19 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S. (and 1 Bucket List-Worthy Event in Canada)
The celebration doesn't stop when Christmas is over.
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The end of the holiday season doesn't mean the joy of winter is over. Many regions across North America still have plenty of cold and snowy winter weather ahead. While some prefer to spend the rest of the season hunkered down with a cup of hot cocoa, a good book or movie, and some fun indoor activities like DIY winter crafts or puzzles, the most adventurous types of people are unfazed by the blustery wind and temps. For them, a charming, snowy getaway with lots of outdoor activities is just the ticket to fight off those winter blues. Enter: the winter festival!
We’ve put together a list of our favorite chilly destinations, all of which put cold-weather magic front and center, featuring everything from twinkly lights and winter sports to skiing and dog sled racing. These cities and towns, ranging in location from sea to (frozen) sea and as far north as Canada, bring together winter festival lovers from all over the world to compete (think ice-sculpting showcases and ski races) and revel in the frosty temperatures together. So, pack your best winter coat, boots, and mittens and get ready to embark on a fun winter adventure of arctic proportions.
Here's our list of the 20 best winter festivals across the United States (including one in Canada). We hope this roundup inspires you to pack your bags and hit the road for a fun winter getaway!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show
When: December 31, 2023
What to Expect: This dazzling event at the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle is jam-packed with fun, including live music, a midnight ball drop, and a stunning fireworks show. Make plans to check out the family-friendly activities and holiday specials downtown at local restaurants and businesses, and nature trails and hiking.
For more information, visit gatlinburg.com.
Chelan, Washington: Lake Chelan Winterfest
When: January 12-21, 2024
What to Expect: Enjoy fire and ice among the hilltops of wine valley. There’s something for everyone—beach bonfires, polar plunges, fireworks, a snow slide, live music, and soul-warming drinks at the "ice bar."
For more information, visit lakechelan.com/winterfest.
Aspen, Colorado: Wintersköl
When: January 11–14, 2024
What to Expect: A four-day festival in a historic ski town, Wintersköl celebrates Nordic culture and the best of outdoor activities. Get ready to see a torchlit descent down Aspen Mountain, glittering fireworks displays, snow sculptures, a soup contest, a craft beer festival, a snow sculpture competition for children, and even a dog fashion show.
For more information, visit aspenchamber.org.
Grand Rapids, Michigan: World of Winter
When: January 12–March 10, 2024
What to Expect: With more than 100 free family-friendly events and activities, this nearly three-month-long festival highlights the beautiful of winter in Downtown Grand Rapids and includes pretty outdoor art installations, ice skating, food, local culture, and more.
For more information, visit worldofwintergr.com.
Stowe, Vermont: Stowe Winter Carnival
When: January 18-20, 2024
What to Expect: Take the kiddos to the carnival and ski your way to the ski-in movies. Plus, watch pro and amateur artists carve creations throughout town or check out a game of snow volleyball! Plus, find cozy local accommodations at the The Trapp Family Lodge, a 2,600-acre mountain resort in the European tradition by the family that inspired The Sound of Music.
For more information, visit gostowe.com.
Breckenridge, Colorado: International Snow Sculpture Championships
When: January 22–31, 2024
What to Expect: You'll want to plan winter getaway to see massive hand-carved works of art made from 25-ton blocks of snow without power tools. It's a snowy extravaganza that includes snow sculptures, skiing, and...more snow sculptures in an open-air art gallery in the historic downtown area. This international gathering takes place in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
For more information, visit gobreck.com.
Québec City, Canada: Carnaval de Quebec
When: January 25–February 11, 2024
What to Expect: The largest winter festival in the world, visitors can expect an ice palace, snow sculptures, inner tube sliding, skating, and ice swimming, and lots of chances to spot Bonhomme, the carnival's mascot.
For more information, visit carnaval.qc.ca.
St. Paul, Minnesota: St. Paul Winter Carnival
When: January 25–February 3, 2024
What to Expect: The oldest winter festival in the United States includes grand parades, a puzzle contest, snow sculpting, ice fishing, a winter orchid show, parties, and other family fun in the heart of St. Paul. Plus, don't miss the annual crowning of carnival "royalty!"
For more information, visit wintercarnival.com.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Lake Geneva Winterfest
When: January 31–February 4, 2024
What to Expect: Watch snow artists from across the country compete in the National Snow Sculpting Championship, and enjoy local food and drinks, bonfires on the lake beachfront, exciting winter activities like skiing, zip lines adventures, and ice castle displays, and art from the Lake Geneva area.
