World of Winter — A City Worth Exploring All Year Round

Winter in Michigan can feel long, gray, and unpredictable, but in Grand Rapids, it also brings one of the most creative and community-driven events of the year. World of Winter returns in 2026, transforming Downtown Grand Rapids into an outdoor gallery filled with glowing art, interactive installations, and seasonal events that make winter feel a little more inviting.

Running from Friday, January 9 through Sunday, March 1, 2026, World of Winter is completely free to experience and open to everyone. Whether you’re planning a casual evening walk, a weekend outing with family, or a cozy date night downtown, this winter festival offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and head outside.

What is the World of Winter Festival?

World of Winter is Grand Rapids’ signature winter festival, created with one goal in mind: to help people enjoy winter instead of just enduring it. Each year, the festival brings together artists from West Michigan and around the world to create large-scale outdoor art installations designed specifically for winter settings.

As you explore downtown, you’ll encounter illuminated sculptures, interactive pieces you can walk through or engage with, and thoughtfully placed art that feels especially magical against snowy sidewalks and dark winter skies. The experience is intentionally flexible — you can explore at your own pace, stay as long (or short) as you’d like, and make it your own.

 

When & Where to Go

World of Winter 2026 takes place throughout Downtown Grand Rapids, with installations spread across parks, plazas, bridges, and popular walking routes.

Dates: January 9 – March 1, 2026
Location: Multiple downtown locations
Cost: Free

While many installations are visible during the day, the festival truly comes alive after sunset when the lights turn on and the city takes on a completely different feel. Even a short walk can feel special once downtown is glowing. Since each area highlight something unique, the folks behind World of Winter have put together a downloadable map & calendar for this year’s event!

 

What You’ll See

One of the best parts of World of Winter is that every visit feels a little different. You might head downtown with a loose plan and end up wandering longer than expected, stopping for photos, warming up indoors, or discovering an installation you didn’t know was there.

Outdoor Art Installations
World of Winter features a rotating lineup of installations created by local and international artists. These pieces range from interactive light sculptures to inflatable characters that become perfect backdrops for photos and evening strolls.

Featured installations for 2026 include:

• Anooki: Les Timides & Les Turbulents: playful inflatables with a whimsical touch
• Connection & Conservation Way: sculpture and light-based works that blend art with community themes
• Emergence & Grand Illuminations: immersive light experiences perfect after sunset

Local’s Tip: Viewing these installations after dark (around sunset) provides the most magical experience when lights and colors really pop.

Top Events and Activities for 2026
World of Winter is much more than art — it’s a festival filled with interactive experiences and themed events that make exploring downtown exciting:

• Scavenger Hunt: A fun way to explore all corners of the festival
• Friday Night Food Trucks @ 555: Great food and local vibes to warm up your Friday nights
• Ice Breaker Ice Carving Demo at Rosa Parks Circle: Watch a massive 5,000-lb ice block come to life
• Walking Tours: Free guided tours that explain the story behind featured art displays
• Circus Wonderland: A family-friendly evening with performers, games, and interactive art at Calder Plaza

Plus, attendees can enjoy additional programming like silent discos, snow yoga, guided tours, and more — all designed to keep winter fun and engaging.

Best Spots to Experience World of Winter
While the festival spans all of Downtown Grand Rapids, some areas are especially magical:

• Rosa Parks Circle: A central hub for ice art and games
• Ah-Nab-Awen Park & Blue Bridge: Great for scenic evening strolls and stellar backdrops
• Calder Plaza & Sixth Street Park: Frequent stops for events and performances

 

Tips for Planning Your Visit

A little planning can go a long way when it comes to enjoying World of Winter. Because the festival is spread throughout Downtown Grand Rapids and takes place entirely outdoors, thinking ahead helps you stay comfortable and make the most of your time, whether you’re stopping by for a quick walk or turning it into a full night out.

• Visit after dark to see the installations at their brightest
• Dress warmly and plan for walking, especially if you want to explore multiple areas
• Check the official event calendar ahead of time to catch tours or special programming
• Build in time to warm up at a nearby coffee shop, restaurant, or brewery
• Weeknights tend to be quieter, while weekends often feel more lively and social

 

Explore More of West Michigan This Winter

World of Winter is just one example of what makes West Michigan such a great place to live (yes, even in the colder months). From seasonal festivals and outdoor activities to local restaurants, neighborhoods, and small-town charm, there’s always something new to discover.

If you’re looking for more ideas on where to go, what to do, and what different communities have to offer, our City pages are a great place to start. They highlight different neighborhoods and lifestyle features across the region, helping you get an entire list of local recommendations — beyond just one event or season.

 

Why Grand Rapids Feels Like Home

At Treadstone, we’re more than just a mortgage company — we’re locals who genuinely love where we live and work. Grand Rapids offers the kind of balance that’s hard to find: a vibrant downtown, strong neighborhoods, access to nature, and a real sense of community.

Events like World of Winter are a big part of why we’re proud to call GR home. They show how much creativity, collaboration, and care goes into making this city welcoming year-round. Whether it’s a winter festival downtown, a summer evening by the river, or a quiet neighborhood street, Grand Rapids has a way of feeling like home — no matter the season.

We love helping people put down roots here, whether they’re buying their first home, moving across town, or relocating to West Michigan for the first time.

 

FAQs

Is World of Winter free to attend?
Yes. World of Winter is designed to be accessible to everyone and is widely promoted as a free festival. The outdoor art installations are free to explore, and many of the events and activities throughout the season are free as well. If you choose to grab food, drinks, or shop downtown while you’re there, those costs are optional and up to you.

When is World of Winter 2026 in Grand Rapids?
World of Winter 2026 runs from Friday, January 9 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. Installations remain up throughout the season, while special events take place on select dates and weekends.

Where is World of Winter located?
World of Winter takes place throughout Downtown Grand Rapids, with art installations spread across parks, plazas, bridges, and popular walking areas. There isn’t just one entrance or location — part of the fun is wandering downtown and discovering pieces along the way.

What time should I visit World of Winter?
While installations can be viewed during the day, many visitors prefer going after dark. Light-based art really stands out in the evening, and downtown feels especially lively once the sun goes down. Visiting around sunset is a great way to experience both daylight and nighttime views.

Is World of Winter family-friendly?
Yes. World of Winter is designed for all ages and is a popular outing for families. Many installations are interactive and kid-friendly, and some events throughout the season are geared specifically toward families and younger visitors.