Top 7 Winter Festivals to Experience, Worldwide

The winter beauty around the world is something to be admired! There's no better way to experience it than by attending winter festivals unique to each country. If you're planning a winter vacation, here's a handy winter vacation packing list to help you get prepared.

People from around the globe travel to enjoy winter sports like skiing in Germany or to participate in fun winter festivals. The choices are endless when it comes down to Festivals to enjoy during the colder months.

I've narrowed down the list of winter festivals to visit this year for a memorable getaway in 2024. 

7 Must-See Winter Festivals to Try

There're plenty of winter festivals and events to explore, so here's a list of the top 7 winter festivals that'll help you figure out your winter travels.

7. Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

The Sapporo snow festival is carried out as a tradition. This event is held annually in early February and is a sight to behold! This winter festival includes numerous sculptures made of ice, snowmen, and displays of light that will make you feel like you're in a magical winter wonderland.

There are also plenty of food stalls and fun activities to keep you entertained.

Ice slides, snow rafting, and live events are great fun activities you'll experience. Enjoy a dose of traditional Japanese culture with shopping stalls, unique artistry, and plenty of beverages to warm yourselves up during the cold winter nights.

The festival is celebrated in three sites:

Odori

Based in Odori Park, this site features incredible snowy creations. You can also spot stalls selling merchandise, food, and beverages at Odori.

Tsubame

Tsubame has ice sculpting exhibitions and fun activities like snow rafting, snowmobiling, snow slides, and a snow maze.

Susukino

The Susukino site has a lot to offer in terms of artistic entertainment. There's a fantastic light show, icy art, and more.

Check out this comprehensive guide to all things Sapporo Snow Festival related.

6. Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is held annually in January and February. The festival is famously known as the world's largest ice and snow festival.

This winter festival in northern China features various activities such as ice sculpting, snow sculptures, and winter sports.

The city of Harbin transforms into an icy wonderland with colorful lights and enchanting snowmen. You can also enjoy unique performances by local performers, explore amazing ice art galleries, go on sightseeing tours, or take part in thrilling winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Since 2001, this Harbin festival has merged the Harbin Ice Festival with the Heilongjiang International Ski Festival. It's now celebrated as the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.

5. Ottawa Winterlude, Canada

Winterlude takes place in Ottawa each year during the first three weeks of February. This is the country's largest winter celebration. There are many events at this three-week extravaganza, including skating along the historic Rideau Canal Skateway, musical concerts, interactive games, ice sculptures, and a snow playground.

The highlight of this celebration is the Ice Carving Competition, where you can watch professional sculptors create beautiful works of art out of ice blocks.

Also, take advantage of the World Snow-Sculpture Championship, which features impressive creations by local and international artists. Tourists can also enjoy the Snowflake Kingdom and see ice slides, snow sculptures, an ice maze, and a snow playground. There's even a snow bar where you can warm up with hot drinks!

If you want to find out more insider details, browse through this Winterlude travel guide.

4. The Quebec Winter Carnival, Canada

This festival occurs in late January and February each year in Quebec City. The carnival is filled with fun winter activities, including snow sculpture contests, skiing, ice skating on the Bonsecours Basin and Dufferin Terrace, sleigh rides, parades, and bonfires.

Don't worry if you don't speak French. There are plenty of bilingual activities and events at the festival. If you have any queries, people in the tourism sector will be ready to assist you.

The highlight of this winter carnival is the night parade, where you'll witness marching bands, floats, and performances from local dancers.

Take part in some snow games with friends or family, explore various chalets to try some delicious local cuisine, and discover the vibrant culture of Quebec City.

3. The Shetland Viking Fire Festival, Scotland

Known locally as Up Helly Aa, this festival celebrates the Shetland Islands' Norse past. The festivities occur each year during the last week of January, including torch-lit processions, Norse folklore performances, and a spectacular fire display. 

If you're lucky you may be roped into a Shetland Viking Fire Festival battle! The celebrations culminate with an epic battle between the Jarl Squad and their adversaries. The party extends into the night with singing, dancing, and feasting.

Experience the natural wonders of snow-covered landscapes and other art forms, witness traditional cultural performances, and participate in thrilling winter sports.

2. St.Paul Winter Carnival, USA

The St. Paul Winter Carnival is another fantastic event to experience during the winter season. It occurs annually in late January and early February in Minnesota's capital, St. Paul.

The carnival features various activities such as golfing on ice, parades, ice fishing competitions, ice skating shows, scavenger hunts, bingo nights, and fireworks displays.

Take advantage of the king and queen of the carnival coronation, where you can witness a parade of floats, marching bands, and other participants in full regalia. The highlight of this festival is the Ice Castle, built out of blocks of ice each year and lit up with colorful lights.

The city also has its fun mascots, the ice princess and her court, that lead many of the festivities. So, if you're looking for winter fun without having to fly too far, this is a great place to visit!

1. Holmenkollen Ski Festival, Norway

The Holmenkollen Ski Festival is one of the world's most significant winter sports events. It's held annually in Oslo, Norway, and features ski jumping, cross-country skiing events, biathlon competitions, and other exciting activities.

Cultural exhibitions such as traditional Norwegian costumes and music are also on display. The Holmenkollen ski jump is the most iconic attraction of this festival, and it's where ski jumpers from around the world compete for a place in the Guinness World Records.

The carnival also has an ice skating rink, allowing you to enjoy the fun with friends and family. If you're looking for something unique and exciting to do during the winter season, this is a place you should check out!

Experience A Unique Winter With Pilot!

Winter is all about having fun and making memories. So why not book a trip today and make this winter season unforgettable? With the help of Pilot, you can plan a great itinerary to explore some of the world's most fantastic winter festivals and activities.