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 2023, the exhibition includes 42 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 24, 25, 31 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.