Are you looking for the best winter festivals this season? We’ve got you covered! It’s that time of the year again when snow-covered lands inspire us to don our warmest clothes, pack our bags and head off on an adventure.
The festive season is upon us again, and it’s time to dust off those woolly jumpers, crack open the mulled wine, and get excited about winter festivals once more. These colorful events are perfect for getting into the festive spirit and are a great way to meet other like-minded individuals whilst also taking in the beautiful local surroundings.
There are plenty of winter festivals around the world that you can attend if you’re lucky enough to live near one or are willing to travel to one. So check out our list below and start planning your next winter trip now!
1 Carnival Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Carnival Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
First up, let’s head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The city is famous for its Carnival celebrations which last two weeks and attract almost 6 million people every year. The Carnival in Rio is known as one of the biggest carnivals in the world and is a destination like no other for winter. The festival starts on February 15th, but the main celebration takes place during the weekends of February 17th to March 3rd and February 24th to March 4th. In the weeks leading up to Carnival, the city is flooded with people wearing all sorts of costumes, vibrant energy and joy, and everywhere you look, music is being played. If there is one place in the world where you should be celebrating winter, it is Rio!
2 Venice’s Carnevale – Venice, Italy
A couple dressed in Carnival Costumes poses in Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Marco Secchi/Getty Images)
We head to Venice, Italy, where a spring-like feel can be felt even in the heart of winter. In Venice, Carnevale is celebrated a few weeks earlier, in the middle of winter. Venetians don costumes and masks, play games, and enjoy the parade of masks. During the celebrations, the city is lit up in all its glory, so, even if it’s winter and dark outside, you get to see the beauty of Venice in all its glory. The celebrations are mostly family-friendly, but some events are reserved for adults.
3 Las Fallas – Valencia, Spain
Las Fallas – Valencia, Spain
Well, we head to Spain to visit Valencia. It is celebrated from mid-February to March 9th, depending on the region. Valencia is famous for its Fallas, which are huge structures that are built and then later burnt down. It is a huge celebration, which includes a lot of music, dances, parades, and fireworks. During the celebrations, the city is decorated with a lot of giant structures, and everyone is dressed in traditional attire.
4 Sapporo Snow Festival – Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, Japan: Snow sculpture of Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Sapporo Snow Festival site. The Festival is held annually at Sapporo Odori Park.
Next up, we head to Japan to visit Sapporo. It is celebrated every February, and it is one of the most amazing winter festivals you can visit. During the celebrations, huge sculptures are made out of snow and ice. There are also fireworks, live music performances, and a lot of food. It is a great place to celebrate winter with friends and family.
5 Winter Festival of Lights – Niagara Falls, Ontario
Winter Festival of Lights – Niagara Falls, Ontario
Next up, we head to Ontario in Canada to visit the Winter Festival of Lights. The festival is celebrated from February 9th to March 3rd. During the winter festival, the city of Niagara Falls comes alive with an array of lights and decorations. There are also winter festivals in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. It is a great place to visit with friends and family.
6 Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival – Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival
Next up, we head to Iceland to visit the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik. The festival is celebrated from February 9th to March 3rd. During the winter festival, the city of Reykjavik is decorated with lights and is a great place to visit with friends and family. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to celebrate the winter season.
7 Dragon Carnival- Ljubljana, Slovenia
Dragon Carnival – Ljubljana, Slovenia
Look at us! Here we head to Slovenia to visit the Dragon Carnival in Ljubljana. The carnival is celebrated from February 9th to March 3rd. During the carnival, Ljubljana comes alive with an array of lights and decorations. It is a great place to visit with friends and family.
8 Cologne Winter Carnival – Cologne, Germany
Cologne Winter Carnival – Cologne, Germany
Here, we head to Germany to visit the Cologne Winter Carnival in Cologne. The Carnival is celebrated from February 9th to March 3rd. During the celebrations, the city is decorated with lights and is a great place to visit with friends and family.
9 New Orleans’ Mardi Gras
New Orleans’ Mardi Gras
Next up, we head to New Orleans, USA to visit Mardi Gras. It is celebrated from February 9th to March 3rd. During the celebrations, New Orleans comes alive with an array of lights and decorations. It is a great place to visit with friends and family.
10 Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach
Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach
Next up, we head to Miami Beach, USA to visit the Winter Party Festival. It is a great place to visit with friends and family. These are some of the best winter festivals around the world you must visit this season. Whether it is celebrating Carnival in Rio, enjoying the lights of Niagra Falls, attending a winter festival in Iceland, or simply indulging in the festive spirit at the Winter Party in Miami Beach, the world has a lot to offer this season.
Are you ready to explore the best winter festivals?
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