Winter Festivals 2024-2025 to Experience the Magic of the Season Around the World

Photo:  Santa Claus Holiday Village

Snow glistens like a million tiny stars as global winter festivals burst into life, showcasing mesmerizing ice art and spirited celebrations. These events turn frosty nights into vibrant gatherings, where culture, creativity, and community come together to rejoice in the magic of the season. From towering ice sculptures that defy imagination to lively parades that light up the night, these festivals offer a dazzling escape into a world of enchantment and wonder.

Across continents, each festival presents a unique blend of traditions and modern artistry, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences. Fancy marveling at Japan's intricate snow creations, embracing Viking heritage in Scotland, or perhaps enjoying the holiday charm of Finland's Santa Claus Village? Join us in uncovering the globe’s most spectacular winter festivals and start weaving your own magical icy tale!

Sapporo Snow Festival – Japan

Photo: pixabay

Each February, Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Originating in 1950 with six snow statues built by high school students in the area, the festival has grown into one of Japan’s largest winter events, attracting over two million visitors annually. It features over 200 impressive snow and ice sculptures, some towering several stories high, alongside activities like ice skating, snow slides, and intricate light shows showcasing seasonal artistry.

Cultural Insights and Significance

The Sapporo Snow Festival embodies Hokkaido’s pride in craftsmanship and community spirit. Artists from around the world collaborate to create intricate snow and ice sculptures that blend traditional Japanese themes with contemporary pop culture. The festival’s nighttime illuminations highlight the delicate craftsmanship, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty the frosty season brings.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: 4 – 11 February 2025
• Ticketing and Reservations: Admission to main sites like Odori Park, Susukino Ice Festival, and Tsudome is free. However, specific activities such as ice skating or snow slides may require separate tickets.
• Local Cuisine: Try out Hokkaido’s hearty soup curry with its spicy broth, perfect for warming up after a day in the snow. Renowned for its rich miso-based broth and thick noodles, Sapporo Ramen is available at many local shops. Fresh seafood, including sushi, sashimi, and crab dishes, can be found at markets and restaurants near the festival venues.

Accommodation Options

Located directly above Sapporo Station, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo offers unparalleled convenience for festival-goers. The hotel boasts spacious, elegantly furnished rooms with panoramic views of the city, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the festival.

You’ll have the chance to try out a variety of dining options within the hotel, ranging from casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants that serve both local and international cuisines. Additionally, the hotel features a relaxing spa where you can unwind and rejuvenate, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both luxury and convenience.

Situated near Odori Park, a central venue for the festival, Cross Hotel Sapporo combines modern design with comfort and style. As one of the family-friendly hotels in Japan, it offers well-appointed rooms that are both spacious and comfortable, great for resting after a day of festival activities.

An on-site restaurant serves delectable local cuisine, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Hokkaido flavors without leaving the hotel. With its prime location, guests have easy access to the festival sites and the vibrant nightlife of Susukino, ensuring a memorable stay in Sapporo.

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Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival – China

Photo: pixabay

Held annually from late December to late February in Heilongjiang Province, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is renowned for its colossal ice structures and intricate snow sculptures. Established in 1963, the festival has evolved into a grand international event, showcasing replicas of historical landmarks, mythical creatures, and modern architecture, all illuminated by vibrant lights to create an enchanting ice city.

Cultural Insights and Significance

The Harbin Ice Festival reflects the region’s resilience and creativity in transforming freezing temperatures into stunning ice and snow art. Influenced by both Chinese and Russian cultures, the festival highlights Harbin’s unique identity as the "Ice City". Traditional Chinese performances, including folk dances and ice lantern displays, blend seamlessly with the artistic ice creations, celebrating cultural heritage and artistic expression in a frozen landscape.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: It generally begins around 20 December and runs until the end of February. The official opening ceremony is typically held on 5 January each year, marking the formal start of the event.
• Ticketing and Reservations: Most sculpture areas are free to enter, but premium attractions or guided tours may require advance ticket purchases.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss Harbin Red Sausage, a regional specialty influenced by Russian cuisine, either as a quick snack or as part of a full meal. Dongbei cuisine offers filling stews and dumplings that provide comfort during the cold weather. Russian-style borscht is also available in many restaurants in the area, reflecting the city’s historical ties and offering a taste of the multicultural influences that shape Harbin’s culinary scene.

