It’s GR’s World of Winter for Chill Vibes & Hot Lights!
Winter blues? Not in GR!
From January 9 – March 1, 2026, the city of Grand Rapid is transforming its downtown into America’s largest winter festival – a glowing wonderland of massive art installations, fire dancers, and yes, even an actual piano made of ice. It’s all part World of Winter—what has become America’s largest winter festival.
It’s no surprise is that World of Winter is now one of Michigan’s must-see winter experiences, drawing over 4.5 million visitors.
If you want to play in this light-up playground, come on down!
While you’re here, take a stroll among “flower” pods, check out glowing Native American art, and soak up the kind of winter magic that might just outshine Christmas lights.
Think glow-in-the-dark everything: a giant singing tree, a light show, and lit inflatable exploring the city.
Oh, and say hi to Messie—our resident purple monster (with 14-foot tentacles) chilling near the Grand River. And of course, epic pop-up events.
Details for this year’s festival are still being released, but here’s what we know so far:
This article is brought to you by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Discover winter magic as the park becomes a quiet, snowy escape for all ages.
Families can stroll through sparkling sculptures, explore scenic gardens, and enjoy calming views that make Meijer Gardens an unforgettable year-round spot.
Learn more at MeijerGardens.org.
in this article
Festival Hotspots & Highlights
This World of Winter walking route takes you to the large art pieces that are on display for the majority of the festival and are south of Michigan Ave. Suggested bonus activities are included.
If you’re short on time, head to these festival hotspots:
- Ah-Nab-Awen Park
- The Blue Bridge
- Sixth Street Park
Suggested PARKING – Scribner Lot
• 307-265 Scribner Ave NW
• Located near the Gerald R Ford Museum. $5.
2026 Art Stops
Take a look at some of this year’s kid-interesting art installations!
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
DeVos Place
555 Monroe
Lyon Square
Sixth Street Park
Gillett Bridge
Blue Bridge
2026 World of Winter Map
Head here for an interactive map and details on all this year’s art installations.
2026 Family-Friendly Events
Along with jaw-dropping art installations, World of Winter also has amazing events and performances.
Here’s our top picks for family-friendly events:
Ice Breaker
January 10: 12 – 3 PM
Watch a massive 5,000‑lb block of ice come to life right in front of Rosa Parks Circle, carved live by the Ice Brigade team. Each year, the design is voted on by the community and is revealed at the event. What will it be this year?!
Fire & Ice
January 10: 6 – 10 PM, Rosa Parks Circle
This staple event has become a family favorite!
Enjoy fire performances, figure skating routines and a lively street party with food trucks, interactive activities and live entertainment. Come for the performances, stay for the fun!
Jalsa: Festivity of Food & Culture
January 11: 1 – 4 PM, Calder Plaza
“Jalsa” is an invitation to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of India, celebrating in the richness of life. Celebrate the vibrant culture of India at this outdoor celebration!
Ice Piano Performance
January 23: 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Enjoy a live musical performance by Charlie Millard and Olivia Vargas. These two local musicians will take turns performing on our handmade ice piano, crafted by the Ice Brigade team.
Circus Wonderland
January 24: 6 – 9 PM, Calder Plaza
Step into a magical night of circus acts, games, performances and more. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Experience Brett Bolton: Live Audiovisual Performance
February 6: 6 – 9 PM, Van Andel Alley
For: Families
Get ready for an immersive audiovisual journey. Brett Bolton is a Las Vegas–based artist who blends live drumming with generative projection art, creating performances that react and evolve in real time.
Paint the Park
February 21: 11 AM – 5 PM, Rosa Parks Circle
For: Families
Celebrate the season with hands-on winter fun and wildlife encounters. Join us on Monroe Center for a winter nature-themed event for all ages.
More Events & Walking Tours 2026
Other events throughout World of Winter 2026 include Abby’s Hand Drawn Photo Booth, Friday Night Food Trucks at 555 Monroe, art installation walking tours, sound baths, Snowga, Rapid art movement, and a scavenger hunt.
FAQS
World of Winter FAQs
How Long of a Walk is it Between Art Displays?
It depends. Art clusters are located around Rosa Parks Circle and North Monroe. Depending on the weather, you might walk from one cluster to another in 15-20 minutes.
When Should I Visit World of Winter?
Many of the World of Winter attractions have features that glow. For that reason, a visit after dusk will give the best visual experience.
All of the art installations will be out for the duration of the winter festival this year.
We haven’t heard anything about ice sculptures on display this year.
Where Should I Park for World of Winter?
Park in the city center near Rosa Parks Circle if you’re interested in the ice sculptures.
Park in the DeVos Hall underground lot if you want to have a central spot as far as World of Winter exhibits are concerned.
To play with the big, glowing art, you’ll want to head to the Public Museum and Ah-Nab-Awen park on the south end of town. Park in the Scribner Lot (typically $5) for easy access to those pieces.
Additional art pieces are located further north, just past the post office at 555 Monroe.
You can try to get street parking up there to visit those installations or just walk from the city center – if it’s not too cold or windy, it’s a pleasant walk.
Parking in Downtown Grand Rapids for the World of Winter is free on the street in most places on weekends or after 6 PM during the week.
I would love to compliment the donors that made all of this possible! Do we have a list somewhere?