University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021—SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2022

Across cultures and continents, countless experiences connect us and conjure the spirit of the holidays. Lend us an ear as we explore the Sounds of the Season.

Experience the season through a global soundtrack that’s sure to inspire and intrigue. University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions marks the 27th year of our annual horticulture exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, honoring the role music, bells, gongs, whistles and animals play in treasured holiday celebrations.

Enter our winter wonderland, illuminated by 300,000 lights and filled with the sights and sounds of 42 cultural displays—each begging a closer look. As you take them in, see and hear instruments and objects that bring the holidays to life.

Did you know Vienna, Austria, is the birthplace of the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” as well as some of history’s most famous composers, such as Mozart, Schubert and Strauss? Or that traditional African music is central to Kwanzaa? Percussion, piano, and handheld instruments create a musical backdrop as lively and meaningful as the colors of this iconic celebration.

Notice how Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival of breaking the fast, is honored with prayer and chants of “Subhan Allah,” meaning “Glory to God.” Listen to the Railway Garden as the bustling train makes its way through this magical miniature cityscape. Even winter birds spread stories of holiday joy as they chirp and sing songs of the season.

Bring the family for a Saturday afternoon with Santa’s reindeer. While you’re outside, take a brisk walk to Michigan’s Farm Garden, where you can hop aboard our charming vintage sleigh inside a picture-perfect, century-old barn lit by sparkling evergreens.

Tuesday evenings, don’t miss Santa himself—and the Dickens Carolers. Experience the sounds of folk and world music with Samuel Nalangira, a native of Uganda, Africa, also during Tuesday evenings before Christmas. Other festive events include the annual Member Holiday Lighting Ceremony and our Member Holiday Parties. See dates at right or visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for details.

We can’t wait to welcome—and hear—you!

Kirstin Volkening

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS

ENTIRE FACILITY OPEN UNTIL 9 PM

December 20–23 and 27–30

Please note: Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.