Accommodation Options

Overlooking the serene Songhua River, Shangri-La Harbin offers you luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of the festival grounds. The spacious, elegantly decorated rooms are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay. After a day of exploration, relax in the hotel's state-of-the-art health club or unwind in the tranquil spa to rejuvenate your body and mind. Additionally, the hotel's prime location provides easy access to all the festival's main events, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this wintry experience.

Located in the bustling business district, Sofitel Harbin combines French elegance with modern amenities. The hotel offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites, each designed with a blend of luxury and functionality to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. An indoor pool provides an excellent spot for relaxation, while several on-site restaurants offer diverse culinary delights, from gourmet French cuisine to local delicacies. With its prime location, Sofitel Harbin provides easy access to the festival sites, ensuring that guests can appreciate all the attractions Harbin has to offer.

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Quebec Winter Carnival – Canada

Photo: pixabay

Celebrated since 1894, the Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the oldest and most renowned winter festivals in the world. Held in February, the carnival transforms Quebec City into a lively seasonal gathering. Highlights include ice canoe races across the St. Lawrence River, snow sculpture competitions, and vibrant night parades led by the beloved mascot, Bonhomme.

Cultural Insights and Significance

The Quebec Winter Carnival honors Quebec’s rich French-Canadian heritage and showcases the community’s resilience and ability to embrace the challenges of the chilly weather. Symbolizing community spirit and winter joie de vivre, the festival blends local folklore with festive traditions. Unique events such as the creation of Bonhomme the snowman emphasize the region’s cultural identity, while activities like ice canoe races demonstrate the community’s dedication to preserving and honoring their heritage.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: 7 – 16 February 2025
• Ticketing and Reservations: Many events, such as parades and outdoor activities, are free. However, specific attractions like ice canoe races or special performances may require tickets.
• Local Cuisine: Quebec offers a variety of culinary delights, including poutine, a classic combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Tourtière, a traditional meat pie, is especially popular during winter festivals. Additionally, maple syrup treats like taffy, candies, and desserts add a sweet touch to the festivities.

Accommodation Options

This iconic historic hotel, resembling a grand castle, is situated in Old Quebec and offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac provides elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each offering a blend of classic charm and modern comfort.

The hotel’s prime location offers easy access to carnival events, allowing guests to step out and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Quebec Winter Carnival. It also features amenities such as a fitness center, spa, and event spaces, making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and active participation in the festival.

Right within the historic district, Hotel Manoir Victoria features elegant rooms with a blend of traditional and contemporary decor. After a day of festivities, you can unwind in the indoor pool or indulge in the soothing spa, offering a perfect retreat. Its central location ensures easy access to major festival sites, parades, and cultural events, keeping you close to all the action. When you're ready to dine, the on-site restaurant provides a variety of regional and international cuisines, allowing you to savor Quebec’s culinary delights without leaving the comfort of the hotel.

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Up Helly Aa Fire Festival – Scotland

Photo: Mike Pennington / Guisers at Uyeasound Up Helly Aa

Taking place over 24 hours on the final Tuesday of January in the Shetland Islands, the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival honors Norse heritage with a dramatic torch-lit procession culminating in the ceremonial burning of a Viking longship. Having started in 1881 as a pagan celebration, the festival marks the end of the Yule season and the beginning of the dark winter months, keeping Scotland’s storied traditions alive through vibrant performances and communal gatherings.

Cultural Insights and Significance

Up Helly Aa is deeply rooted in Shetland’s Viking ancestry and maritime history. Participants don authentic Viking attire, creating an immersive experience that commemorates Norse traditions and storytelling. The ceremonial burning of the longship symbolizes the burning away of the old year and welcoming the new, emphasizing themes of renewal and cultural preservation.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: 28 January 2025
• Ticketing and Reservations: The main procession and longship burning are free events, but accommodations in Lerwick and nearby areas should be booked well in advance due to the influx of festival-goers. Events like the Viking Banquet may require tickets or reservations, which can be arranged through local venues or the festival’s official website.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy the rich flavors of Shetland with renowned Shetland lamb, known for its tenderness and exceptional flavor, available in local restaurants and pubs. Fresh seafood dishes featuring locally caught fish, scallops, and shellfish offer a taste of the pristine Shetland waters. Whisky tastings are a must, allowing you to sample unique Shetland whiskies at nearby distilleries and bars, providing a suitable complement to the festival’s fiery festivities.

