University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions
November 21, 2023 through January 7, 2024
This exhibition—honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world—has grown to 46 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions is a hallmark Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exhibition. Dedicate time to appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden. Venture outdoors and discover the beauty of nature with wintertime walks. Indoors and out, our magnificent grounds sparkle with 350,000 lights.
Overview
Gather: A Celebration of Community
This exhibition honors cultures and holiday traditions from around the world. The annual celebration of Christmas & Holiday Traditions and the winter season is a Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hallmark. Meijer Gardens collaborates with community partners on development of the exhibition. Traditions vary from region to region and family to family; the details of each display do not suggest all people in any one culture celebrate the holidays in exactly the same way. Meijer Gardens honors the joy all families bring to one another when they gather together in celebration.
Lena Meijer, and some of her family and friends, began Christmas & Holiday Traditions in 1995 with 20 displays. For 2022, the exhibition has grown to 46 displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. Dedicate time to appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden. Venture outdoors and discover the beauty of nature with wintertime walks. Indoors and out, our magnificent grounds will sparkle with 350,000 lights.
The companion Railway Garden exhibition is a unique horticultural display incorporating garden design, miniature buildings handmade from natural materials, and model trolleys and trains.
PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens is closed for the day on November 23, December 25 and January 1.
We will be open until 9 pm December 18-22 and 26-30.
During the 10 open late nights, gather outdoors with family and friends to celebrate the winter season. Just a short distance from the main building venture out to cozy up around firepits with hot drinks at the DeVos-Van Andel Piazza and enjoy an immersive and majestic lighting experience surrounding The American Horse.
Events
Nov 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Holiday Gift Show
The Holiday Gift Show is back to kick off the holiday season!
Nov 21, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Santa Visits
Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!
Nov 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Nov 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden
Santa's Reindeer
Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!
Nov 28, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Santa Visits
Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!
Nov 28, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Dec 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden
Santa's Reindeer
Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!
Dec 5, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Santa Visits
Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!
Dec 5, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Dec 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden
Santa's Reindeer
Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!
Dec 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Santa Visits
Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!
Dec 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Dec 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden
Santa's Reindeer
Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!
Dec 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Santa Visits
Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!
Dec 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Dec 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden
Santa's Reindeer
Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!
Dec 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Jan 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM
The Original Dickens Carolers
Listen to this festive holiday tradition!
Jan 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Past Event
Celebrating Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day celebration observed among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs.
Dec 30, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 27, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 26, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Past Event
Rooftop Reindeer
Each Saturday through December 24, reindeer will be on-hand in Michigan's Farm Garden.
Dec 23, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 22, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 21, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 20, 2022 at 5:00 PM / Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Past Event
Santa Visits
All guests are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Tuesday evenings through December 20.
Dec 20, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 19, 2022 at 6:00 PM / Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Past Event
Seasonal Light Experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
It’s an awe-inspiring, immersive lightshow inspired by the natural world!
Dec 18, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Past Event
Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 18
Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 18
Dec 17, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Past Event
Rooftop Reindeer
Each Saturday through December 24, reindeer will be on-hand in Michigan's Farm Garden.
Dec 13, 2022 at 5:00 PM / Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Past Event
Santa Visits
All guests are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Tuesday evenings through December 20.
Dec 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM
Past Event
Member Holiday Party - Adult Only (18+)
Member Holiday Party - Adult Only (18+)
Dec 11, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Past Event
Evening Family Member Holiday Party: December 11
Evening Family Member Holiday Party: December 11
Dec 11, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Past Event
Celebrating Hanukkah
Hanukkah is known as the eight-day Festival of Lights.
Dec 10, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Past Event
Rooftop Reindeer
Each Saturday through December 24, reindeer will be on-hand in Michigan's Farm Garden.
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:00 PM / Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Past Event
Santa Visits
All guests are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Tuesday evenings through December 20.
Dec 4, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Past Event
Celebrating Kucios
One of the most important holiday
celebrations of the year in Lithuania is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner
called Kucios.
Dec 4, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Past Event
Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 4
Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 4
Dec 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Past Event
Rooftop Reindeer
Each Saturday through December 24, reindeer will be on-hand in Michigan's Farm Garden.
Dec
1
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dec 1, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Past Event
Christmas Cabaret
The Christmas Cabaret is back after a three-year hiatus and we're celebrating the 25th year of this festive event! We are excited to celebrate the holiday season with you thanks in large part to the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Old National Bank. We invite you to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you see the season in a new light at the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition! This year we’re illuminating the ways in which diverse cultures use light—featuring winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden.
Nov 29, 2022 at 5:00 PM / Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Past Event
Santa Visits
All guests are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Tuesday evenings through December 20.
Nov 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Past Event
Evening Family Member Holiday Party: November 28
Evening Family Member Holiday Party: November 28
Nov 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Past Event
Rooftop Reindeer
Each Saturday through December 24, reindeer will be on-hand in Michigan's Farm Garden.
Nov 22, 2022 at 5:00 PM / Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Past Event
Santa Visits
All guests are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Tuesday evenings through December 20.
Nov 21, 2022 at 6:00 PM / BISSELL Corridor
Past Event
Member Holiday Party: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Member Holiday Party: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Lead Railway Garden Sponsor
Additional Supporters
The Meijer Foundation
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation
Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts
Life EMS
Star 105.7
FOX17
Gather: A Celebration of Community
This exhibition honors cultures and holiday traditions from around the world. The annual celebration of Christmas & Holiday Traditions and the winter season is a Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hallmark. Meijer Gardens collaborates with community partners on development of the exhibition. Traditions vary from region to region and family to family; the details of each display do not suggest all people in any one culture celebrate the holidays in exactly the same way. Meijer Gardens honors the joy all families bring to one another when they gather together in celebration.
Lena Meijer, and some of her family and friends, began Christmas & Holiday Traditions in 1995 with 20 displays. For 2022, the exhibition has grown to 46 displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. Dedicate time to appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden. Venture outdoors and discover the beauty of nature with wintertime walks. Indoors and out, our magnificent grounds will sparkle with 350,000 lights.
The companion Railway Garden exhibition is a unique horticultural display incorporating garden design, miniature buildings handmade from natural materials, and model trolleys and trains.
PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens is closed for the day on November 23, December 25 and January 1.
We will be open until 9 pm December 18-22 and 26-30.
During the 10 open late nights, gather outdoors with family and friends to celebrate the winter season. Just a short distance from the main building venture out to cozy up around firepits with hot drinks at the DeVos-Van Andel Piazza and enjoy an immersive and majestic lighting experience surrounding The American Horse.