Winter is already here now. And it is time to plan your winter vacation and explore the world again! There are a lot of winter activities you can do around the world. For that reason, we have compiled a list of the best winter festivals worldwide in early 2025. Read through this blog to learn more about them!
What are the best winter festivals around the world?
- Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
- Holmenkollen Ski Festival, Norway
- St. Paul Winter Carnival, USA
- Winterlude, Canada
- The Quebec Winter Carnival, Canada
- Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China
- The Shetland Viking Fire Festival, Scotland
- The Whitefish Winter Carnival, USA
- Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Japan
- Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, USA
- Lake Towada Winter Story, Japan
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most prominent winter festivals, and many people coming from around the world visit this annual event. The Sapporo Snow Festival features hundreds of ice sculptures and snow statues, taking place in three different sites in Hokkaido, Japan, namely Tsu Dome, Susukino, and Odori. Moreover, you can also see concerts and other exciting events.
When in 2025: February 4, 2025 to February 11, 2025
Holmenkollen Ski Festival, Norway
Norway is among the top of the best winter destinations worldwide. Specifically, in its capital, Oslo, there is an attractive traditional annual Nordic ski festival that has gained much attention. Hollmenkollen Ski Festival hosts ski-jumping competitions as well as an interesting winter festival. So, if you are fond of skiing, you should join this tournament. Otherwise, you can enjoy and learn more about skiing at its world-class Ski Museum.
When in 2025: March 21, 2025 to March 23, 2025
St. Paul Winter Carnival, USA
The following winter carnival you should go to is St. Paul Winter Carnival. Located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, this winter festival features a scavenger hunt, an ice fishing tournament, a parade, golfing on ice, and bingo night. Many people in the U.S. come to this carnival to enjoy their winter vacation in this fun place.
When in 2025: January 23, 2025 to February 5, 2025
Winterlude, Canada
In Canada, you can spend your vacation in one of the best winter destinations. The event is called Winterlude, an annual winter carnival in Ottawa, Ontario. You can enjoy one of the best winter festivals worldwide in this carnival for free or adore the magnificent ice sculptures. Do not forget to enjoy ice skating and take a spin on the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
When in 2025: January 31 to February 17, 2025
The Quebec Winter Carnival, Canada
Another best winter festival that you can find in Canada is the Quebec Winter Carnival. Fun fact: the Quebec Winter Carnival is the world’s oldest and largest winter carnival. Dating back to 1893, this winter carnival attracts thousands of visitors yearly to enjoy various activities, such as snow sculptures, night parades, many exhibitions, and ice skating. What a way to brighten up the mood on dark winter days!
When in 2024: February 2, 2024, to February 11, 2024
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is the next winter festival you should not miss. Located in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, this annual winter festival is the world’s most extensive snow and ice festival. Many ice sculptures in fantastic shapes and figures will blow your mind. Besides these exhibitions, you can also do other activities such as ice biking, watching entertaining performances, skating, and tasting many food and drinks there.
When in 2024: December 21, 2023, to February, 2024
The Shetland Viking Fire Festival, Scotland
When you first hear this festival’s name, you might think that this winter festival must be held in Nordic countries. If so, you are wrong. This winter festival is located in Lerwick, Scotland. Running every year, this festival is unique because it only lasts 24 hours. The Shetland Viking Fire Festival, locally known as Up Helly Aa, features a procession of people dressed in Viking gear. It exhibits around 900 Guizers carrying about 850 torches hurling into the Jarl’s gallery.
When in 2024: January 12, 2024 – March 1, 2024
The Whitefish Winter Carnival, USA
Located in Whitefish, Montana, the folks gather around the city to celebrate a tradition of frivolity and friendship called Whitefish Winter Carnival. This annual winter festival features a torchlight ski parade, ice sculpting, a Penguin Plunge, a hockey contest, ski races, and a pie social. Besides some attractions, you can also adore the breathtaking views of the Big Mountain during the winter.
When in 2024: February 2, 2024, to February 4, 2024
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Japan
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is the next winter festival you must visit if you visit Japan. This festival is one of the three greatest Japanese fire festivals, meaning it is one of the most awaited events throughout the year. A substantial wooden structure is lit during the festival’s climax, showing a breathtaking view. Located in Nozawa Onsen Village, the winter festival is a sacred annual tradition dating from 300 years ago.
When in 2024: January 15, 2024
Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, USA
Initially founded in 1914, Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is one of the most popular winter festivals in the U.S. Even more, this historic festival is listed as one of the top ten winter festivals in the world by National Geographic. Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you can join several fun winter activities such as skiers jumping, a Steamboat’s skiing high school band parade, and many more.
When in 2023: February 8, 2024, to February 14, 2024
Lake Towada Winter Story, Japan
Lake Towada Winter Story is the largest winter festival in the Tohoku region, Japan. This winter festival exhibits spectacular snow lights, fireworks, and winter decorations. You can also enjoy the event by going to the hot spring foot baths, pony rides, and many other exciting attractions and entertainment. The winter festival had bars inside igloos filled with disco lights in previous years. So, are you wondering what will happen at the festival in 2023? Go to this festival, then!
When in 2024: TBC
So, do you find winter festivals that suit your interest? Check out other exciting winter activities to fill up your adventures with JoinMyTrip. We have a lot of places around the world to explore for your winter vacation or winter escape! Guided by our experienced TripLeaders, you will have a memorable experience. What are you waiting for? Book a trip with JoinMyTrip in many places around the world now!