Accommodation Options

Overlooking Breiwick Bay, The Lerwick Hotel offers you comfortable and stylish accommodations, making it an ideal base for your festival adventures. Unwind in the hotel’s modern and fully-equipped rooms or spend an invigorating afternoon at the wellness center, featuring a sauna and fitness facilities that will ensure a relaxing stay.

Located near Lerwick’s main festival events, the hotel provides easy access to all the festivities. With complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, you can spend your evenings in the lounge area, where you can relax or socialize with fellow travelers. With its prime location and excellent amenities, The Lerwick Hotel ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival while enjoying a comfortable and memorable stay.

A charming and welcoming hotel in Lerwick, The Kveldsro House Hotel offers comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere. The hotel provides a warm and inviting environment, perfect for relaxing after a day of festival activities. Guests can take in a hearty breakfast and other meals at the hotel’s dining area, which features a menu inspired by Shetland flavors. The hotel’s proximity to the town center makes it ideal for festival-goers, providing easy access to Up Helly Aa’s events and allowing guests to explore Lerwick’s attractions with ease.

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Santa Claus Village – Finland

Photo: Floppyjb, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in Rovaniemi, deep in Finnish Lapland, Santa Claus Village enchants visitors year-round, with its peak winter season offering a magical blend of snowy landscapes and holiday activities. Established in 1985, the village serves as the official hometown of Santa Claus, attracting families and travelers from around the globe seeking a quintessential Christmas experience.

Cultural Insights and Significance

Santa Claus Village embodies Finnish Lapland’s folklore and the enchanting allure of the Northern Lights. It serves as a hub of holiday cheer, where traditional Finnish activities blend with modern festive traditions. Meeting Santa Claus, engaging in reindeer and husky sleigh rides, and sending postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office emphasize the village’s role in preserving and relishing Christmas magic and cultural heritage.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: Year-round
• Ticketing and Reservations: Entry to Santa Claus Village is free, but specific activities like reindeer rides or husky tours require tickets that should be purchased in advance.
• Local Cuisine: A Lappish stew made with reindeer meat, vegetables, and barley is perfect for colder days. Complementing this, traditional Karelian pies, or Karjalanpiirakka, are filled with rice or potato and typically enjoyed with egg butter. For a comforting meal, Finnish salmon soup (Lohikeitto) combines fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill in a creamy, flavorful broth, ideal for the wintry season.

Accommodation Options

Santa Claus Holiday Village is located at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, offering a unique and immersive accommodation experience. The resort features private cabins, each equipped with a traditional Finnish sauna, allowing guests to relax and unwind after a day of festive activities. The cabins provide a comfortable retreat, blending rustic charm with modern conveniences.

You will have direct access to Santa Claus Village attractions, making it easy to participate in activities such as meeting Santa, reindeer rides, and husky tours. The resort also offers various amenities, including a restaurant and a shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts.

Offering unique accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding forest, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel provides a luxurious stay, as one of the 5-star hotels in Finland. The hotel’s suites are designed with a touch of Nordic elegance, featuring large windows that allow guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland. Each suite is equipped with modern amenities, including heated floors and cozy bedding, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Wellness facilities, including saunas and relaxation areas, are available to help you unwind after a day of exploring Santa Claus Village. Positioned near the village, the hotel’s prime location allows easy access to all its magical attractions.

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Ice Music Festival – Norway

Photo: Lerkeskogen20, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Finse, Norway, hosts the extraordinary Ice Music Festival each January, where artists perform on instruments made entirely from ice. The festival, which has been running since 2004, is all about the ephemeral beauty of ice through unique and ethereal music performances, creating a surreal acoustic experience under the northern skies in a pristine frosty setting.

Cultural Insights and Significance

The Ice Music Festival highlights Norway’s innovative spirit and deep connection to its natural environment. Musicians craft and perform on ice instruments, blending traditional music with avant-garde elements to produce hauntingly beautiful sounds that harmonize with the surrounding winter landscape. Workshops and masterclasses foster a community dedicated to this unconventional form of music, emphasizing the transient nature of ice art and its integration with musical expression.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: January 2025 (exact date TBA)
• Ticketing and Reservations: Concert tickets should be purchased through the festival’s official website or authorized vendors to ensure authenticity.
• Local Cuisine: Traditional Sami dishes such as reindeer stew (Bidos), an ample meal made with reindeer meat and root vegetables, provide an authentic taste of the region. Another regional favorite is Finnbiff, a robust beef and vegetable stew popular in Norwegian mountain areas. You can also complement your meals with local craft beers available at nearby pubs and restaurants, adding a unique flavor.

