The magic of the holidays is coming to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with their annual “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World” exhibition. It begins November 24 through January 3, 2016. Visitors from all over the nation visit Meijer Gardens to experience over 40 international trees and displays, the enchanting Railway Garden and the holiday wonderland.

One of my favorites is the Railway Garden. The train meanders through four lush indoor garden spaces, bringing together colorful plantings with storybook scenes. You'll find  handcrafted buildings replicating 30 Grand Rapids landmarks, designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination. You'll see Fifth Third Ballpark created with willow light posts, the Ada Covered Bridge with a cedar roof and the Meyer May House with oak bark siding and red ruscus leaves. So cool.

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ThinkStock/kim stillwell
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As a culmination of Meijer Garden’s 20th anniversary year, this year’s exhibition will highlight the Railway Garden and the new additions that will be added to honor Grand Rapids’ sister cities. Five new landmarks have been intricately crafted using fine details and natural materials: Independence Square-Black Star Gate, from the GA District in Ghana; Palazzo Dei Priori, from Perugia, Italy; Chomeiji Temple, Omihachiman, Japan; Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, Zapopan, Mexico and the Bielsko-Biala Town Hall, Poland.

“These buildings were hand selected by local sister city representatives and represent some fantastic architecture,” said Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture. “These beautiful and incredibly detailed landmarks broaden the scope of the Railway Garden. Guests can now travel from West Michigan to significant sites around the world”
Mainstays of the exhibition include the Germany tree, adorned with handmade glass ornaments and 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.

Courtesy Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Courtesy Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Extended Holiday Hours:Open until 9 p.m. on December 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 30 (Please note: Meijer Gardens is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

 

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