Calendar
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
November 26 – January 5, 2014
Excitement surrounds us this time of year as Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World brings the glow of 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and 42 international trees and displays.
This joy-filled annual exhibition, now in it’s 18th year, is a hallmark of Meijer Gardens’ exhibition offerings. This year’s focus is on the Railway Garden, a unique horticultural display that incorporates garden design, miniature buildings made from natural materials, and model trolleys and trains that delight guests of all ages. Meijer Gardens celebrates the Railway Garden through 15 iconic Grand Rapids landmarks added over the
last three years. Several years ago, we invited guests to vote on which iconic buildings
would be translated into miniature for the Railway Garden. The final buildings, to be unveiled this year, include Meyer May House, Voigt House, Paddock Place (now Mangiamo!), Jersey Junction and Fifth Third Ballpark, and bring the total building count to more than 30 local landmarks. But the Railway Garden is more than just trains and miniature landmarks. It is truly a garden, with thoughtful design and careful plant selection devised to enhance the buildings. The horticultural elements bring life to the display of train, trolleys and buildings, creating a vibrant landscape display that is new each year.
A new display at the entrance to the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory will be kadomatsu, a traditional Japanese New Year decoration. Placed in pairs representing male and female, kadomatsu are made primarily of three natural elements. Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth; pine represents vitality and longevity; and plum blossoms signify new beginnings.
Enjoy the Spirit of the Season
Have fun reminiscing with family memories throughout the entire Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition, including the Railway Garden, or bundle up and head out to the Children’s Garden for outdoor winter fun.
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World is made possible by more than 40 exhibition sponsors including:
The Meijer Foundation
Henry Mast Greenhouses, Inc.
Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Universal Forest Products, Inc.
Mike and Sue Jandernoa
Michigan Christmas Tree Association
Lead Railway Garden sponsor:
Railway Garden Display Sponsors
McCormick Company
Hank and Liesel Meijer
Steele and Mary Taylor
Everett's Landscape Management, Inc.
Superior Groundcover, Inc.