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CEO LETTER A reflection from Charles Burke, our President & CEO.

ENLIGHTEN Enjoy the beauty of the season with family and friends.

CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Learn more about the beloved holiday traditions that turn longtime venues and views into things bright and new. THE SEASON OF IMPACT Initiatives that strengthen the experiences, places and possibilities that can be shared for generations. HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Looking for a special treasure, a stocking stuffer or a present to last all year long? This is a must-see Holiday Gift Guide. ORCHID SHOW Meijer Gardens’ longest-running plant show returns to delight guests of all ages. WINTER AT MEIJER GARDENS A time for rest and recharge. Capture the beauty and awe of Meijer Gardens in a new season. TROLLS: A FIELD STUDY Coming in May 2027. Come see these giant trolls from international artist Thomas Dambo. CALENDAR OF EVENTS There is always something to do at Meijer Gardens. Be sure to enjoy your membership this season.

New Installation: Renowned artist Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, explores environmental change in The Traces Left Behind (From the Great Bear Lakes to the Great Lakes). Cast in recycled silver, the wall relief traces the chain of lakes formed by the retreat of the Laurentide ice sheet, inviting us to consider the Great Lakes as an interconnected system shaped by geological time and ongoing ecological change. Maya Lin, The Traces Left Behind (From the Great Bear Lakes to the Great Lakes), 2019, recycled silver, 28 individual cast pieces, 123 × 134 in. overall installation dimensions. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer.

I found myself sitting on a particular Sunday morning, looking at a beautiful stained-glass wall, listening to an ancient reading. I began drifting somewhere between the story and the moment—words, light, colors, quiet, people gathered together. It all began merging into a single experience—different voices, different colors, different senses, each distinct, each more beautiful together. In that moment, I began thinking of it all as a “Choir of Colors.” Perhaps it ’s the musician in me. I’ve always believed there are moments when our senses begin to overlap—color is almost heard, music is somehow seen, a familiar place suddenly feels entirely new. There are moments when beauty reaches us before we have words to explain it. It ’s been a remarkable year at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, punctuated by the full array of the gardens coming to life—a choir of concerts, exhibitions, experiences, play and memories harmoniously woven together through color. Our gardens and topiaries, Dale Chihuly’s iconic works, even the pages of this publication intentionally bring joyful color into our lives. Perhaps our Choir of Colors comes forth most vividly through the final extended moments of CHIHULY: Radiant Forms, as we bear witness to its namesake’s extraordinary courage as an artist—willingness to bring unusual colors together in bold, unexpected ways. Purples and greens. Pinks and yellows. The chartreuse that seems almost electric at any moment. There’s something profound in that courage—to imagine what doesn’t exist, bring seemingly unlikely things together, discover they somehow belong, then create it from three remarkably simple ingredients: Fire. Sand. Spirit. Perhaps that’s the magic of creativity—the courage to see possibility around us and transform it into something never before seen. Another Choir of Colors comes alive with our refreshed ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank, in its third year of curation. This year brings a reimagined soundtrack, a Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory experience, a moment of fun in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden and more hot chocolate! ENLIGHTEN quickly became a wonderful seasonal tradition, ushering in University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions and its trains, trees, and traditions. Perhaps what makes this time of year so special is not simply what we see. It’s that we experience it together. Families returning to traditions they’ve loved for years. Children discovering them for the first time. Friends walking beneath the lights. Cultures and generations represented through trees and stories. People gathering around music, art and nature, each bringing something of themselves to the experience. Perhaps the most beautiful Choir of Colors of all. As 2026 draws to a close, we find ourselves again in a season of anticipation—a season of light, harvest, legacy, traditions, memories. Whatever we celebrate, there’s something wonderfully human about gathering at the darkest time of the year and choosing to create light and color. Perhaps that’s what hope really is. As we look toward another year, let us keep a Choir of Colors in our hearts. Let us remain open to beauty, one another and what might still be created together. This is our wish and our promise to you and yours. We wish you hope, peace, joy and a spirit of possibility for the year ahead. We’re deeply grateful you continue making Meijer Gardens a philanthropic priority through your membership and year-end giving—and, more important, making this place part of your lives and memories. As we step together into a new year, may we each carry our own color into the world—joining a Choir of Colors that reminds us of the beauty, hope and possibility we can create together. Gratefully,

Charles Burke, President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

4 | CEO LETTER

17,000 1,800 POINTS OF LIGHT

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5 | STORY TITLE COLOR-CHANGING LAMPS LIGHTING FIXTURES

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FEET OF LIGHTS, MUSIC, AND FUN

NOVEMBER 23–JANUARY 10 This winter, you don’t have to travel far to experience something world-class. Bundle up. Step outside. And see West Michigan winter in a whole new light!

reated specifically for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank transforms one of the nation’s leading sculpture and horticultural destinations into an immersive world of light, music, art, and nature. Behind the transformation is Lightswitch, an internationally recognized collective of lighting, media, and visual designers whose work has illuminated concert stages, museums, cultural attractions, and immersive experiences around the world. The team brings this national and international expertise to West Michigan to create something unique.

