Sure, the cold weather gets a little old — but why not embrace the chill this season and experience all its possibilities? From awe-inspiring ice sculptures north of the border to captivating snow-carving competitions in the U.S., winter festivals transform the chilly season into a celebration of creativity and community, offering something unforgettable to look forward to during the colder months. Here are five of the most unique winter festivals in the world.
SnowDays Festival – Banff and Lake Louise, Canada
In winter, this corner of the Canadian Rockies comes alive with intricately carved snow sculptures at the annual SnowDays Festival. Over several weeks in late January and early February, visitors can admire larger-than-life sculptures that are scattered through downtown Banff in Canada’s first national park.
Just a few miles away on Lake Louise, the Ice Magic Festival features world-class carvers who skillfully craft stunning ice sculptures before the eyes of awestruck onlookers. The event transforms the iconic lake into an outdoor museum showcasing extraordinary ice art creations.
In addition to snow and ice sculptures, festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment — from music and dancing to hula hooping and circus acts. Perhaps the most captivating event is Skijoring, in which athletes perform circus-style tricks on skis and snowboards, soaring off human-made jumps set up right in the heart of the town.
Fire & Ice Festival – Canandaigua, New York
The Fire & Ice Festival in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York gets a lot of attention for its unique attractions. Ice sculpting and speed carving competitions result in impressive displays around the town of Canandaigua, while live fire performers keep visitors riveted and the Winter Market features local vendors offering unique crafts and seasonal treats. And what would a winter festival be without a frozen T-shirt contest?
Other activities on offer at 2025’s festival — taking place the weekend of February 22 to 23 — include candlemaking, axe throwing, and glass flaming. Or for a more mellow vibe, kick back with a hot beverage in the back of a horse-drawn carriage and take in the dazzling seasonal displays illuminating the winter landscape after dark.
International Snow Sculpture Championships – Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge’s renowned International Snow Sculpture Championships is a five-day event that attracts international artists who excel in the craft of snow sculpting. From January 20 to 24, 2025, 12 teams of skilled sculptors from around the world will work on a 25-ton block of snow. Most teams plan to carve around the clock to maximize their time. After a grueling 96 hours with just hand tools (no power tools allowed), the competition ends with a stunning display of snowmanship artistry in downtown Breckenridge.
Reservations are required for admittance into the sculpting area to watch the action, but the finished sculptures are open to the public and free to view from January 24 through January 29. While in Breckenridge, save time to wander the historic downtown area, lined with charming Victorian architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants.
Sapporo Snow Festival – Hokkaido, Japan
In February 2025, Sapporo will celebrate the 75th annual Sapporo Snow Festival. The cherished event got its start back in 1950, when a group of schoolchildren created six snow sculptures in Odori Park. Since then, the festival has grown considerably, and now spans three sites throughout the city: the original Odori Site, the Susukino Site, and the Tsu Dome Site.
Odori is home to the largest collection of snow sculptures, with some towering over 80 feet tall. It hosts a variety of concerts and events that attract crowds eager to revel in the festivities. The best vantage point of the impressive display is from the Sapporo TV Tower, where visitors can gaze upon the illuminated sculptures as they light up the night.
A few blocks south, in Sapporo’s lively entertainment district, the Susukino Site showcases nearly 100 ice sculptures, which are beautifully illuminated after dark. Last but not least, the nearby Tsu Dome Site offers a fun-filled experience with snow slides for sledding and snow rafting, making it an appealing destination for families.
Vilnius Light Festival – Vilnius, Lithuania
Each January, the capital of this Baltic country comes alive with vibrant light displays as the city hosts the spectacular Vilnius Light Festival. The annual event, which first took place in 2019, features remarkable light installations and digital art created by both international and local artists.
The historic Old Town, one of the largest and most beautiful medieval old towns in Europe, is the hub of the festival, with installations ranging from cosmic depictions to abstract shapes and mesmerizing light projections on the city’s most famous buildings.
Around 200,000 attendees come to experience the magic, which celebrates the city’s birthday on January 25. While in Vilnius, be sure to visit Gediminas Castle Tower, which offers views over the city, as well as the Vilnius Cathedral, one of Lithuania’s most important religious landmarks, and the Gates of Dawn, a significant pilgrimage site with a 16th-century chapel.
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