For more information, visit visitlakegeneva.com.
Whitefish, Montana: Whitefish Winter Carnival
When: February 2–4, 2024
What to Expect: This ski town celebrates the height of snow season with a grand parade, a "Penguin Plunge," a pancake breakfast, and other events centered around a yearly theme, which in 2024 is "The Greatest Show on Earth." With the circus inspiration comes the promise of "unparalleled thrills, unbelievable spectacles, and unfathomable wonders."
For more information, visit whitefishwintercarnival.com.
Portland, Oregon: Portland Winter Light Festival
When: February 2–10, 2024
What to Expect: Portland's spectacular Winter Light Festival is an annual event organized by the Willamette Light Brigade, a nonprofit arts organization, presented for free with the goal of bringing together the diverse community of the city during wintertime. Previous festivals have held incredible light parades and interactive exhibits, so we can't wait to see what the group puts together this year!
For more information, visit pdxwlf.com.
Saranac Lake, New York: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
When: February 2–11, 2024
What to Expect: The country's longest-running winter festival doesn't mess around. There's curling competitions, contests for the longest icicle, ski racing, and skating. They'll also light the ice palace and host the annual spaghetti dinner.
For more information, visit saranaclakewintercarnival.com.
Ottawa, Canada: Winterlude
Where: Ottawa, Canada
When: February 2–19, 2024
What to Expect: A beyond-the-border celebration of Canadian culture and, of course, winter. Go ice skating on the famous Rideau Canal Skateway, and be sure to catch the unique Ice Dragon Boat Festival.
For more information, visit ottawatourism.com.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Steamboat Winter Carnival
When: February 7–11, 2024
What to Expect: A Western-flavored celebration of ski culture, complete with horse-and-ski races and other rodeo-inspired activities.
For more information, visit steamboatchamber.com.
Newport, Rhode, Island: Newport Winter Festival
When: February 16–25, 2024
What to Expect: Festivities usually include more than 100 events over 10 days, from live music to polo matches on the beach.
For more information, visit newportwinterfestival.com.
Bryce Canyon City, Utah: Bryce Canyon Winter Festival
When: February 17–19, 2024
What to Expect: This traditional cold-weather event is packed with adventurous fun for the whole family. From ski clinics to snowshoeing and outdoor photography classes and dancing. Plus interactive classes like archery, astronomy, and cross country tours.
For more information, visit rubysinn.com/bryce-canyon-winter-festival.
Anchorage, Alaska: Fur Rendezvous
When: February 22–March 3, 2024
What to Expect: Dogs, reindeer, and more furry friends gather with their owners in Anchorage, Alaska. Be sure to catch snowshoe softball, the always-hilarious "outhouse" races, and multiple sled-dog races.
For more information, visit furrondy.net.
McCall, Idaho: McCall Winter Carnival
When: February 23–25, 2024
What to Expect: The seasonal gathering celebrates the joy of winter! It was inspired by the 1924 Payette Lake Winter Games, when a train from Boise brought 248 visitors to McCall. Attendees can expect over-the-top snow sculptures, fireworks over Payette Lake, a McPAWS Monster Dog Sled Pull, snowshoe golf, Mardi Gras Parade, lots of live music, and tasty food.
For more information, visit visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival.
Tahoe City, California: North Lake Tahoe SnowFest
When: February 29–March 10, 2024
What to Expect: Head to North Lake Tahoe for one of America's largest mountain winter festivals. Each year over 40 events like the BridgeTender Fat Friday celebration, Snow Sculpture Contest, Dog Pull (pictured on the left), Polar Bear Swim, Snow Golf Tournament, and much more take place to raise funds for local nonprofits and student scholarships.
For more information, visit tahoesnowfest.org.
Hanover, New Hampshire: Dartmouth Winter Carnival
When: February 2024 (TBA)
What to Expect: A college campus-style fest that dates back to 1911 and typically includes a polar bear plunge, races, and an ice sculpture contest. You can always count on a fun theme too— recent years' themes include "Mission: Winter Carnival - License to Chill" and "Winter Caaarrrnival: Shiver Me Timbers."
For more information, visit dartmouth.edu.
Natalie Schumann is a former Associate Editor at Country Living, where she managed CL's social channels and covered country music and entertainment news.
Janece Maze is the former Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covered DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
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