“The magic of ENLIGHTEN is that we’re not bringing an experience to Meijer Gardens. We’re uncovering an experience that could only happen here,” says Lightswitch Creative Designer John Featherstone. “The sculpture, the landscape and the music are always our starting point.” While interactive technology invites guests to become part of the experience, glowing fire pits, warming tents, and delicious food and drinks create welcoming places to pause, gather, and savor a winter night unlike any other in West Michigan. For 2026, the creative team has reimagined key portions of the journey. Music has been refreshed throughout, creating a new emotional arc as guests move through the landscape. The experience is also being organized into a series of distinct “galleries,” each announced by a dramatic illuminated entry arch. Like moving through the rooms of an exhibition, guests cross a threshold from one extraordinary environment to another, with each gallery revealing a new personality, mood and sense of discovery. “We want every gallery to feel like entering a different world,” says LightSwitch Co-Creative Designer Collin Mulligan.

LEFT: Mark di Suvero, Scarlatti, 1994-2000, steel, 304 x 720 x 360 in., Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer, © Mark di Suvero

“You cross a threshold—and suddenly the relationship between light, music and landscape has completely changed.” The result is greater contrast, bigger surprises and more breathtaking moments from beginning to end. Rather than simply illuminating the Sculpture Park, ENLIGHTEN uses light, sound, and motion to reveal this world-class collection and landscape in ways that can only be experienced after dark. Perhaps nowhere is that transformation more dramatic this year than around Mark di Suvero’s Scarlatti. Named in homage to 18th-century Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti, the sculpture already has music embedded in its identity. This winter, the surrounding landscape becomes a fully choreographed experience of light and sound, bringing an entirely new level of scale, emotion, and theatricality to this part of the journey. The musical inspiration comes from another composer of Scarlatti’s era: Antonio Vivaldi and his enduring The Four Seasons, heard through composer Max Richter’s contemporary reimagining of the work. The connection feels made for Meijer Gardens, a place shaped by landscape, growth, change and the passage of time. Surrounded by the rich plantings encircling Scarlatti, the music provides a dramatic framework for a lighting composition that shifts, evolves and transforms around the sculpture. “By the third year, we know the canvas incredibly well, which gives us permission to be bolder,” Featherstone says. If you’ve never seen the Sculpture Park illuminated after dark, prepare to experience Meijer Gardens from an entirely new perspective. If ENLIGHTEN is already part of your winter, come back and see how the experience has evolved and grown.

6 | ENLIGHTEN

COME FOR THE LIGHTS. STAY FOR THE BITES. JAMES & SHIRLEY BALK CAFÉ Make your ENLIGHTEN experience a full evening out! Enjoy a full meal with family and friends at our café, open during regular Meijer Gardens hours until 9 pm Enjoy sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.

WELCOME PLAZA AND ON THE TRAIL Arrive early to make the Welcome Plaza your pre-ENLIGHTEN hangout, open at 5 pm. Meet up with friends and family, grab your glow gear at the warming tent, and fuel up with stroll-friendly favorites like the Chicken Tender-Grilled Cheese at our concession stand. Feeling adventurous? Try a Windmill Run Shotski to warm up! And when you need a mid-trail boost, stop by the warming tent near Scarlatti Plaza for light snacks and beverages.

MARY’S ICE CREAM PARLOR Enjoy festive ice cream treats, including specialty sundaes, a Milkshake Stout float and other sweet creations. Warm up with hot cocoa, coffee and specialty hot alcoholic beverages, too.

LESS RUSH. MORE WONDER. Slow down. Explore. Experience all that ENLIGHTEN has to offer. 1

GET READY TO GLOW

Start your evening in the Welcome Plaza, just beyond the Amphitheater gates. Meet your group, snap a photo in front of the illuminated ENLIGHTEN letters, warm up around the firepits, and grab food or beverages before you begin your journey. Stop by the warming tent for glow gear, with a gift shop kiosk nearby. Welcome Plaza opens at 5 pm.

& GATHER 2 STROLL Follow the illuminated trail and discover art, light and

music around every corner. Experience a spectacular music-synced Main Stage show, see The American Horse transformed by neon lights, and interact with Neuron and other playful light experiences. Stop for a photo along the way!

& REFUEL 3 WARM Take a break along the way to warm up, grab a bite and

& TREAT YOURSELF 4 PLAY Keep the fun going with interactive light experiences for

INTO THE AFTERGLOW 5 STEP Follow the illuminated trail indoors and enter a world

WITH SOMETHING WARM 6 END Slow down and savor the final moments of your evening.

keep the evening going. Gather around the fire at Scarlatti Plaza and enjoy food and beverages from the food trailer, then continue your journey through dazzling displays of light, water and music.

of light, color and music. Inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, specialty lighting and immersive effects transform the five-story glasshouse into Afterglow—a spectacular finale to your journey through the gardens.

the whole family. Make your own light show at Dance of the Butterflies, play with your shadow at Shadowplay, then head to the Children’s Garden to warm up by the fire, grab ice cream, a beverage or a drink from the bar before heading indoors.

Wander through the decorated trees and cultural displays of the University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, then settle in at the James & Shirley Balk Café for food, coffee and other beverages. Café closes at 9 pm.

GATH ER . G LOW. MAK E M EM O R I E S . Bryan Esler for Experience Grand Rapids

7 | ENLIGHTEN

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NIGHT Choose your ENLIGHTEN experience. Visit MeijerGardens.org to purchase tickets.

