Know Before You Go!

Plan Your Visit

World of Winter spans Downtown Grand Rapids with lights, installations and events for all ages. Plan your route and explore the highlights.

Festival Dates & Hours

Festival Starts

Friday, January 8, 2027, 6:00 PM

Festival Ends

Sunday, February 28 2027 at 11:00 PM

Open Daily:

8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Plan Your Route

World of Winter spans multiple locations across Downtown Grand Rapids. Installations and events are spread throughout the city — use the event calendar to map your visit.

Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Central, walkable park with large-scale light art, seasonal installations and major festival events.

Accessibility: The Anooki installation is on the grass, so visitors with limited mobility may not be able to get close.

Illuminated pedestrian corridor with rotating installations.

Accessibility: Fully walkable and accessible for all visitors.

Nightly projection show, sculpture and nearby public art.

Accessibility: Fully accessible, clear paths for easy exploration.

One major installation and nearby public art, known for major festival events. Big open space with an accessible lot.

Accessibility: Fully accessible for visitors, with an accessible porta-potty on site. The Emergence installation includes an audio description for an enhanced experience.

Hub for walking tours, ice skating, and major events.

Accessibility: Fully walkable and accessible.

Family-friendly area with interactive displays near 555 Monroe, including Friday night food trucks and nearby installations.

Accessibility: Fully accessible.

Fully accessible location with open spaces and an accessible porta-potty, known for the Friday Night Food Trucks during the festival.

Accessibility: Fully accessible for visitors. The upcoming Weci | Koninut installation is a seated experience — you can get close, though the experience may limit access for some.

Parking

Finding parking is easy! Here are some convenient options:

🚗 Street Parking

Available throughout downtown — pay via the Motu app before 7 PM. Check street signs for time limits

🅿️ Area 9 Parking

$4/day at 250 Seward NW. Free DASH shuttle every 15 min, plan your route for the best stops.

🚲 Alternative Transit

Bike racks, ride-share zones and public transit stops nearby for a stress-free visit.

Public Transit

Prefer not to drive? Getting to and around Downtown is easy with public transit:

🚌 The Rapid 

Frequent service to and from Downtown. Use the Transit app or the bus website to plan your route.

🚍 The Free Dash Shuttle 

Free pink shuttle every 15 min to all major festival locations. Plan your route for the best stops.

Accessibility

All festival locations are fully accessible, though a few installations and events have some limitations, see below:

Human Hungry Hippo Tournament

Event participation happens on the ice and may limit participation.

Event takes place on grass and requires throwing an object; may limit participation for some visitors.

Our Free walking tours include accessibility features such as audio, visual and tactile elements to enhance the experience for all visitors.

Please note: Accessible porta-potties are available at key locations.

What to Wear

Dress for winter so you can enjoy all the lights, art and activities comfortably.

🧦

Base Layers (leggings, long-sleeve shirts; wool, silk, polypropylene over cotton)

🩳

Snow Pants / Layered Pants

🧥

Water-Resistant Coat

🥾

Water-Resistant Boots

🧤

Hat, Gloves & Scarves

Bundle Up in Style