It might be tempting to hide out until spring time, but don’t hibernate this winter. We know it’s cold, but there’s lots of incentive to get out and have fun in the form of unique winter festivals across North America. These festivals embrace winter weather and offer a way for people to enjoy the snow and chillier temperatures.
Whether you want to see a professional ice carving, you’re into winter sports, you love music or you just want to see some live entertainment, there’s a winter fest for you. With that in mind, we’re sharing our picks for some of the best winter festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Here are 12 to get you in the mood for winter.
Igloofest, Montreal, Quebec
Get your dancing boots on and get ready to boogie in Montreal this winter. Electronic music, dancing, and icy décor come together from Jan. 16 to Feb. 8 over four weekends at the Old Port of Montreal from 7 p.m. to midnight. Igloofest will feature both local and international DJs, as well as an igloo village and other events and activities.
Winterlude, Ottawa, Ontario
Winterlude, in Ottawa, will take place over three weeks from Jan. 30 to Feb. 16 at various locations in the city. Skate on the Rideau Canal, the world’s biggest skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out ice carvings, snow sculptures, and a snow playground, then dance the night away on Fridays and Saturdays — among other activities for the whole family.
Ice on Whyte, Edmonton, Alberta
The 12th annual Ice On Whyte Festival will take place in Edmonton from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1. Here you’ll get to see an amazing ice sculpture competition, as well as ice carving artists at work. Have fun on a giant ice slide and enjoy the food, music and hot beverages.
St. Paul Winter Carnival, St. Paul, Minnesota
The popular St. Paul Winter Carnival has been attracting visitors since it began way back in 1886. Winter-themed events of all kinds run from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1 and include ice carving, music, parades, an ice bar in historic Rice Park, ice palaces, a winter run (5k to half marathon), family-friendly activities and even a cat show.
Stowe Winter Carnival, Stowe, Vermont
The 41st Stowe Winter Carnival takes place from Jan. 17 to 25 with a wide array of events and activities for visitors of all ages. There are more active events like snow volleyball and snow golf, as well as more traditional winter activities like ice carving. Visitors can also enjoy a beer garden, live music, dancing and more.
Fur Rondy, Anchorage, Alaska
The Fur Rendezvous winter festival (Fur Rondy to locals), started in 1935 as a sports tournament for a few days in February. Now the festival takes place over 10 days and attracts both locals and international visitors. In addition to sporting events, a carnival and a parade, there are a few quirkier things offered, including snowshoe softball, the running of the reindeer, outhouse races and a blanket toss. Fur Rondy runs from Feb. 27 to March 8.
Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City, Quebec
The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world and not to be missed. The festival began in 1894 and has been attracting eager visitors ever since. For 17 days, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 15, many different winter activities and events take place. Visit Bonhomme (the festival mascot) in his ice palace, check out the snow sculptures and a night parade, cheer on the canoe racers, watch the sleigh race or take part in some of the many other family activities.
North Lake Tahoe Snowfest, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
North Lake Tahoe SnowFest began in 1982. The 10-day event runs from Feb. 27 to March 8 and is packed with snow-centric fun and games. Parties, parades and ice carving are mixed in among other events like fireworks, a polar bear swim, an ice cream eating contest, a dress-up-your-dog contest, snow building and much, much more.
Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Whitehorse, Yukon
In Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous takes place Feb. 18 to 22. Specific events have yet to be posted on the website but keep checking for more details. If you go you can expect lots of winter fun for the whole family, including concerts, snow carving, quirky contests and a Kidsfest with events and activities just for the smaller set.
Polar Fest, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is home to Polar Fest, a yearly celebration of winter and everything the colder months have to offer. The festival takes place Feb. 6 to 16 and began in 1996. Events are varied and include fireworks, a bonspiel, music, food, a snowman contest, winter sports, dancing, skating and even an icy polar plunge (if you dare).
Frostival, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton’s Frostival is Atlantic Canada’s largest winter festival and it takes place Jan. 23 to Feb. 15 over four fun-filled weekends. There will be skating, live musical performances, winter sporting events to watch or participate in, great food to sample, art, workshops and much more for visitors of all ages and interests.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, Saranac Lake, New York
Should you find yourself in Saranac Lake, New York, this winter you might want to check out the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. The theme of this year’s fest is “Groovy ’60s” and it runs from Feb. 6 to 15. The festival began in 1887 and was named one of the best winter carnivals in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine in 2012. Expect performances, sporting events, two parades, fireworks displays and much more.
(Featured photo: Mack Male used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