STANDARD TICKET During ticket purchase, choose your date and entry time. Your ticketed time is your entry time into ENLIGHTEN. Adult: $32 Senior (65+): $24 Student with ID: $24 Child (3–13): $16 Child (Under 2): FREE EBT/WIC Cardholders*: 50% OFF *Must buy in-person with an eligible EBT/WIC card.

ANYTIME ENHANCED TICKET Enjoy the flexibility to visit ENLIGHTEN on the date of your choice—no timed entry required. Adult: $42 Senior (65+): $34 Student with ID: $34 Child (3–13): $26 Child (Under 2): FREE EBT/WIC Cardholders*: 50% OFF

MAKE IT A GROUP NIGHT Bring everyone together for ENLIGHTEN—whether you’re planning a family outing, getting friends together or hosting a business group. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted admission. Group reservations: 877-975-3171 grouptours@meijergardens.org

*Must buy in-person with an eligible EBT/WIC card.

ENLIGHTEN Dinner Experiences Make your ENLIGHTEN evening even more memorable with a special dining experience. Gather with family and friends, plan a festive group outing or host a company holiday party with two unique dinner packages to choose from. For full menu, event details and tickets, visit MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN.

ENLIGHTEN HOLIDAY DINNER PACKAGE

ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER PACKAGE

December 4, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 5:30 pm | ENLIGHTEN after dinner 8 pm | ENLIGHTEN before dinner Loeschner–Peterson Event Room $95 | Members receive 10% discount

January 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 5:30 pm | Loeschner–Peterson Event Room $100 | Members receive 10% discount Tickets Include ENLIGHTEN and a private viewing of CHIHULY: Radiant Forms.

Tickets Include ENLIGHTEN. Make your holiday season shine with the ENLIGHTEN Holiday Dinner Package: a can’t-miss night of food, family and festive fun. Gather around a cozy, chef-crafted small-plate dining experience, where seasonal flavors and holiday cheer set the stage for an unforgettable evening, with music provided by Nathan Walton & Shelby Leigh. No family night would be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, making this a holiday experience everyone will talk about long after the lights go out. Whether you make it an annual tradition or start one this year, the ENLIGHTEN Holiday Dinner is where holiday memories come to life.

Make your ENLIGHTEN experience even more spectacular with an exclusive, chef-curated dining event inspired by the vibrant color, light and artistry of CHIHULY: Radiant Forms. Before exploring the illuminated gardens, savor an elevated culinary experience featuring globally inspired small plates, thoughtfully crafted desserts and, available for purchase, a curated beverage selection. Then, make the most of your visit with one of your last opportunities to experience CHIHULY: Radiant Forms before the exhibition closes. From the brilliance of Chihuly’s glass to the glow of ENLIGHTEN, it’s an unforgettable evening of art, flavor and light you won’t want to miss.

8 | ENLIGHTEN

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Tuesday, November 24 | 6 pm Celebrate the official kickoff of University of Michigan Health– West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions as thousands of lights illuminate the gardens and beautifully adorned trees shimmer to life. Gather with family and friends as we light up the season and reveal more than 40 uniquely decorated trees and 99 cultural | | MORE STORY WINTER TITLE displays inspired by holiday traditions from around the world.

Christmas & Holiday Traditions November 24, 2026, through January 10, 2027 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Free with admission or membership. For generations of West Michigan families, the holidays have included a visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. At the heart of the season is University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions, an annual celebration now in its fourth decade. The tradition began in 1995, when Lena Meijer, along with family and friends, created an exhibition of 20 decorated trees. Today, more than 40 trees and cultural displays explore holiday traditions from around the world, offering glimpses into the stories, celebrations, and customs that bring people together. Select dates (see pages 21 and 22) feature cultural programs from: • West Michigan Bengali Association • Hispanic Center of West Michigan • Grand Rapids Sister Cities International: Perugia, Italy • Ukrainian Society of Michigan Enjoy Christmas & Holiday Traditions during the day or on Tuesday evenings, or make it the finale of ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank. HIGHLIGHTS: • 40+ trees and cultural displays • Holiday performances • Family-friendly cultural activities Tuesday Nights: Come see the holiday trees and CHIHULY: Radiant Forms during our Tuesday Nights, when we’re open until 9 pm. PLEASE NOTE: Tuesday Nights will close at 5 pm on December 22 and 29, during ENLIGHTEN.

The Railway Garden November 24, 2026, through January 10, 2027 Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse Free with admission or membership.

Visiting Santa Saturdays: November 28, December 5, 12, 19 Tuesdays: November 24* and December 1, 8, 15 Saturdays: 1-4 pm Tuesdays: 5-8 pm | 6-8* pm Michigan’s Farm Garden | Garden Pavilion (Tuesdays only)

For more than two decades, families have made the Railway Garden part of their holiday tradition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Nestled inside the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, this imaginative world invites children and adults alike to slow down and look a little closer.

Free with admission or membership.

The Railway Garden made its debut November 2004 alongside the release of the film adaptation of The Polar Express, the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, Grand Rapids author and illustrator. That first exhibition featured 15 Grand Rapids landmarks and scenes inspired by the story. Three years later, it evolved into today’s Railway Garden, expanding to include landmarks from West Michigan and Grand Rapids’ Sister Cities around the world.

