Tis the season of good will and spreading cheer, and what better way than to invite friends and family to tour our city’s amazing Meijer Gardens as they kick off our holiday season with the return of the 23rd Annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World Exhibition.
This visually-rich program held from Nov. 21 to Jan. 7 will feature 42 Christmas and holiday trees with displays representing various countries and cultures from around the world.
And for the kid in everyone is the return of the popular Railway Garden complete with a special wonderland with stops at 30 Grand Rapids landmarks as the trains wind their way through three gardens, including the recently renovated Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.
There is even a tribute to Grand Rapids’ sister cities from around the world represented within the Railway Garden display.
All told, the Garden’s trees will sparkle chasing away any blues from this season of chills with the warmth of more than 300,000 white lights.
Here are a few highlights and dates for exhibition activities:
Extended Holiday Hours: Open until 9 pm on December 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 (Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
The Original Dickens Carolers: Tuesdays: November 21 and 28, December 5, 12, 19, 6-8 pm
Santa Visits: Tuesdays: November 21 and 28, December 5, 12, 19, 5-8 pm
Rooftop Reindeer: Saturdays: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 1-4 pm
Christmas Cabaret Gala: Thursday, December 7, 6 pm (RSVP required)
There are chilly winter walks as well as classes aimed at kids and adults to consider, too, at the Gardens this holiday season. For a complete list and further details about all the offerings at the 23rd Annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World Exhibition, please visit the Meijer Gardens
website.