The holidays are almost upon us. One opportunity that will likely get you into the holiday spirit starts next week. It’s the annual Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions” held at Meijer Gardens, now in its 25th year.
“I love when we start to smell the cedar and decorations going up. It’s an exciting time of year. People walk through and they say, this smells just like Christmas.”
That’s Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. He says they’re just about ready and are inviting guests to ring in the holiday season with at least 46 international traditions. It’s their 25th annual “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibition.
“We’re highlighting symbolism this year. It’s a way to honor cultures and holiday traditions in ways that people will see maybe a little differently than what they might be used to with their own families or traditions. So, it’s a lot of fun to see things that are familiar but also to open your eyes to news things and new cultures.”
Guests come from all over the world to visit Meijer Gardens to experience the trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe.
“I think it’s about the joy people bring to one another. And, when they gather together in celebration and have an opportunity to see things that remind them of their past. But then also, I can’t tell you how many times I hear, as I walk through our corridor, people say, wow, I never realized that this community or this tradition worked this way.”
The exhibition opens November 26th and will run through January 5th. For details and information about all the happenings, such as Santa visits and carolers, you can go to meijergardens.org
