World of Winter Festival
January 7 - March 6, 2022
Grand Rapids invites you to experience the cold-weather season in new and creative ways during its annual World of Winter Festival.
See art and performances. Play games and make new friends. Embark on a fun-filled family adventure or romantic Valentine’s Day stroll. Dine, drink and even dance al fresco.
It all happens downtown. It all takes place outdoors. It’s very, very Instagrammable. And it’s completely FREE!
World of Winter 2022 plans are still being firmed up, so check back as January draws closer. But here’s just a hint of what’s to come art-wise. (Click the links for examples of past installations in other cities.)
Bunnies of Intrude by Parer Studio
Five super-sized, selfie-friendly inflatable rabbits will take up residence downtown. They light up at night! Preliminary dates: Jan. 7 - Feb. 2.
Massimals Polar Bears by Scroggin Studio
Colorful abstract sculptures of polar bears made with layered wood are very interactive for kids. Preliminary dates: Jan. 7 - March 6.
Trumpet Flowers by Amigo & Amigo
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this installation features 27 six-foot to 19-foot tall trumpet flowers that come alive with lights and musical sounds when visitors push the large trumpet keys. Preliminary dates: Jan. 7 - March 6.
Crank Zappa Jellyfish by Amigo & Amigo
Touch the sensors on the tentacles of this mammoth sculpture to light it up and get (hopefully useful) advice and guidance from a hot-tempered jellyfish. Preliminary dates: Jan. 7 - March 6.
Wave by Squidsoup
This immersive walkthrough experience features a wave-like formation of 500 suspended orbs that respond to visitor movements with lights and sounds. Jan. 7 - March 6.
Loop by Creos
This musical installation invites visitors to sit inside an illuminated 6-foot wide cylinder and pump a bar to play flipbook-style movies. Preliminary dates: Feb. 3 - March 6.
Also expected: The Singing Tree lighting experience, Seasonal Wonders projection show and a Silent Disco outdoor dance party. Stay tuned for even more winter delights!
Downtown is home to 130+ restaurants, so you’ll find plenty of choices in what and where to dine while exploring World of Winter. Many downtown restaurants, bars and breweries have created special outdoor spaces for winter dining. Sit in a transparent dome or enclosure, or at an outdoor table surrounded by heaters, and watch the World of Winter unfold around you.
You can even enjoy food and beverages (including the adult kind) as you stroll around downtown. Much of the center city is included in a Refreshment Area that allows you to purchase specially marked containers from participating restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and retail shops for mobile consumption.
Receive admission into many cultural attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our $20.00 Culture Pass.
