The annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display from Nov. 24-Jan. 3 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
The holiday exhibition will feature 46 trees and displays that represent different countries and cultures.
Displays include a German tree, adorned with handmade glass ornaments and homemade springerle cookies; India’s rangoli, featuring designs and patterns created by hand each year; and the Ghana display, showcasing the bespoke kente cloth and adinkra cloth that are visual representations of the history, religious beliefs and social values of Ghanaians.
Over 300,000 lights will be illuminated throughout Meijer Gardens, and the exhibit includes poinsettias, orchids, amaryllis, and the sound of carolers.
The exhibit will continue to feature the Railway Garden, which will display trolleys, trains and handcrafted buildings replicating 37 Grand Rapids landmarks, such as the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, with its glass exterior made of hundreds of individual hydrangea flower petals, royal poinciana pods, pomegranate, Japanese fantail willow, and bamboo that make up the architecture of the Van Andel Institute.
“For this year’s exhibition, Meijer Gardens is showcasing handmade elements of traditions from all over the world,” said Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture at Frederik Meijer. “Guests will encounter the work of hundreds of skilled and caring hands and experience the details and attention that goes into creating these traditions.”
Meijer Gardens will be presenting the original film, “joy,” which will be shown continuously in the Hoffman Family Auditorium and is also available on the Meijer Gardens YouTube channel.
Additionally, Meijer Gardens will offer a limited number of activities because of the pandemic.
The exhibition activities include:
- The Original Dickens Carolers: Virtual performances 6-8 p.m. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15
- Virtual Santa visits: 5-8 p.m. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15
- Rooftop reindeer: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19
- Winter-time walks: Dec. 1-Jan. 2
- Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11:15 a.m.
- Family and friends: Saturdays 11:15 a.m.
- Fee: Included with admission
- Christmas and holiday-themed classes: Enjoy festive virtual learning opportunities for adults and families. Fees apply. Visit meijergardens.org/calendar for more information.
- Guests also can participate in an outdoor discovery walk to investigate the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden in new ways.
Meijer Gardens will offer extended holiday hours, closing at 9 p.m. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 14-19, 21-23, 26, 28-30.
In addition to the current early member hours, the extended members-only hours are from 9-11 a.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 13, 20, 27
Meijer Gardens will be closed on Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan.1.
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