Grand Rapids World of Winter 2024

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of winter wonder at the World of Winter festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan – a dazzling spectacle that has secured its spot as my absolute favorite winter event! Brace yourselves, because this festivity isn’t just grand; it’s the largest winter festival in the entire United States.

From January 12th to March 10th, the World of Winter will be sweeping across Downtown Grand Rapids like a majestic winter storm, transforming the city into a playground of frosty delights. With a staggering lineup of over 100 FREE events, activities, and breathtaking outdoor art installations, this festival is a celebration of all things winter, inviting families and adults alike to revel in the beauty of Michigan’s frost-kissed landscapes.

Downtown Grand Rapids is set to become a winter wonderland, where the magic of the season comes alive. The World of Winter isn’t just an event; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to explore and embrace the four-season offerings of this vibrant city. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or someone simply looking to bask in the winter ambiance, this festival has something for everyone.

Now, let’s dive into the upcoming events that promise to make this World of Winter an unforgettable journey. From captivating performances to interactive activities, each event is designed to elevate your winter experience. Get ready to mark your calendars, and stay tuned as I’ll be sharing these exciting updates on the Weekly 411 page as well, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the frosty festivities.

January

  • Luminary Light Night Parade – World of Winter 2024 Festival Opening Celebration! January 12th, from 6-9pm at Ah-Nab-Awen Park
  • Fire & Ice – Witness the captivating show as we mix two opposites together, Fire and Ice. Watch fire performers glide and jump on the ice, showcasing a unique blend of elements. Plus, you’re invited to join the fun with an open skate session to end the evening.January 13th, from 5-9pm at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • Ice Piano Performance #1 – Live piano performance and Colorful and Unique Venue. January 19th from 6:30-7:30pm at Canal Park. 
  • Ice Park + Food Truck Rally – Join us for frosty fun at the Ice Park! Chill out and enjoy cool games, delicious food from our lineup of food trucks and jam with the musical maestros at Frosty Boyz Entertainment. Learn the ropes and test-drive groovy instruments—it’s a frozen party you won’t want to miss! January 20th, from 12- 7pm at 555 Monroe. 
  • Ice Piano Performance #2 – Live piano performance and Colorful and Unique Venue. January 20th from 6:30-7:30pm at Canal Park. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! January 26th, at 6pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Soundbath #1 – Ready for pure relaxation? Step into a sound bath – it’s like a spa day for your soul. Find a comfy spot and our sound wizard will transport you to a realm of serenity. Join us for a harmonious journey – your ears and inner chill guru will thank you! January 26th, at 6:30pm, at Calder Plaza. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! January 27th, at 3pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Silent Disco – You know it, You love it. The fan-favorite, Silent Disco is back! Get ready to dance like there’s no tomorrow! Slap on some wireless headphones and take the reins of your own musical journey by tuning into various DJ channels. January 27th, from 7-10pm, at Calder Plaza. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! January 31st, at 6pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 

