As the winter season approaches, many destinations around the world come alive with a burst of festive spirit. From snow-filled markets to sparkling light displays, winter festivals and events offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the season. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to some of the most unforgettable winter festivals and events from around the globe.
14 Winter Events From The Globe
1. Winter Wonderland – Germany
Berlin’s Winter Wonderland is one of Europe’s largest and most popular winter festivals. The festival grounds transform into a magical winter wonderland, featuring over 2,000 Christmas trees, ice skating rinks, and festive stalls selling traditional German cuisine and handmade crafts. Visit the Berlin Zoo’s Christmas market, where you can indulge in glühwein and try local delicacies like stollen and lebkuchen.
2. Ice Festival – Canada
Quebec’s Winter Carnival is a highlight of the winter season in Canada. The festival features ice sculptures, snow slides, and even a snow- sculptures competition. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and try your hand at ice skating or sledding. The festival also features a festive evening parade, complete with sparklers and fireworks.
3. Snow and Ice Festival – Japan
Taking place in the picturesque town of Otaru, Hokkaido, the Snow and Ice Festival is a must-visit for winter enthusiasts. The festival features stunning snow sculptures, ice slides, and a beautiful ice hotel. Try some local seafood and hot soup to keep you warm during your visit.
4. Festival of Lights – France
The Festival of Lights is a magical event that takes place in Lyon, France. The city is transformed into a dazzling display of lights, featuring over 1,000 illuminated sculptures and installations. The festival also features live music and dance performances, as well as a festive market selling local specialties.
5. SnowWorld – Sweden
Gothenburg’s SnowWorld is a winter wonderland in the heart of Sweden. The festival features a giant ice rink, snow slides, and a festive market selling local crafts and cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try some Swedish meatballs and mulled wine while you’re there.
6. Yule Lads – Iceland
In Reykjavik, Iceland, the Yule Lads are a beloved winter tradition. These 13 mischievous trolls visit children over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts and treats in their wake. Visit the festive market in Reykjavik’s City Hall square to try some traditional Icelandic cuisine and crafts.
7. New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Australia
Why wait for New Year’s Eve in the northern hemisphere when you can celebrate in style in Australia? Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks display is one of the world’s most iconic and spectacular events. Watch as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are illuminated by a dazzling display of fireworks and pyrotechnics.
8. Ice Palace – Russia
Moscow’s Ice Palace is a stunning winter wonderland featuring intricate ice sculptures and a frozen lake. Take a stroll through the palace and enjoy the festive atmosphere, complete with live music and dance performances. Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional Russian cuisine and vodka while you’re there.
9. Christmas Market – Austria
Vienna’s Christmas Market is one of Europe’s most famous and festive markets. The market features a stunning cathedral, festive stalls selling local crafts and cuisine, and even a charming horse-drawn carriage ride. Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional Austrian pastries and glühwein while you’re there.
10. Lantern Festival – China
The Lantern Festival is a magical event that takes place in Harbin, China. The city is transformed into a dazzling display of lanterns, featuring over 1 million glowing lights. The festival also features traditional Chinese performances, such as acrobats and shadow puppets.
Carnevale, held in Venice, Italy, is a large winter celebration featuring parades, both public and private masquerade balls, along with entertainment and music. The yearly festival begins 40 days prior to Easter and concludes on Fat Tuesday, which is the day preceding Ash Wednesday. Ornamental Venetian masks play a significant role in carnevale. A panel of global costume and fashion designers casts their votes for the top mask in the final week of the event.
12. Day of the Frozen Dead Guys
Nederland, is home to this distinctive yearly festival, inspired by an old tale concerning a Norwegian individual named Trygve Bauge, and her efforts to transport her late grandfather, Bredo Morstol, to America, preserved with dry ice and kept in liquid nitrogen. The locals found the cryonically preserved body in 1994. In the first complete week of March, the town engages residents and visitors with coffin races, a leisurely parade, “Frozen Dead Guy” impersonator contests, snow sculpture competitions, snowshoe races, and a polar plunge for those daring enough for a chilly swim.
13. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
This yearly festival occurs in Hwacheon, situated in the Gangwon province of South Korea. This nearly pristine area is recognized as the first part of Korea to freeze during the winter, with the river enveloped in a dense sheet of ice. Visitors have the opportunity to experience ice fishing using just their hands; admire a display of ice sculptures that require over 20 weeks of preparation; and taste both raw and grilled mountain trout. The winter celebration lasts for nearly the whole month of January.
14. Sapporo Winter Festival
This well-known festival takes place in Sapporo, Japan, during a 7-day span in February. It is one of the largest and most unique events in Japan. Countless individuals travel to Sapporo for the International Snow Sculpture Contest, to admire the flawless, icy creations in Odori Park and Susukino. Similar to other significant winter celebrations, a yearly beauty pageant takes place to appoint a new Susukino Queen of Ice.
From snow-filled markets to sparkling light displays, winter festivals and events offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the season. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your coat, your boots, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to celebrate the winter season in style!
