Plan Your Visit

Know Before You Go! Enhance your WoW experience by checking out information on must-see locations, parking, recommended winter attire and more!

 

World of Winter Map

The map will be released as we get closer to the 2025 Festival.


Dates and Hours

Festival Starts: January 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Festival Ends: Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 11:00 PM

Open Daily from: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM.

WOW Tip:

Some of the installations are light based and night based.

Plan your visit accordingly.


Location

The festival happens all over Downtown Grand Rapids.

Please see specific events and installations to plan your visit.

WOW hotspots:

  • Ah-Nab-Awen Park

  • 555 Monroe

  • Canal Park

  • Sixth Street Park


Getting Around

 

The Rapid

Ride The Rapid, our extensive transit system that provides a seamless bus network connecting you to and from Downtown.

WOW Tip:

Download the “Transit” app to plan your trip.


The DASH

Hop on the DASH for a free ride around Downtown! Buses come by every 15 minutes. Download the 'Transit' app for the nearest stop and real-time info.

Wed: Fri: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM | Sat: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM | Sun: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WOW Tip:

Save money! Park at Area 9 Parking for just $3 a day and use the free shuttle


Safety and Heath Precautions

We encourage all visitors to take any health and safety precautions that will improve your World of Winter experience and make you feel safe. This can include wearing masks and social distancing.


Accessibility

Refer to each individual event for accessibility information. Attendees should be aware that crowd sizes fluctuate at the festival and this may impede visibility of certain installations for individuals with mobility issues. We continue to work to make the entire festival experience as accessible as possible for all visitors. Most locations provide sidewalk accessibility but some installations are in park spaces without pavement pathways. Please use caution during your visit. We will work to improve accessibility for our 2025 Festival.


What to Wear

Elevate your World of Winter experience by being prepared with winter essentials! See the recommended list of gear from our team (This list is recommended but not required to attend or enjoy the festival).

Snow Gear Checklist

  • Base Layers like leggings or long sleeved shirts (Wool/Silk/Polypropylene over Cotton)

  • Snow Pants (or a pair of pants over your bottom base layers)

  • Water Resistant Coat

  • Water Resistant Boots

  • Hat, Gloves, Scarves


Additional Resources: If you're in Grand Rapids and need assistance borrowing winter gear, look no further than GR Outside – your local gear library. Browse their inventory to reserve gear with ease!