That spirit of family tradition continues throughout Michigan’s Farm Garden, where Santa and his reindeer join the celebration. Children can meet Santa, capture a holiday photo in his sleigh and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the farm.

Today, trains and trolleys travel four tracks through a detailed landscape of 43 buildings, a water feature and intricate plantings. Every structure is crafted from natural materials, including pinecones, seedpods, bark, twigs and other botanical treasures. the 500-foot-long track carries trains overhead through three greenhouse spaces, covering nearly 1,000 miles over the course of a season.

From a handmade ornament to a family photo with Santa, these simple moments become part of the memories families carry with them, year after year.

It’s a holiday tradition with something for everyone: the excitement of a passing train, familiar landmarks of home and remarkable craftsmanship revealed in every detail. HIGHLIGHTS: • Illuminated displays • Model trains • Hot chocolate and seasonal treats • Family-friendly fun

10 | CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

For many West Michigan families, a holiday visit to Meijer Gardens means gathering at Michigan’s Farm Garden to share a little seasonal magic. Inside the 1880s farmhouse, a three-quarter-scale replica of Lena Meijer’s childhood home.

Families can also create a tradition of their own by making a felt ornament to take home, inspired by the handmade decorations that make Lena’s farmhouse tree so special.

HIGHLIGHTS: • Handmade felt ornaments • Family photo with Santa • Meet Santa’s reindeer • Sensory-Friendly Visits with Santa *Note adjusted time for November 24.

Sensory-Friendly Visits with Santa, December 5 and 12, 10 am–12 pm, offer a welcoming, supportive environment for children with disabilities who need a modified experience. These visits are specially designed with limited attendance, reduced noise, and flexibility. Registration is required. See the Events Calendar on our website for more information.

Leah Kurr

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS THE SEASON OF IMPACT

Sensory-Friendly Visit with Santa: Children with disabilities are invited to meet Santa in a quiet, supported setting. December 5 and 12, 10 am–12 pm. Registration required.

eijer Gardens has always been shaped by what comes next, with transformation taking place in many forms. New exhibitions bring fresh perspectives. Immersive experiences create new ways to encounter art and nature. Learning Engagement programs inspire curiosity and creativity. Gifts of art and campus investments create new possibilities for how people gather, learn, and connect. And that’s only a glimpse of what we envision. Transformation also means continually improving the guest experience. Through intentional investments and initiatives, we are making increased access possible, creating more ways for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience Meijer Gardens. We strive to ensure this place is welcoming to all through a variety of programs, supportive materials and measures, thoughtful opportunities, and community partnerships. Philanthropic support can inspire a child’s first discovery, advance accessibility, or help a new space or exhibition take shape. From creating affordable access through Museums for All to bringing students on field trips to experience the campus, the support of our donors makes this all possible. Each of the impact numbers listed to the right represent different moments of growth. Together, these investments and initiatives strengthen the experiences, places and possibilities that will define Meijer Gardens today and for years to come. Growth is about creating meaningful

experiences that will serve members, guests, and our community for generations. As we look toward 2027, several transformations across our campus will continue that work.

will continue to enrich this treasured space where generations of children and families have discovered the excitement of exploration, play, and connection with the natural world.

GROWING WHAT’S NEXT THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT Near and alongside our treasured wetland ponds and the wildlife they support, the Frey Boardwalk will undergo complete replacement, thanks to the generosity of the Frey Foundation. Beginning this fall and continuing through spring, new overlooks and gathering spaces with additional seating will be introduced, along with as a new connection to the north side of our campus. This project will allow for more outdoor educational experiences and access as well as more spaces for rest points, aligned with our ongoing accessibility priorities. Our goal is simple: Eliminate barriers and continue to expand accessibility on campus so everyone can experience, enjoy, and learn about art and nature.

GIVE THE GIFT OF WONDER Transformations on campus have and will continue to create new opportunities to experience the distinctive intersection of art and nature, leaving guests with new admiration and wonder. As Meijer Gardens continues to evolve, our purpose remains constant: We’re creating a welcoming place where art, culture, and nature come together to spark wonder in all who visit, now and for the future generations.

Transformation continues in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, building on the first phase of improvement that included Mary’s Ice Cream Parlor and Big Girl Playground. The next phase of the garden’s refresh will continue from this autumn through next summer, with plans to expand water play in the Great Lakes Garden, enhance the Treehouse Village experience, and inspire new nature play at the Log Cabin. We have already seen the joy and curiosity sparked from the Big Girl installation, and this next phase

11 | THE SEASON OF IMPACT

While our campus continues to transform to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, the wonder guests will experience is made possible because of the community that has supported and continues to support Meijer Gardens. Every donor and member is an essential partner in our continued growth, helping us care for what we have while making thoughtful investments in what comes next. This season, please join us in continuing the wonder for generations to come. Visit: MeijerGardens.org/Donate If you would like to learn more about how to give through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD/IRA), please email: giving@meijergardens.org

MEMBERS AND DONORS MAKE PROGRESS POSSIBLE | 2026

27,000+ MUSEUM FOR ALL TICKETS SOLD

$733,000+ IN FREE OR REDUCED ADMISSION

5,000+ K-12 STUDENTS RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADMISSION THROUGH FIELD TRIPS

JOIN US IN KEEPING THIS CHIHULY AT MEIJER GARDENS! With your help, Chartreuse Icicle Tower can continue welcoming, inspiring and delighting our community for years to come.

