Behind the Scenes of Meijer Gardens’ Holiday Exhibit

More than 50,000 visitors travel to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to get in the holiday spirit. During November and December, the annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around The World exhibition brings to life more than 40 holiday trees and displays from across the globe.

Mainstays of the exhibition include the Germany Tree which is adorned with handmade glass ornaments homemade springerle cookies; the England tree with antique Christmas cards and mistletoe;” and the beautiful Eid ul-Fitr display, which celebrates the end of Ramadan. The exhibition includes 30 decorated trees, 10 cultural displays and an expansive presentation of poinsettias and live Michigan-grown evergreens.

But behind the glow of 300,000 lights is something much larger – a holiday tradition for Meijer Gardens’ visitors, members, volunteers, staff and all of West Michigan.

Dave Kagan

The exhibition began 15 years ago, when long-time Meijer Gardens’ supporters Starr Meijer, Meg Miller Willet, and Pamella DeVos dreamt of a horticultural display that would highlight different cultures and holiday traditions with ever-changing components and décor. 

Through extensive research and discussions with the community, a collection of ornaments, displays, and other decorations were brought together to assemble the exhibition. Each year, the displays change by using different evergreen species, arranging the displays in new ways, changing the height of the trees and more.

Tet Nguyen Dan

During the off-season, Meijer Gardens’ staff researches other cultures, creating at least one new display for the next year. New in 2009 is the Vietnamese New Year called Tet Nguyên Ðán. The ancestral altar, Buddha statue, incense and other elements represent their tradition of honoring the union of nature, humans, culture, the living and the dead.

Beginning in late-October and early November, a large crew of volunteers begin assembling the displays. In total, it takes approximately 2000 hours to complete. A 15-foot tree is decorated with close to 1,000 ornaments.

William J Hebert

Not only has the exhibition become a tradition in West Michigan but it’s a way for the community to share in the knowledge and respect of other cultures. The displays do not suggest that all people in any one culture celebrate the holidays the same way. Traditions vary from region to region, family to family, but Meijer Gardens honors the joy all families bring to one another when they celebrate.

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around The World will be on display until January 10. For more information, visit MeijerGardens.org.

William J Hebert

All photos and information courtesy and copyright of Meijer Gardens and photographers as noted.