Accommodation Options

Just a train ride away from Finse, Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell is nestled in the heart of Norway’s stunning mountain landscape. The hotel offers nicely-appointed rooms with traditional Norwegian decor, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the seasonal wilderness.

The hotel’s restaurant serves a variety of traditional and international dishes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious and wholesome meals well-suited for the cold weather. The hotel’s facilities, including a sauna and a lounge area with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, make it an ideal base for exploring the festival and the breathtaking natural scenery.

Situated in Geilo, Vestlia Resort is a charming lodge-style hotel that offers a variety of facilities for your convenience. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with elegant furnishings and stunning views of the surrounding snowy landscapes.

The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments designed to soothe and rejuvenate. With direct access to nearby ski slopes, guests can enjoy a range of winter sports activities before attending the Ice Music Festival, making Vestlia Resort an excellent choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure during their stay.

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Jokkmokk Winter Market – Sweden

Photo: Tunegravity, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With a history spanning over 400 years, the Jokkmokk Winter Market in Swedish Lapland is a celebration of Sami culture and tradition. Typically held in early February, the market attracts indigenous people from across the Arctic region to trade goods, share traditions, and promote their heritage amidst the snowy landscape.

Cultural Insights and Significance

The Jokkmokk Winter Market is a cornerstone of Sami cultural heritage, serving as a gathering place for indigenous communities to preserve and showcase their traditions. The market buzzes with cultural energy, showcasing beautiful traditional Sami handicrafts, joik singing, and reindeer racing. These vibrant activities honor Sami heritage while ensuring that these traditions are passed down to future generations.

Good to Know

• When Is It Held: 6 – 8 February 2025
• Ticketing and Reservations: Admission to the market is free, but certain activities, workshops, or performances may require tickets.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Sami suovas, smoked reindeer meat that offers a hearty and flavorful option for chilly days. Cloudberry desserts, such as jams, tarts, and ice creams made with cloudberries, add a delightful sweetness to the winter cheer. For a genuine taste of culinary traditions, try lutefisk (a traditional Nordic dish of dried fish reconstituted in a lye solution) served with potatoes and peas.

Accommodation Options

Set in the serene surroundings by Lake Talvatis, Hotel Jokkmokk offers comfortable and welcoming accommodations ideal for visitors attending the Winter Market. With ample space and state-of-the-art amenities, the rooms serve as the perfect retreat to relax after a day experiencing the market’s energetic environment.

You can unwind using the hotel’s sauna and gym, making it easy to relax and maintain your fitness routine during your stay. With its convenient location near the market and other regional attractions, Hotel Jokkmokk ensures your visit is seamless and enjoyable. When you're ready to dine, the hotel's restaurant serves regional cuisine that highlights local ingredients and traditional Sami flavors.

At Peace & Quiet Hotel in Jokkmokk, you’ll discover a unique and immersive stay with floating glass rooms and mountain glass rooms. These innovative accommodations let you fully embrace Swedish Lapland's natural beauty, providing stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes.

Designed to blend modern comfort with natural elements, the hotel creates a peaceful environment, just as its name suggests. Indulge in the wellness amenities, including a sauna and relaxation areas, all within easy reach of the market’s main events. Peace & Quiet Hotel is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a distinctive and memorable stay in the heart of Swedish Lapland.

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Winter festivals around the globe enchant with their vibrant displays of culture, artistry, and tradition. From breathtaking ice sculptures to dramatic Viking ceremonies, each event offers a unique opportunity to partake in the season's magic and create unforgettable memories, no matter where you travel. By immersing yourself in these diverse happenings, you step outside your everyday life, turning each event into a meaningful highlight of your travel adventures.

To enhance your festival experience, finding the ideal accommodation is essential. Travelmyth's extensive range of 60 hotel categories allows you to tailor your stay to your specific preferences and needs. No matter if you seek luxurious retreats with panoramic views, cozy lodgings close to the celebrations, or unique accommodations that add an extra layer of magic to your snowy adventure, Travelmyth has the ideal option for you. Browse, mix, and match any of our categories to find the perfect place to stay and make your winter festival getaway truly memorable.

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