$7,000+ IN TRANSPORTATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

550

CONCERTS FOR THE COMMUNIT Y TICKETS GIVEN

1,300+ COMMUNITY MEMBERS ATTENDED BUTTERFLY SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHTS

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY AND BECOME PART OF THIS LASTING LEGACY.

Visit MeijerGardens.org/ a-lasting-glow/#donate or scan the QR code to make your gift today.

12 | THE SEASON OF IMPACT

Dale Chihuly, Chartreuse Icicle Tower, 2025, blown glass and steel, 32 x 7 x 7 ft., Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI, installed 2026, © 2025 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Nathaniel Willson

Give the Gift of Meijer Gardens this Holiday Season! 13 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

DeVos–Keeler Gift Shop | Holiday Gift Guide Shop a little later! Shop in the Gift Shop until 10 pm during ENLIGHTEN, with the Outdoor Kiosk open until 9 pm. Also, enjoy Tuesday late-night shopping in the Gift Shop until 9 pm. Explore our Holiday Gift Guide online for even more inspiration: bit.ly/MuzeMerch

GIFT MEMBERSHIP* A Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park gift membership offers a full year of discovery, making it a thoughtful choice for family, friends, and anyone who would enjoy more reasons to join you in your visits in the year ahead.

*Not available for purchase in Gift Shop.

RIVER ROCK MACCHIA: $8,000 2025 River Rock Macchia Studio Edition by Chihuly.

THE AMERICAN HORSE LEATHER NOTEBOOK: $68

Notebook featuring The American Horse, made with raw leather and embossing.

GUIDEBOOK: $15* Discover Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in a whole new way with the Guide to Collections & Gardens. 3

*$10 with purchase of a membership.

THE AMERICAN HORSE CUTTING BOARD: $45

This cutting board featuring the renowned American Horse is the ideal hosting gift for the foodie who loves art.

BRILLIANT GOLD SEAFORM: $7,000 2026 Brilliant Gold Seaform Studio Edition by Chihuly.

THE AMERICAN HORSE 3D ORNAMENT: $25 Add the iconic American Horse to your tree or home this holiday season. This 3D replica ornament is perfect for the sculpture lover in your world.

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FRAMED BUTTERFLIES IN ACRYLIC: $150 Take home these dazzling butterflies, permanently enclosed in acrylic for a lifetime of beauty.

CELESTIAL BASKETS: $3,755 Celestial Baskets Fine Art Print by Chihuly, an eightcolor serigraph, epitomizes classic characteristics of his iconic series.

14 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

THROUGH JANUARY 10, 2027

There is something inherently joyful about encountering Dale Chihuly’s work. Color seems more intense. Light moves through forms in unexpected ways. Familiar materials appear transformed. And—for a moment— the experience can simply make you feel GOOD. That response is no accident. Due to popular demand, the indoor CHIHULY: Radiant Forms is extended through January 10, 2027, offering additional opportunities to experience the exhibition built around the artist’s lifelong exploration of glass and his commitment to the people who encounter his work. “I want people to be overwhelmed with light and color in some way that they’ve never experienced.”

CHIHULY: RADIANT FORMS Adult: $9 | Child (3-13): $5 Child (Under 2): FREE Members receive a 10% discount Purchase tickets at MeijerGardens.org/CHIHULY.

15 | CHIHULY: RADIANT FORMS

ORCHID-RELATED EVENTS A Most Elegant Madness: Orchids, Art and Fashion in the Victorian Age Saturday, January 23 | 1–2 pm $20 | Member discount 10% Join Amber Oudsema, Curator of Art Interpretation & Engagement, for this special lecture. Orchids at Twilight Saturday, January 23 | 6–8 pm $35 | Members save 10% Orchids at Twilight transforms the daytime Orchid Show into an unforgettable evening experience. After the crowds depart, step into a vibrant world of thousands of blooming orchids, with their extraordinary colors, forms and intricate details taking center stage. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access, complemented by live music, a selection of light bites included with each ticket, and specialty cocktails and mocktails available through our purchase bar. Whether it’s a date night, an evening with friends and family, or simply an excuse to escape winter, slow down, sip, and savor a spectacular night surrounded by the remarkable beauty of orchids at Meijer Gardens.

Orchids T Take Center Stage

he stunning beauty of orchids is found almost everywhere in the world, with approximately 30,000 known species inhabiting a variety of environments, gracing every continent except Antarctica. The extraordinary diversity of shapes, scents, colors, habitats, and pollination strategies of these evolutionary problem-solvers makes the Orchid Show as much an exploration of biodiversity and adaptation as a display of enthralling flowers.

