GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Have you been wondering what the lights spotted above Grand Rapids are? It's not searchlights or aliens—it's a new immersive holiday experience at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
The one-mile path will snake through the grounds of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Called "ENLIGHTEN," the event will debut at the end of November and continue through the start of January.
Visitors can expect an atmospheric experience complete with choreographed light installations and music along the path. Some light installations will be interactive and allow visitors to become part of the show.
John VanderHaagen, director of communications with Meijer Gardens, said ENLIGHTEN is an experience that West Michiganders won't want to miss.
"Just a visual beauty and a great way to experience our outdoor grounds and sculpture park in a totally new way," he said. "So completely different than anything we've ever done here at the gardens, obviously, but really different than anything that's ever been done in West Michigan."
Meijer Gardens hosting ENLIGHTEN holiday experience
The path will end at the gardens' main building, where the annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibit will be on display. The exhibit features Christmas trees decorated to represent over 40 different cultures.
ENLIGHTEN is hoping to show West Michiganders that the gardens have something to offer even during the winter months.
"So we're really excited to bring this new opportunity, not only just for the visual beauty, but really a way for folks who might not normally wander outside, might not know that we're open outside year round to see the gardens and sculpture park literally in a new light," said VanderHaagen.
The show is designed by Lightswitch and Upstaging, which has created similar shows across the U.S. and worked on projects with artists like Hans Zimmer and Paul McCartney.
In addition to the lights, there will be food, a beer garden, fire pits and festive activities.
Even if you've visited Meijer Gardens regularly, ENLIGHTEN is set to be a refreshing and exciting experience.
"Every time I wander, I find a new thing that's just so awesome," VanderHaagen said. "I've worked here for 10 years, it's become very familiar to me, and just seeing again the gardens in a new light is been very, very interesting to see."
ENLIGHTEN begins Wednesday, Nov. 27 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 4.
Ticket prices depend on the date and experience you select. Prices for non-members are $12 to $24, and nonmembers can get tickets for $10 to $20.
Tickets are now on sale. For full information or get to get your tickets, click here.
