It’s almost that joyous time of year in Southwest Michigan, (and already that time for some), when snow dusts every surface of our corner of the world. Blanketed in shimmering white, our landscapes and buildings are picturesque– moonlight bouncing off of trees and rooftops, and hanging lights reflecting every snowflake. At Fernwood, take a journey through a magical world of lights, as they brightly illuminate the gardens and grounds.
Fernwood Botanical Garden, on Range Line Road between Buchanan and Niles, welcomes the second year of ‘LIGHTS at Fernwood’ to the property, since taking a break from the fifteen year display in 2008. “Our intention was always to bring back this much-loved holiday experience to our region,” says Fernwood Executive Director, Carol Line. “It took us a bit longer than we imagined, with COVID factoring into the delay, but the community response to our earlier lights show was favorable and part of so many holiday traditions. It was missed. So, we’re back!”
For twenty-one days during winter, the gardens are transformed into the brightest of winter wonderlands. Though the lights are only up for less than a month, it is a year-round affair preparing for the season. “Our amazing team of staff and volunteers have been working on this all year,” Carol says. “Late last winter we met with our designers, then began the ordering, inventory, installation, and testing. The first LIGHTS installation for this season began back in August.”
Ticket sales opened to the public on November 1st, and purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged (multiple nights sold out last year!) The very first LIGHTS show of the year happens on November 25th, and will run through January 1st, but not on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
“We have added a kids craft activity in the Sims Education Center this year, and a special new feature. It will be a showstopper, guaranteed,” adds Carol. “We’ve also expanded the garden loop to include a sparkly new area called Arctic Allée. It promises to be quite dazzling!”
Friday through Sunday, tickets prices are $15 for adults, $8 for youth (ages three to twelve), and children two and under are free. Adult tickets for Fernwood members are discounted, so now is a great time to renew or start your membership! Thursdays are celebrated as Family Night, and tickets are offered at a reduced price to families, at $10/adult, $5/youth.
Funds raised from this event help Fernwood in a variety of ways, including basic operations, programming, staffing, and facility upkeep. Throughout the year, Fernwood hosts workshops, classes, club meetings, and lectures that aid in the growth of adult and youth education on site. The Sims Education Center, which opened in 2018, has doubled their teaching and learning space through the two education wings, Flora and Fauna.
To purchase tickets for LIGHTS at Fernwood, please visit fernwoodbotanical.org/lights, and reserve your time slot before they sell out. Four different entrance times are available per evening, and you will enjoy two extraordinary light tunnels, three warm fire pits, festive music, and more!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
