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Grand Rapids World of Winter (WoW) is the largest winter festival in this country. It has over 100 free events, activities, programs and outdoor art installations and it goes from January 10 to March 2, 2025. Enjoy Michigan’s beautiful winter. WoW will be open daily from 8 am to 11 pm. Experience winter like never before.
The festival will be happening all over downtown Grand Rapids. Hotspots for installations include
- 6th Street Park
- 555 Monroe
- Canal Park
- Ah-Nob-Awen Park
WoW recommends (but does not require) that visitors wear base layers, like leggings or long sleeved shirts). They also recommend
- Snow pants for women
- Snow pants for men
- Water-resistant coats for women
- Water-resistant coats for men
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Water-resistant boots for women
- Water-resistant boots for men
Activities
World of Winter will have
Chilly Challenge Walking Tours
Themed one-hour walking tours around downtown Grand Rapids
Fire & Ice
Watch fire performers give you a figure skating extravaganza on the ice rink. There will also be dance performances. Then, there will be a street party at Monroe Center with food trucks and open skating after the performances.
Art Installations Walking Tours
There are art installation walking tours.
Ice Piano Performances
See live performances on a piano made of ice, a unique experience.
Soundbath
It’s like a spa day for your soul. The sound will transport you to a realm of serenity and pure relaxation.
Select Disco
A massive open-air dance extravaganza and a fan favorite. Put on wireless headphones and tune into various DJ channels. There will be fire pits and food trucks.
African-American Walking Tour
Take a one-hour stroll through Grand Rapids and learn about the people, places, events, and stories from 1826 to the present.
Noodle Fest
Taste a variety of noodle dishes from local vendors and vote in the best noodle dish in Western Michigan.
Fashion Show
Two 30 minute fashion shows on the Gillett Bridge featuring reimagined winter trends.
Bonimget
Traditional Native Hoop Dance blending storytelling, dance and music
Ice Breaker
A live ice carving experience
Disco on Ice
Rock your best retro look or a disco themed skate night.
Valent-ICE
Free walking tour to explore 50+ ice sculptures throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
Snowga
Yoga led by AM Yoga
Grand Rapids Mardi Gras Glow Sidewalk Parade
Dress in your best Mardi Gras gear and join the parade through downtown Grand Rapids. There’s an after-parade downtown dance party.
You don’t have Mardi Gras gear? Well, see what you can find here. And you can find masks here.
Grand Rapids Hotels
If you’d like to visit Grand Rapids for World of Winter, you should consider the following hotels. Many are all offering discounted rates which could save you money on your stay.