World of Winter 2025: Here’s What’s Lighting Up GR
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Winter’s Still Going Strong—Let’s go to World of Winter!
Need a reason to visit Grand Rapids this winter? How about the fact that it’s currently a full-on neon playground!
World of Winter, the city’s big outdoor snap back at the winter doldrums, is still around for another month and it’s massive.
Running through March 2, 2025, the festival is still in full swing, so if you haven’t wandered through glowing art installations or watched fire dancers in the dead of winter, you’ve still got time to fix that.
We’re here to convince you to bundle up, grab a hot drink, and drive to downtown GR for the best free experience in Michigan this winter.
Here’s how to make it happen:
Start with Must-See Art Installations
These installations are sticking around through March 2— you’ll want to hit them before they’re gone.
Kinetic Perspective (Blue Bridge) – The bridge lights up when you walk across, changing colors and patterns as you move. It reacts to footsteps, making each visit unique.
Chronoharp (Calder Plaza) – A huge harp that glows and plays music when you touch it. It looks futuristic and sounds amazing.
The Hive (Ah-Nab-Awen Park) – A giant honeycomb structure that lights up and plays sounds when you step inside. It feels like being inside a buzzing beehive.
Waves (Ford Museum) – A rolling wave of glowing color that you can walk through. It gives the feeling of being in motion, even when you’re standing still.
Apogee (Canal Park) – A swirling, glowing piece of art that you can swing on – and it looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. The lights shift and change as you play.
Stargaze (Canal Park) – A light display that makes the city feel like an open-air planetarium. It’s like standing under a sky full of stars, even in the middle of downtown.
Storm (Sixth Street Park) – Lights and sounds mimic a thunderstorm in the sky. It’s like standing in the middle of a silent lightning storm.
Alarum (Gillett Bridge) – Bright bursts of light appear overhead, like silent fireworks. It’s dramatic and beautiful.
Rainbow Willow Tree – A magical weeping willow covered in colorful lights.
Soloveiko Songbird – A glowing bird sculpture that sings when you walk by.
Next, Add On Fun Events
Plan your visit for a time when one of these neat events is happeing for even more fun.
Click on the event listing for more details.
Parking & Other Details
So, where should you park?
- Scribner Lot ($5) near the Ford Museum
- DeVos Hall Underground Lot—good central location.
- Street parking is free after 6 PM and on weekends (if you can find it).
As far as walking is concerned, some displays are grouped together, while others require a 15-20 minute walk between locations.
If it’s too cold for a long walk, focus on Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 555 Monroe, and Canal Park for the most bang-for-your-buck experience.