ORCHID SHOW Presented by the Grand Valley Orchid Society Welcome Center Complimentary Saturday, January 23 Sales: 9 am–5 pm Display: 12–5 pm Orchids at Twilight: 6–8 pm Sunday, January 24 Sales and Display: 11 am–5 pm

ORCHID-FOCUSED WORKSHOPS Explore hands-on learning throughout the weekend. Meijer Gardens members receive a 10% discount. Orchid Watercolor Class Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 6–8 pm $50 | Member discount 10% Isabel Maternowski, Artist Orchid Photography (Adults) Sunday, January 24, 2027 | 9–11 am $40 | Member discount 10% Dusty Brown, Professional Photographer

The Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor is another highlight of the weekend and the season—transformed for the occasion with orchids brought in specifically to create displays for the show, to be experienced and enjoyed for a limited time. Be sure to revel in this lovely respite from the busier spaces. Then wander deeper into the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, where the Leonard and Dora Rosenzweig Orchid Wall showcases orchids from the thousands in Meijer Gardens’ collection. Peruse spectacular displays. Discover fascinating varieties. Deepen your appreciation of this fascinating flora during special programming throughout the weekend. Whether you’re a devoted collector, a curious first-timer or simply craving a vibrant winter escape, don’t miss this chance to experience one of nature’s most captivating plant families—in full display at Meijer Gardens.

Orchid Bag Charms (Adults) Sunday, January 24, 2027 | 1–3 pm $90 | Member discount 10% Denise Garcia, SOCCO Enjoy a hands-on workshop with Denise Garcia of SOCCO. Create two orchid bag charms, using real preserved orchids and shimmering beads. Give one, treasure the other, or keep both to add a floral touch to your favorite accessories. All materials included.

A tradition nearing three decades, the Orchid Show—among Meijer Gardens’ longest-running plant shows—returns January 23 and 24 to delight and inspire fans and admirers as they indulge in diverse flowering plants dating to the age of dinosaurs. Leave grey winter days behind for an extraordinary explosion of blooms throughout our great indoors. Escape the cold to encounter orchids in dazzling colors, unexpected shapes and intricate forms that reveal just how astonishing the plant world can be. The show brings together Michigan’s orchid community and includes displays from clubs across the state and vendors from across the Midwest.

Visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar to learn more and register for events and workshops.

16 | ORCHID SHOW

Art. Music. Food. Together. | Winter brings a different kind of beauty to Meijer Gardens. From lively evenings filled with music and movement to intimate celebrations and jazz-filled brunches, there are plenty of ways to gather, explore, and make the most of the season.

Jazz Brunch

Winter Nights

Valentine’s Day

A Winter Brunch with a Jazzy Soundtrack

A Tuesday Evening Series

A Night to Celebrate Together

January 16, January 30, February 20, 2027 11 am–1 pm Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Spice up your winter with a smooth, jazzy soundtrack and an elevated brunch experience at Meijer Gardens. Jazz Brunch returns in 2027, pairing live music with a bespoke seasonal menu curated by our Culinary Arts team. Your ticket includes a signature mimosa upon arrival, with additional brunch cocktails available for purchase. Savor flavors as layered as the music, with a curated spread featuring: • French Toast Flambé • Boutique Biscuit Bar • The Butcher’s Block • Dockside Delicacies • Fresh Fruit & Assorted Desserts Price: $110 | 21+ event FEATURING: January 16 Dave Bennett

January 30 Demetrius Nabors

February 20 Kevin Jones & Tenth World Members receive 10% off. Purchase tickets at MeijerGardens.org On sale | Members: October 30 Public: November 6 Advance reservations required. Seating is limited.

February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2027 5–9 pm Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Brighten the season with Winter Nights, a lively Tuesday evening series celebrating art, culture and creativity. Explore Meijer Gardens after dark as the Garden Pavilion and BISSELL Corridor come alive with live performances by local and regional artists, illuminated installations, build your own floral arrangement, and unexpected moments of discovery. Each evening offers a different experience, inviting guests to gather, explore and see familiar spaces in a new light. Make a night of it! Seasonal food and beverages available for purchase in the James & Shirley Balk Café are thoughtfully paired with each evening’s programming. Four Nights. Four Experiences. FEBRUARY 2 Movement Ballet & Movement

FEBRUARY 9 Fat Tuesday Great Lakes Brass Band

FEBRUARY 16 Salsa

FEBRUARY 23 Hipster Disco

Tickets included with General Admission. Free for members. Please visit: MeijerGardens.org/calendar to learn more.

17 | WINTER AT MEIJER GARDENS

Saturday, February 13, 2027 6 pm Cocktail Hour 7 pm Dinner Huizenga Grand Room Make Valentine’s Day a night to remember at Meijer Gardens. Begin the evening with a cocktail hour in the BISSELL Corridor, where guests will be welcomed with champagne and invited to mingle and enjoy the surroundings before dinner. At 7 pm, continue to the Huizenga Grand Room for a four-course dinner complemented by wine pairings with select courses. Acclaimed vocalist and performer Kimmie Horne brings live music to the evening, creating the perfect setting for dining, dancing and celebrating together. $150 per person | 21+ event Includes: • Welcome Champagne • Four-course dinner • Wine pairings • Live music by Kimmie Horne Purchase bar available for additional beverages. Members receive 10% off. Purchase tickets at MeijerGardens.org On sale | Members: December 11 Public: December 18

WINTER: A TIME FOR REST AND RECHARGE W

hen flowers and foliage recede, the landscape reveals a different character. The structure and outline of a tree come forward. Frost settles on ornamental grasses. Berries become bright points of color against snow. For the Horticulture team, winter begins long before the first snowfall. Plants and natural materials may be left standing after autumn to provide structure, texture, and visual interest through the colder months, while also offering habitat and resources for wildlife. Elsewhere, thoughtful pruning helps prepare trees for how they will look and flourish in the years ahead.

