What is Going On With the Weird Lights Over Grand Rapids?

This was the big question last year as lot of people were spooked by strange lights on Grand Rapids' Northeast side. They would change colors, glow bright then disappear, flash, do everything. I think people were freaked that this was the War of the Worlds Martian landing.

Well, again this year, some folks are freaking out, or maybe they are just concerned with those strange lights again. Aliens? Relax!

What are these lights over NE GR?
byu/Antigone33 ingrandrapids

Of course, not so. It was Enlighten, the fantastic Christmas light show at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. It was all new, for them and the public, and they were literally rehearsing for the big reveal.

Guess what? It's the same as last year. The lights are from the Gardens as they test and rehearse for their opening next Monday, November 24.

John VanderHaagen, Director of Communications at the Meijer Gardens, said  "ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens Presented by PNC Bank, is an immersive evening experience that blends light, nature, art and sound in extraordinary ways.  It runs during evening hours from Monday, November 24 to January 3, 2026."

He continued, "Enlighten is a specially ticketed nighttime event. Guests walk a curated 1-mile pathway beginning in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, featuring illuminated installations, ambient music, interactive displays, and its renowned sculpture collection set aglow in the winter landscape."

Enlighten is a spectacular event for the entire family. Along with the lights, music and displays, they will have refreshments and warming stations along the way.

 👇 BELOW: SEE THE WORLDS LONGEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY 👇

As John mentioned, this is a ticketed event and tickets are timed. In other words, to control the flow of crowds, tickets will be sold for every half hour beginning at 5:30p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION!