World of Winter is here, and it's a perfect excuse to get out of the house, move around, and take a few selfies for your instagram feed.

Laura Hardy / TSM
Laura Hardy / TSM
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Here are a few tips and tricks for visiting the festival that I've come up with. These will help make your experience smooth, fun, and perfect for everyone in the family.

1. Wear something that flashes

I went out to World of Winter on it's opening night, and it was a blast. I'm not sure if they offer these each nights, so I'd make sure to be prepared, but they gave us these fantastic light up arm bands.

Laura Hardy / TSM
Laura Hardy / TSM
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Not only were they fun in the dark, they also made it easy to stay safe especially as you cross roads and walk around in the dark. If you don't have anything that flashes, wear something that glows or is bright.

2. If you go on Sunday, swing by Sweetwater For Their Hot Chocolate Bar

It's cold, so naturally hot chocolate is the perfect drink to sip while you're walking around and enjoying the event.

Make you way over to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (at the corner of Monroe and Towbridge) for a hot cup of coca any night of the event. But Sundays are special because they're offering a free toppings bar with your hot chocolate to make your walk even sweeter! This is a perfect thing to do with the kiddos for an extra memory, or an excuse to warm up in the middle of you time at the festival.

3. Skip the parking garages

Downtown parking can be a little stressful, especially if you don't do it on the regular. While the parking garages are a great place to park when the weather is bad or you're going to see a show at Van Andel, you're better off to skip them when it comes to World of Winter.

Canva
Canva
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Instead, try traveling a few blocks within the event and find some of the abundant street parking, or one of the cheaper surface lots. Not only will you save time getting in and out, you're likely to save money too. Bonus: if you park at a meter after 7pm, it's free.

4. Bring Hot Hands along

Sure, obviously you want to bundle up if you're planning to hang out at World of Winter. We are in Michigan, and it's still winter.

Amazon
Amazon
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Grab a hot hands and stick it in your pocket, so every time you're feeling a little chilly you can warm up right in the comfort of your own jacket. You can pass it along to others, and it'll make staying a little longer more likely especially for the little ones in your group.

5. Plan your visit ahead

This seems like an obvious statement, but there are several reasons why you may want to check out their handy calendar before you show up to World of Winter.

Laura Hardy / TSM
Laura Hardy / TSM
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Certain events and exhibits change out based on the day. For example, some nights may offer a chance to see a DJ or ice piano performance, while other nights offer exclusive pop up events like cultural storytelling. This is also a great way to plan multiple trips that will offer a unique experience each time, or to pick a night with something you'll enjoy.

If you'd like to learn more and keep up to date with the festival now until it's final day on March 5th, visit the World of Winter website.

ICYMI: Photos From World of Winter 2022

I had so much fun with my wife Lindsey checking out some of the amazing displays for World of Winter 2022 which has tons of great events in Grand Rapids now through Sunday, March 6th. Here are some of my favorite pictures I took.

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