February 

  • Winter’s a DRAG – Get ready to sashay into the spotlight with Michigan Drag Brunch! Witness the Queens stealing the show, accompanied by our mystery guest. Plus: All drink purchases from the event will go towards AYA Youth Collective. February 3rd, from 11am-4pm, at Calder Plaza. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! February 3rd, at 12pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Black History Walking Tour – Take a stroll through Grand Rapids’ Black History with our guide, Caroline Cook, and learn about the people, places, events and stories from 1826 to now. February 3rd, at 2pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Valent-ICE – Embrace Winter Wonderland with Valent-ICE, a standout attraction in the World of Winter Festival. Explore dozens of beautiful ice sculptures throughout #DowntownGR. February 9th–11th. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 9th, at 6pm, meet at Rosa Park Cirlce. 
  • Snowga – Kick off your Saturday with a perfect blend of World of Winter magic, exercise and relaxation. February 9th, at 9am, at 555 Monroe. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 10th, at 10am, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 10th, at 12pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Ice Breaker – Witness the magic as Ice Guru Randy Finch crafts a colossal ice sculpture. February 10th, from 12-3pm, at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 10th, at 2pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 10th, at 2pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • DJ Pop Up at Stargate – Dance the night away at our DJ pop-up with an electrifying lightshow. Groove to the rhythm, soak in the warmth of the fire pits and make unforgettable memories under the starry sky. Join us for this one-of-a-kind park party. February 10th, from 7-10pm, at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 11th, at 12pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • Ice Sculpture Walking Tour – Cherish winter with Valent-ICE, a highlight of World of Winter. Bundle up and learn more about the dozens of ice sculptures across Downtown Grand Rapids. February 11th, at 2pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle.
  • Black History Walking Tour – Take a stroll through Grand Rapids’ Black History with our guide, Caroline Cook, and learn about the people, places, events and stories from 1826 to now. February 11th, at 4pm, meet at Rosa Park Circle. 
  • GR Mardi Gras Glow Sidewalk Parade – Get ready for a night of Mardi Gras magic in Grand Rapids! Dress in your best Mardi Gras gear and join the parade through Downtown Grand Rapids. The celebration peaks at Uccello’s with a fantastic dance party—immerse yourself in the music and dance the night away with friends, old and new, in true Mardi Gras spirit. February 13th, from 7-11pm, at Grand Rapids Public Museum. 
  • Love On Ice – Bundle up, we’ve got your date night plans covered! Enjoy 2-for-1 ice skating with your special person on Valentine’s Day! Plus: Get your initials carved onto our love-themed ice wall and don’t forget to strike a pose for a FREE professional photo opportunity. February 14th, from 11am-9pm, at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • Paint the Park – Help give the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle a colorful makeover. Join us for a community ice painting party at Rosa Parks Circle. Not in the mood for painting? No problem! Join our street party on Monroe Center. February 17th, from 11am-5pm, at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! February 18th, at 2pm, meet at Rosa Parks Circle.
  • DJ Pop Up at Dandelion – Get ready to dance the night away inside of our ‘Dandelion’ installation. Groove to the rhythm, soak in the warmth of the fire pits and make unforgettable memories under the starry sky. Join us for this one-of-a-kind party. February 23rd, from 7-10pm, at Calder Plaza. 
  • Great Lakes Snow Snake Competition – Enter to compete for a chance at the grand prize of $1000! Snow Snake is a traditional northern Native American game of sport dating back to over 500 years ago. The game’s object is to throw the snow snake the farthest distance along a smooth trough made in the snow. You must make your own snow snake to compete, but practice snakes will be available for all to try. February 24th, from 11am-4pm, at Sixth Street Park. 
  • Human Hungry Hippo Tournament (Registration Required) – Got an appetite for adventure? Dive into the excitement of our Human Hungry Hungry Hippos Tournament on Ice.Join the fun on the ice, where both family and adult divisions can compete in this single-day extravaganza. Don’t miss your chance to snag awesome prizes as you roll and slide your way to victory! February 25th from 12:30-7pm, at Rosa Parks Circle.
  • Black History Walking Tour – ake a stroll through Grand Rapids’ Black History with our guide, Caroline Cook, and learn about the people, places, events and stories from 1826 to now. February 26th, at 6pm, meet at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! February 27th, at 6pm, meet at Rosa Parks Circle. 

March

  • Circus Wonderland – Imagine ‘The Greatest Showman’ minus the musical numbers. Experience stilt walkers, LED performers, fire performers and aerialists from the Grand Rapids Entertainment Group, all happening near our featured international installation, ‘Dandelion’. It’s an event you can’t afford to miss, complete with food trucks, games, and more. Join the circus and come on down! March 2nd, from 5-8pm, at Calder Plaza. 
  • Soundbath #2 – Ready for pure relaxation? Step into a sound bath – it’s like a spa day for your soul. Find a comfy spot and our sound wizard will transport you to a realm of serenity. Join us for a harmonious journey – your ears and inner chill guru will thank you! March 3rd, at 1pm, at Calder Plaza. 
  • Art Installation Walking Tour – Bundle up and join your guide to learn all about the World of Winter Festival and art installations! March 3rd, at 1pm, meet at Rosa Parks Circle. 
  • Noodle Fest – Get ready for Noodle Fest – where chefs battle it out to whip up the tastiest noodle dishes! Picture this: awesome food, live entertainment and vendors dishing out $6 bowls of noodle goodness. You decide the winner by throwing in your votes with your donations. Think of it like a chili cookoff, but way cooler – because it’s all about noodles!

Beyond the incredible events, brace yourself for a whimsical journey through a myriad of fun and interactive art pieces scattered throughout the charming streets of Grand Rapids. It’s like stumbling upon a treasure trove of winter wonders, turning every corner into a canvas of creativity!

As I’ve mentioned, World of Winter holds a special place in my heart – a beacon of joy that rescues me from the winter blues. In the midst of the seasonal chill, this festival becomes my escape, liberating me from the confines of my cozy abode to explore the city’s artistic tapestry and relish the invigorating winter breeze.

For more details and a guide to the artistic wonders, check out the art maps here. Now, I’m curious – what element of World of Winter are you most eager to experience? Share your excitement, and let’s make this winter extraordinary together!