“It’s no surprise that the most drastic change in winter is all the snow and ice. Guests are often surprised when they ask if we are open in the winter and I say yes— and it’s usually a great chance to remind them of how different a world it is to explore!” explains Ethan Coté, Senior Horticulture Lead “There are stars of the show throughout the garden in all seasons—and winter

is no exception. After the leaves have disappeared, the vibrant reds of the Red Osier Dogwood, Staghorn Sumac, and Winterberry really pop amongst the cloudy winter skies. The waterfalls remain running throughout the winter, and the way they freeze and thaw, is an art piece all on its own. “In a garden that activates all senses, the sound of winter is one of the most striking. The way the snow insulates everything creates a muffled effect that makes everything come into view all the more clearly.” The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden is a particularly striking example. Trees are carefully pruned with winter in mind, creating forms that catch and hold snow, the underlying structure and composition of the garden become more clear. Winter also gives horticulturists a revealing look at the trees themselves. Bare branches expose their framework, allowing the team to better understand how each tree is developing and guide its future

growth. Some decisions shape what guests may see next season. Others are made with a far longer horizon in mind, thoughtfully directing the living collection for 10 or 20 years from now. “As days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, trees prepare for winter by stopping food production. This process is known as leaf senescence. It is the final stage of a leaf that results in the beautiful fall color before it dies and falls from the tree,” says Gabe Vlasma, Horticulture Lead. “The beauty of the form of a tree is most obvious when the leaves are naturally shed. The senescence of leaves is the cue that trees are no longer actively growing and entering the dormant stage. The transformation that a tree goes through in the fall is physiological and prepares it for the long cold winter. Take a little more time this winter. In the quietest season, some of horticulture’s most thoughtful details are given room to be seen.

“LOSE YOURSELF IN THE GENTLE RUSH OF A CREEK, THE PLAY OF LIGHT ON A PATH, OR THE PROFOUND STILLNESS OF A BOULDER.” —HOICHI KURISU, DESIGNER OF THE RICHARD & HELEN DEVOS JAPANESE GARDEN

18 | WINTER 18 | STORY AT MEIJER TITLE GARDENS

19 | STORY TITLE

COMING IN 2027...

It’s Big! THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS: A FIELD STUDY MAY 14–OCTOBER 31 In 2027, artist and international sensation Thomas Dambo brings TROLLS: A Field Study to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park— and with it, 12 giant inhabitants unlike anything we’ve welcomed before. The trolls have wandered off their beaten path with a mission: to investigate one of nature’s greatest mysteries—us!

Monumental in scale and full of personality, they reflect Dambo’s belief that discarded materials can become something extraordinary. Part sculpture exhibition and part playful investigation of what it means to be human, TROLLS: A Field Study will transform your visit to Meijer Gardens into a journey of discovery.

20 | TROLLS: A FIELD STUDY

ENLIGHTEN OPENING NIGHT November 23, 2026 | 5:30–9:30 pm

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY November 24, 2026 | 6 pm TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: WEST MICHIGAN BENGALI CULTURAL ASSOCIATION November 24, 2026 | 6–8 pm

SANTA, ROOFTOP REINDEER AND ACTIVITIES AT MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN November 28, 2026 | 1–4 pm TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: WEST MICHIGAN BENGALI CULTURAL ASSOCIATION November 28, 2026 | 1–3 pm

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november

FUSED GLASS HOLIDAY WREATHS (Adults) November 15, 2026 | 1–3:30 pm $190 Nonmembers | Member discount 10%

TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: LA FURIA DEL RITMO December 1, 2026 | 6–8 pm

PRESENTED BY

Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6 pm Celebrate the season in spectacular style at Sparkle!, Meijer Gardens’ unforgettable winter event. Gather with friends for an elegant evening filled with festive surroundings, exceptional food, and memorable experiences—all while supporting the mission and programs of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Whether Sparkle! is a treasured annual tradition or you’re joining us for the first time, this is a night to dress up in your finest sparkling gear, raise a glass, and make a meaningful difference. Reserve your place today. Help make the season, and the year ahead, shine even brighter. Reserve your tickets at: MeijerGardens.org/Sparkle GET INVOLVED WITH SPARKLE! Partnership opportunities are available for Sparkle! Join us in bringing art, culture and nature to our community while connecting your organization with one of our premier fundraising events. Your partnership helps make meaningful experiences possible throughout the year and demonstrates your commitment to a vibrant, thriving community. To explore opportunities, please contact Julie Lesniak: jlesniak@meijergardens.org | 616-975-3143 ENLIGHTEN HOLIDAY DINNER December 4, 2026 | 5:30–8 pm

SENSORY-FRIENDLY VISIT WITH SANTA December 5, 2026 | 10 am–12 pm TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: HISPANIC CENTER OF WEST MICHIGAN December 5, 2026 | 1–3 pm

RAY AND NANCY LOESCHNER ART COMPETITION The 2026 Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition is now accepting submissions, until December 1, 2026. The annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition is open to artists working in a two-dimensional format, including photography inspired by the grounds and collections of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Two $5,000 purchase awards (one for two-dimensional work and one for photography) are awarded in this competition, and winning entries are acquired into the Meijer Gardens permanent collection. Visit MeijerGardens.org/loeschner-art-competition for more information and to enter the competition.

