World Of Winter

The Largest Winter Festival In The U.S.

Thank You for an Incredible Festival!

What an unforgettable season! World of Winter 2025 was a true celebration of art, community and the magic of winter. From breathtaking installations to interactive exhibits and live performances, we loved sharing this experience with you.

A huge thank you to our artists, performers, partners, volunteers and—most importantly—YOU, our amazing community, for making this festival so special. Your energy and enthusiasm transformed Downtown Grand Rapids into a true winter wonderland!

We can’t wait to do it all again—see you at World of Winter 2026! ❄️✨

Stay connected to our socials for updates and announcements! 

Previous Events

Music/Dance

KOAN Sound at ChronoHarp
February 21 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

ToursWellness

Guided Walking Tour: Art Installations
January 22 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

CulturalKid FriendlyMusic/Dance

Noodle Fest
March 1 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Food TrucksKid FriendlyOn IceWellness

Human Hungry Hippo Tournament
February 23 @ 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Experience Winter In A Whole New Light

Last year’s festival showcased an incredible array of light-based art installations from around the world.

Stay tuned for the official reveal of our 2026 installations!

Arctic Friends

APOGEE

Kinetic Perspective

The Hive

WoW Selfie Spot

Waves

Soloveiko Songbirds

Chronoharp

Frequently Asked Questions

Our 2026 festival will kick off on January 9, 2026, and the festival will run for two months!

This outdoor festival takes place all over Downtown Grand Rapids. We will update our website with an event calendar and map as we get closer to the 2026 festival.

Everyone is welcome at all World of Winter events. Different events are designed for different audiences. Check the event calendar to find what’s right for you.

Since most of our installations are light-based, the best time to experience them is after 6:00 PM. Additionally, most of our events take place Thursday through Saturday. For the most up-to-date information on timings and special events, please refer to our event calendar to help plan your visit.

The World of Winter is a free outdoor festival celebrating winter through art installations, events and activities for all ages.

No, admission to all activities and events is free!

However, some events may have optional paid activities or experiences. For specific details on any costs associated with an event, please refer to the event calendar, which provides up-to-date information on fees and participation details.

Vendor opportunities at World of Winter are limited to food trucks. Email our team at  info@downtowngr.org for future consideration.

Approximately 9 months before the festival opens we hold an Open Call, during which creatives from all around the world can submit installations. To get notified of the open call, please fill out this form

There are several convenient options for parking when visiting the World of Winter!

  • Street Parking: It’s free after 7 PM, so if you’re visiting in the evening, you can easily find a spot.
  • Area 9 Parking: For just $3 a day, park at Area 9 Parking (250 Seward NW) and take advantage of the free DASH shuttle service, which runs every 15 minutes around downtown. It’s a great way to save time and money!
  • Public Transit: If you prefer not to drive into downtown, consider using The Rapid bus system, which offers easy access to and from downtown. You can download the Transit app to plan your trip.
  • The DASH Shuttle: This free shuttle circulates around downtown, making stops every 15 minutes. It’s a convenient way to get to your destination without worrying about parking.

For the best parking options and to find the nearest stops, check out the City of Grand Rapids Parking Map and the Transit app.

We have a full event calendar! You can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

  • Art installations
  • Live performances
  • Family-friendly games
  • Guided walking tours and more

Michigan winters are unpredictable. Be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly. Check out this page for our recommendations.

Most events feature local food trucks with a variety of options. Check each event for details.

Yes, the festival is designed to be accessible. Each installation and event has ADA specific information to help everyone enjoy the festival. Please contact us at info@downtowngr.org if you have specific needs and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

We’d love for you to join us! Fill our our Volunteer Interest Form for more information on volunteering opportunities.

We encourage you to use your best judgment when deciding to bring your pup to this event. If they are reactive towards other dogs or people, it’s probably best to leave them at home this time.

Note that the Festival can become extremely crowded and difficult to navigate; we recommend lighting up your pup for style and safety!

For any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our team at info@downtowngr.org.

Previously at World of Winter

Thanks to our 2025 World of Winter Partners!

Be part of World of Winter 2026 by becoming a Sponsor. Click the button to learn more about how to get involved.