Get Out is Your Monthly Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors.
I remember the first year I attended a World of Winter event. It was still relatively new, and I was still relatively new to being outdoors in the depth of winter for any extended period of time. But, I really wanted to see the Hybycozo installations at Ah-Nab-Awen Park—after dark, when they would be at their peak illumination. There were only a couple days left, so I dragged my ever-patient Mister out on what turned out to be one of the coldest nights of the year. That’s how we remember it, anyway. It was bitter. But the reward was sweet. A visual feast of light, color, and intricate, geometric design.
I credit that first arctic expedition for introducing me to the concept of dressing for the weather—and discovering that, with enough layers, anything is possible. And even enjoyable. I’d been actively trying to have a better relationship with winter for a few years, and WoW really sparked that. It gave me a reason to venture out, and inspired me to invest in gear like poles, cleats, base layers, and insulated boots (not that you necessarily need all that, but it’s good to have and I like shopping, so: win-win).
WoW also gave me an interesting outdoor activity to put together for my women’s recreation group, and, in turn, ended up creating more converts to the idea that winter activity does have its merits. It used to be we’d only do a handful of winter hikes during the brisk months, and otherwise wait for spring to pick up steam again. Today, the majority of us are game for anything, including lantern-lit night hikes, snowshoeing, winter rafting, and other outdoor cold-weather events, like ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
When we go to WoW, we like to meet at Canal Park, as that is typically one of the boundaries. It’s less fussy to park there (IMO), and it allows easy access to some of the other main spots. We can take the riverwalk to Ah-Nab-Awen Park, and see plenty of attractions along the way, then cross over to the Blue Bridge and loop around to Rosa Parks Circle. One year we walked all the way to Studio Park, which took us away from the festivities, but toward much-needed facilities. And, I learned later the main reason for the detour was that the person leading the group wanted a warm treat from Insomnia Cookies. I was not mad.
If I’ve done the math right, World of Winter is in its seventh season, and every year seems to top the last. It’s billed as “America’s largest free winter festival,” giving it a little added cred. For 2026, WoW runs January 9 – March 1, and that means I had to tap on the shoulder of a connection at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) to get the scoop on what isn’t happening yet, but will be (or almost be, depending) by the time you’re reading this.
On display during the entire timeframe of the festival are Anooki: Les Timides at DeVos Place and Anooki: Les Turbelents at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. These inflatable figures tell an important story about climate change, both educating and entertaining audiences. Also of interest is The DOOR(S) on the Blue Bridge. Best seen in the evening, from 5:00-11:00, this series of doors has themed animations behind each… and just what happens next is up to you to find out! DGRI also says Weci | Koninut is not to be missed during its limited run from January 22 – February 22. An interactive, sensory installation located at 555 Monroe, it’s composed of several large dreamcatchers that invite guests to explore the six seasons of the Atikamekw culture.
What else? New to WoW this year will be Friday Night Food Trucks at 555 Monroe, featuring a rotating selection of vendors. And, there are other date-specific events, too. February 6, there’ll be two live audiovisual performances by Brett Bolton—one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m. February 7, Monrroe & Buunshin, accompanied by two DJs, will headline a performance under the Somnius installation at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. There’ll also be fire performers, warming areas, and food trucks that night. Plus, Valentine’s Day promises something romantic for couples with the midday Luv’n Lunch and the nighttime Love on Ice, both at Rosa Parks Circle.
These are just a few of the highlights. There are tons more things to see and do over the nearly two-month World of Winter festival. Visit worldofwintergr.com to see the entire roster.
Oh, and one more thing: If finding and paying big bucks for parking gets you down, there’s good news. The Area 9 lot at 250 Seward NW costs just $4 a day, and the free DASH shuttle service picks up from there roughly every 15 minutes. Wow!