M. Joy Lemon, Curly Cue, 2024, charcoal, chalk, and toned paper, 21 x 36 x 1 in., Winner of the Ray and Nancy Loeschner Two-Dimensional Artwork Competition, 2024

SANTA, ROOFTOP REINDEER AND ACTIVITIES AT MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN December 5, 2026 | 1–4 pm YOGA UNDER THE TREES AND HOLIDAY EXHIBITION TOUR (Adults) December 6, 2026 | 9:30–11 am $30 Nonmembers | Member discount 10% PRINTMAKING HOLIDAY CARDS WORKSHOP (Adults) December 6, 2026 | 1–3:30 pm $45 Nonmembers | Member discount 10% FELTED HOLIDAY TREES WORKSHOP (Adults) December 6, 2026 | 1–4 pm $90 Nonmembers | Member discount 10% WEST MICHIGAN GLASS PANEL DISCUSSION December 6, 2026 | 2–3 pm

21 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SENSORY-FRIENDLY VISIT WITH SANTA December 12, 2026 | 10 am–12 pm TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: GRAND RAPIDS SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL: PERUGIA, ITALY December 12, 2026 | 1–3 pm SANTA, ROOFTOP REINDEER AND ACTIVITIES AT MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN December 12, 2026 | 1–4 pm

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TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: ARTURO ZIRALDO December 8, 2026 | 6–8 pm

ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 2, 2027 | 5–8 pm

ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 3, 2027 | 5–8 pm ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 6, 2027 | 5–8 pm ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 7, 2027 | 5–8 pm

ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 8, 2027 | 5–8 pm

ENLIGHTEN HOLIDAY DINNER December 12, 2026 | 5–8 pm

SOUND BATH IN THE HOLIDAY RAILWAY GARDEN (Adults) December 13, 2026 | 8:30–10 am $40 Nonmembers | Member discount 10% YOGA UNDER THE TREES AND HOLIDAY EXHIBITION TOUR (Adults) December 13, 2026 | 9:30–11 am $30 Nonmembers | Member discount 10% TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: UKRAINIAN SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN December 15, 2026 | 6–8 pm

ENLIGHTEN HOLIDAY DINNER December 18, 2026 | 5–8 pm $30 Nonmembers | Member discount 10%

TRADITIONS IN COMMUNITY: UKRAINIAN AMERICAN ARCHIVES & MUSEUM AND THE UKRAINIAN SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN December 19, 2026 | 1–3 pm

SANTA, ROOFTOP REINDEER AND ACTIVITIES AT MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN December 19, 2026 | 1–4 pm

ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 9, 2027 | 5–8 pm

ORCHID SHOW January 24, 2027 | 11 am–5 pm

ENLIGHTEN WINTER DINNER January 10, 2027 | 5–8 pm

ORCHID BAG CHARMS (Adults) January 24, 2027 | 1–3 pm $90 Nonmembers | Member discount 10%

CHIHULY: RADIANT FORMS FINAL DAY January 10, 2027 ENLIGHTEN LAST NIGHT January 10, 2027 | 5:30–9:30 pm

ENLIGHTEN HOLIDAY DINNER December 19, 2026 | 5–8 pm $30 Nonmembers | Member discount 10%

ENLIGHTEN HOLIDAY DINNER December 20, 2026 | 5–8 pm $30 Nonmembers | Member discount 10%

JAZZ BRUNCH: DAVE BENNETT January 16, 2027 | 11 am–1 pm ORCHID SHOW January 23, 2027 | 9 am–5 pm

JAZZ BRUNCH: DEMETRIUS NABORS January 30, 2027 | 11 am–1 pm

FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS, DETAILS AND REGISTR ATION INFORMATION , SCAN:

A MOST ELEGANT MADNESS: ORCHIDS, ART AND FASHION IN THE VICTORIAN AGE January 23, 2027 | 1–2 pm $20 Nonmembers | Member discount 10%

22 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dale Chihuly, Venetians, 1989-2011, blown glass, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI, installed 2026, ©Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

HOURS

CONTACT

@MeijerGardens #MeijerGardens

MeijerGardens.org hello@meijergardens.org P 616-957-1580 TF 888-957-1580

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where we all grow™ We value your input! Respond to our content or submit your own to hello@meijergardens.org. Seasons is produced quarterly and mailed to Meijer Gardens members. If you prefer to receive your copy digitally, please contact Membership: 616-977-7689 | membership@meijergardens.org

11 am–5 pm 9 am–5 pm 9 am–9 pm 9 am–5 pm

Member Early Hours, first full weekend of each month: Saturday 8–9 am | Sunday 9–11 am. The DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop, James & Shirley Balk Café and Peter M. Wege Library open at regular hours. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Mondays in January and February. Hours may change seasonally or during special exhibitions. Visit MeijerGardens.org for details.

COVER: Dietrich Klinge, Grosser Trefree, 2000, bronze, 54 in. x 38.13 in. x 40.13 in., Gift of The Meijer Foundation, © Dietrich Klinge

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, Content and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

The paper this publication is printed on contains fiber from certified, responsibly managed forests. It was produced using certified renewable energy, includes a minimum of 10% recycled fiber and is printed locally with soy-based ink.

Meijer Gardens is a proud member of Museums for All. Show your EBT/ WIC card for a reduced admission of $2 per person for up to four people.

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Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

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