Kalamazoo Mall Transforms into Winter Wonderland for Annual "Winter in the Zoo" Event

Despite spring-like weather, community members celebrate the third year of the popular winter festival.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Kalamazoo Mall in Michigan was transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday as the community gathered for the third annual "Winter in the Zoo" event. Despite warmer than usual temperatures, the festival featured ice sculptures, hot cocoa, live ice sculpting demonstrations, a husky club, winter sports activities, and more. The free, public event was a hit with locals who continue to show up and support the local businesses and entrepreneurs behind the celebration.

Why it matters

The "Winter in the Zoo" event highlights the resilience and community spirit of Kalamazoo residents, who refuse to let mild weather dampen their enthusiasm for celebrating the winter season. The festival draws crowds to the downtown area, supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of togetherness, even as the city experiences the effects of climate change.

The details

Despite temperatures reaching the 50s Fahrenheit, the Kalamazoo Mall was transformed into a winter wonderland for the third annual "Winter in the Zoo" event. Attendees enjoyed ice sculptures, hot cocoa, live ice sculpting demonstrations, a husky club, winter sports activities like a Gazelle snowy fun run, and more. The free, public event was organized by local business owners and entrepreneurs to bring the community together and support local enterprises.

  • The third annual "Winter in the Zoo" event took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jessica Thompson

The owner of the Bee Joyful Shop, one of the local businesses that helped organize the "Winter in the Zoo" event.

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What they’re saying

“This is the third year and the community continue to show up. It's beautiful, it's beautiful. We love our community. They show up for all of the businesses, the entrepreneurs, all of their time. And we want to do something special for them as well.”

— Jessica Thompson, Owner, Bee Joyful Shop

The takeaway

The "Winter in the Zoo" event demonstrates the resilience and community spirit of Kalamazoo residents, who refuse to let mild weather dampen their enthusiasm for celebrating the winter season. The festival's continued success highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of togetherness, even as the city experiences the effects of climate change.