ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank
Visitors wander along an illuminated outdoor walking trail through the sculpture park, discovering light installations, music-synced shows, and sculptures illuminated by beams and neon. Guests can interact with sensory displays, relax by fire pits, and enjoy stroll-friendly festive food and drinks. The route leads inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and concludes at the holiday exhibition featuring the Railway Garden and dozens of cultural displays.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Standard Ticket: adult $32; senior (65+) $24; student with ID $24; child (3–13) $16; child under 2 free. Anytime Enhanced Ticket: adult $42; senior $34; student with ID $34; child (3–13) $26. The page also shows FREE and 50% OFF beneath the Anytime Enhanced Ticket prices but does not label those amounts there. SNAP EBT/WIC card holders receive 50% off timed tickets in person with an eligible card; a valid photo ID is also specified in the FAQ. Members receive 10% off tickets. Value Pricing nights have a reduced rate; the FAQ specifies 10% off on the listed Value Nights. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Separate dinner packages include ENLIGHTEN admission: Holiday Dinner is $95 per adult and $50 per child (3–13), with a 10% member discount; Winter Dinner is $100 and includes ENLIGHTEN admission and a private viewing of CHIHULY: Radiant Forms. The Winter Dinner beverage selection is available for purchase.
Hours
First entry: 5:30 pm; last entry: 8:30 pm; ENLIGHTEN closes at 10 pm.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Event food includes stroll-friendly savory bites, sweets, snacks, beer, cocktails, hot and cold drinks, plus café food and coffee, ice cream, hot cocoa, and specialty beverages.
Parking
Parking is free, with multiple on-site parking lots. Designated accessible parking is near the Amphitheater entrance and main entrance; drop-off locations are available if those spaces are full. Enter through the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.
Accessibility
All pathways are paved, smooth, and step-free for wheelchair accessibility, with complimentary wheelchairs and rental ECVs available.
Pets
Pets are not allowed; ADA-defined service dogs are allowed.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets ahead to secure your preferred date and entry slot; walk-up tickets are not guaranteed and many nights sell out.
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your timed entry to park, check in and use the Welcome Plaza; timed-ticket holders may arrive up to 30 minutes early.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the one-mile paved trail and dress in layers for the outdoor winter route.
- Use the Anytime Enhanced Ticket if you want entry without a timed slot; it is a separate ticket option.
- If you need a wheelchair, borrow one first-come, first-served, and note that ECV scooters cannot be used in rain or on snow-covered paths.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children under 2 enter free.
- Members receive a discount on tickets.
- Value Pricing nights offer discounted admission: November 23, 29 and 30; December 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 27, 28 and 29; and January 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
- Eligible SNAP EBT/WIC cardholders receive discounted timed tickets in person with an eligible card; the FAQ also requires valid photo ID.
- Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more by email.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for the trail?
The one-mile pathway takes most visitors about one to one and a half hours to enjoy at a leisurely pace, including the exit experience.
Do I need a timed ticket?
Standard tickets require a selected entry time. An Anytime Enhanced Ticket has no timed entry, and visitors can arrive up to 30 minutes before a timed ticket’s entry slot.
What food and drinks are available along the route?
Food and drinks are available in the Welcome Plaza, along the pathway and in the main building. Options include food, sweets, snacks, hot and cold drinks, beer and cocktails; outside alcohol is not allowed.
Is the trail wheelchair accessible?
Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed, and pathways are paved or smooth with no stairs at the entrance or exit. The Amphitheater plaza route includes a long sloping ramp; complimentary wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served.
What should I wear, and does the event go ahead in winter weather?
Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. The event proceeds in rain or snow, though severe weather may lead to a temporary closure or cancellation.
Browse Christmas in Grand Rapids
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.