Vendor opportunities at World of Winter are limited to food trucks. Email our team at info@downtowngr.org for future consideration.
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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!
Music/Dance
Tours • Wellness
Cultural • Kid Friendly • Music/Dance
Food Trucks • Kid Friendly • On Ice • Wellness
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!
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!
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:
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.
Be part of World of Winter 2026 by becoming a Sponsor. Click the button to learn more about how to get involved.
