Grand Rapids – September 07, 2026 -- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will reopen ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank on Nov. 23, running through Jan. 10, 2027, with member ticket sales starting Sept. 1 and public sales beginning Sept. 8.
The third season of the immersive holiday light experience guides guests along a one-mile outdoor path from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on select evenings, featuring sculptures synchronized with music and lighting.
A reimagined midway stop highlights Mark di Suvero's Scarlatti sculpture
At the midpoint of the walking path, Scarlatti by Mark di Suvero returns with new lighting, music and choreography. The stop also includes a warming tent, firepits, and food and beverage options for visitors.
A new grand finale moves indoors to the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
After the outdoor trail, guests will enter the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory for a new immersive finale that transforms the tropical space into a lighted spectacle. The park has also added a hot chocolate bar inside Mary's Ice Cream Parlor in the Lena Meijer Children's Garden.
The James & Shirley Balk Café extends hours on event nights
The café will stay open until 9 p.m. on ENLIGHTEN nights in November and December, giving guests dining options before or after the walk. ENLIGHTEN Dinners return on select dates, pairing seasonal small plates with admission and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, said tens of thousands of guests attend ENLIGHTEN annually, including many traveling from outside West Michigan.
The event is again produced by Lightswitch and Upstaging, the design and production teams behind lighting work for artists including Hans Zimmer and Paul McCartney. Meijer Gardens members receive a 10% discount, and groups of 10 or more qualify for special pricing. A new Anytime Flex ticket allows untimed entry on a chosen date.
Following ENLIGHTEN, guests can visit the indoor University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, featuring cultural displays and performances in the BISSELL Corridor and Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.