a trusted name in the industry.

About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world's most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, Memorable Attractions winner in the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards, and is regularly listed in the 100-most-visited museums in the world and 15-most-visited museums in the United States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Nick Cave, Dale Chihuly, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE, and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented numerous solo shows, including artists Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, George Segal, David Smith, and others. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan's largest tropical conservatory; one of the country's largest interactive children's gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering. 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

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