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!

Fee Information
Free

Nov 21, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Santa Visits

Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!

Fee Information
Included with admission
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Nov 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

Nov 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden

Santa's Reindeer

Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Michigan's Farm Garden

Nov 28, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Santa Visits

Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!

Fee Information
Included with admission
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Nov 28, 2023 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

Dec 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden

Santa's Reindeer

Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Michigan's Farm Garden

Dec 5, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Santa Visits

Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!

Fee Information
Included with admission
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Dec 5, 2023 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

Dec 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden

Santa's Reindeer

Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Michigan's Farm Garden

Dec 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Santa Visits

Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!

Fee Information
Included with admission
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Dec 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

Dec 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden

Santa's Reindeer

Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Michigan's Farm Garden

Dec 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Santa Visits

Stop by and see Santa on select Tuesdays!

Fee Information
Included with admission
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Dec 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

Dec 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM / Michigan's Farm Garden

Santa's Reindeer

Santa's Reindeer will fly into Michigan's Farm Garden!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Michigan's Farm Garden
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Dec 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
4 adult carolers dressed in old fashioned attire with a lit Christmas tree on the side

Jan 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM

The Original Dickens Carolers

Listen to this festive holiday tradition!

Fee Information
Included with admission
A single lit candle glowing with food and drink in the background

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Santa peaking out from behind a Christmas tree

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

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!

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Christmas tree highlighting the pickle ornament

Dec 18, 2022 at 9:00 AM

Past Event

Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 18

Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 18

Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Santa peaking out from behind a Christmas tree

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Several Christmas trees lining the Bissell Corridor

Dec 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM

Past Event

Member Holiday Party - Adult Only (18+)

Member Holiday Party - Adult Only (18+)

Christmas tree highlighting the pickle ornament

Dec 11, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Past Event

Evening Family Member Holiday Party: December 11

Evening Family Member Holiday Party: December 11

A gold menorah with 9 long taper candles

Dec 11, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Past Event

Celebrating Hanukkah

Hanukkah is known as the eight-day Festival of Lights.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Santa peaking out from behind a Christmas tree

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Dinner plate with food and sprigs of evergreen

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Miniature train with buildings and Christmas tree in the background

Dec 4, 2022 at 9:00 AM

Past Event

Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 4

Morning Family Member Holiday Party: December 4

Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission

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.

Fee Information
$150
Santa peaking out from behind a Christmas tree

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
Several Christmas trees lining the Bissell Corridor

Nov 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Past Event

Evening Family Member Holiday Party: November 28

Evening Family Member Holiday Party: November 28

Live reindeer laying on the ground in a pen

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Santa peaking out from behind a Christmas tree

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.

Fee Information
Included with admission
Location
Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory

Nov 21, 2022 at 6:00 PM / BISSELL Corridor

Past Event

Member Holiday Party: Tree Lighting Ceremony

Member Holiday Party: Tree Lighting Ceremony

Location
BISSELL Corridor

joy

In many cultures, the holidays bring people together in distinct and memorable ways that are difficult to capture in a display.

Please watch the award-winning film joy, highlighting several locally celebrated traditions from centuries ago, still vital today:


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.