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Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
November 18, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Excitement surrounds us this time of year as Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World brings the glow of 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and more than 40 international trees and displays. A new feature this year is a 50-piece Santon display from France, along with the return of three important festive displays honoring the Chinese New Year, the Muslim celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, and the unique illumination traditions from the Philippines known as Parols.
Enjoy the Spirit of the Season
Have fun with an exciting treasure hunt that leads you throughout the entire Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition, including the Railway Garden, or bundle up and head out to the Children’s Garden for hands-on holiday fun with several interactive daily activities.
Sponsored by:
Railway Garden
The Railway Garden, beloved by children of all ages, will again travel through lush gardens, over bridges and past buildings—all made using only natural materials. While our train and trolleys are always popular, this year the spotlight will shift to the amazing buildings, constructed from bark, twigs, nuts, pods and cinnamon sticks by nationally-known railway garden designer Paul Busse and his team of artists. A partially constructed building will give you an insider’s look at how they were created and challenge you to identify the natural materials that serve as siding, steeples, shingles, windows, doorways and lampposts. All buildings are reproductions of Grand Rapids area buildings, many of which are historic landmarks.
Sponsored by:
