28th annual University of Michigan
Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition
illuminates the use of light in holiday traditions from around the
world.
GRAND
RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 7, 2022
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Experience the wonder of the holidays!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan welcomes you to the
28th annual University of Michigan
Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, on
display November 22, 2022, through
January 8, 2023. Guests from around
the world visit Meijer Gardens to take in 46 trees and displays
representing countries and cultures from across the globe. The
adored and enchanting Railway Garden—and the holiday wonderland
encompassing it—once again loops through three lush indoor garden
spaces, among them the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse
and the Earl & Donnalee Holton
Victorian Garden Parlor.
See the season in a new light at this year's exhibition! We're
illuminating the ways diverse cultures use light to uplift hope,
warmth, faith, remembrance, gratitude, prosperity and more during
the darkest days of the year. From the warm glow of the Hanukkah
menorah to the bright flash of Diwali fireworks to the starry
sparkle of Filipino Christmas lanterns, light is at the center of
the celebration in holiday festivities around the world.
Each winter, Meijer Gardens transforms into a botanic wonderland
with fresh poinsettias, evergreens and amaryllis. The sights and
sounds of cultural celebrations from throughout the world make it a
place to reflect and enjoy the holiday season. Volunteers donate
hundreds of hours to decorate trees and set up displays. Indoors
and out, our grounds sparkle with 350,000 lights.
New this year is the Seasonal Light Experience. This immersive
audio and visual lightshow is happening in the Frederik Meijer
Gardens Amphitheater every half hour from 6–8 pm, December 19–23
and 26-30. Bundle up for this unique outdoor experience! While
you're there, warm up with adult cocktails—or hot cocoa, for the
kids—along with hot handhelds, sweet treats, blazing fire pits, and
playful glowing goods from the DeVos–Keeler Gift Shop pop-up,
located nearby in the Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation
Center.
The unique horticultural artistry and water features of the
Railway Garden, sponsored by Warner, complements the trolleys,
trains, and handcrafted buildings replicating 40 West Michigan landmarks. Five landmarks
representing Grand Rapids Sister Cities around the world are also
highlighted in the Railway Garden.
In many cultures, the holidays bring people together in distinct
and memorable ways difficult to capture in a display. Meijer
Gardens again presents the original film joy, which explores the
diverse festive fabric that is holiday life across our local
communities. This film will be shown continuously in the Hoffman
Family Auditorium and is also available on the Meijer Gardens
YouTube channel.
Exhibition Activities:
- Extended Holiday Hours: Open until 9
pm December 19–23 and 26-30.
PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens will be closed November 24, December
25 and January 1.
- Seasonal Light Experience:
Fee: Included with admission.
It's an awe-inspiring, immersive audio and visual lightshow
inspired by the natural world—one you can see only at the Frederik
Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. This first-of-its-kind illuminating
experience adds new dimension to the annual University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas &
Holiday Traditions exhibition and is a must-see for the entire
family.
Shows run every half hour in the Frederik Meijer Gardens
Amphitheater, 6 pm–8 pm December 19–23 and 26-30
- Community Discussion: Celebrating Kucios with Don Astras
Fee: Included with admission.
Sunday, December 4, 2–3 pm
One of the most important holiday celebrations of the year in
Lithuania is Kucios, the
traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Twelve dishes are often served on
the table, representing the 12 disciples of Jesus. If a family
member has died during the past year, an empty place is set and a
candle is lit in remembrance. It is believed the spirit of the
deceased family member participates in the Kucios.
- Community Discussion: Celebrating Hannukah with Jewish
Federation of Grand Rapids
Fee: Included with admission.
Sunday, December 11, 2–3 pm
Hanukkah is known as the eight-day Festival of Lights. Candles in a
special menorah are lit on each night of the festival. A menorah
has nine candle holders: Eight candles represent the eight days of
celebration and the additional candle, called the shamash, is used
to light the others. The lighting of the candles is a reminder of
the holiday's miracle.
- Community Discussion: Celebrating Diwali with West Michigan
Bengali Cultural Association
Fee: Included with admission.
Sunday, January 8, 2–3 pm
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day
celebration observed among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists
between mid-October and mid-November. The true meaning behind
Diwali is to rejoice in the inner light. This is symbolized by
lighting a diya, a small brass lamp. Lighting a diya is considered
highly favorable, bringing prosperity and good health.
- The Original Dickens Carolers:
Fee: Included with admission.
The Original Dickens Carolers roam the BISSELL and Gunberg
corridors, singing holiday favorites and bringing good cheer for
all to hear!
Tuesdays: November 22, 29,
December 6, 13, 20 | 5-8 pm
- Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits:
Fee: Included with admission.
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Lena Meijer Tropical
Conservatory, for a picture-perfect setting like no other!
Tuesdays: November 22, 29,
December 6, 13, 20 | 5-8 pm
Fee: Included with admission.
Visit Michigan's Farm Garden for a
close-up reindeer experience—and maybe even touch their soft
velvety noses. Reindeer provided by Rooftop Landing Reindeer
Farm.
Saturdays: November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1-4 pm
Fee: Included with admission.
Winter can be chilly—yet fun for all ages! Bundle up and join us on
an outdoor discovery walk as we investigate the Lena Meijer
Children's Garden in new ways.
December 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24,
30, 31 | 11:15 am–12:15 pm
- Christmas and Holiday Themed Classes:
Fees apply.
Enjoy festive learning opportunities for adults and families.
Visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for more information.
University of Michigan Health-West:
Christmas & Holiday Traditions is made possible by University of Michigan Health-West; 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; Michigan Radio;
FOX17; and Star 105.7. The Railway Garden is sponsored by
Warner.
# # #
About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world's
most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was recently
listed in the top 100 most visited museums in the world and the 30
most visited museums in the United
States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news
publication. Education programs welcome 80,000 students and guests
each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings,
corporate meetings and award-winning catering. The 158-acre main
campus features Michigan's largest
tropical conservatory; one of the country's largest interactive
children's gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze
sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste
Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including
a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an eight-acre Japanese garden
featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor
amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned
touring musicians each summer. The permanent collection highlights
hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists
Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise
Bourgeois, Alexander Calder,
Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Michele Oka Donor, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard
Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE
and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing
sculpture exhibitions have hosted shows by Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Laura
Ford, Richard Hunt,
Rebecca Louise Law, Pablo Picasso, George
Segal and others.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the
enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture,
the natural environment, and the arts.
Media Contact
John VanderHaagen, Frederik
Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 6169753180,
jvanderhaagen@meijergardens.org
SOURCE Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park