Best winter festivals worldwide: When and where to go

Top winter festivals worldwide you should mark on your calendar for 2025 (Image: Canva)

Winter is the season of magical celebrations, and many countries around the world host incredible festivals to embrace the chill. From vibrant parades and dazzling lights to spectacular ice sculptures, these winter festivals offer unforgettable experiences for travelers. Here are the top winter festivals worldwide you should mark on your calendar for 2025.

1. St. Paul Winter Carnival: Held in St. Paul, Minnesota, this iconic winter festival celebrates all things winter. Expect ice sculptures, snow sculpture contests, parades, and even a beautiful torchlight parade through the snow. It’s the perfect way to enjoy winter sports, local culture, and delicious food.

When: Late January – Early February
Where: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

2. Chinese New Year: One of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is celebrated with grand parades, fireworks, lanterns, and dragon dances. Major cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore offer spectacular displays, while Chinatowns around the world host colorful celebrations.

When: January or February (varies each year)
Where: Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and worldwide

3. Carnival of Venice: Known for its elaborate masks and costumes, the Carnival of Venice is a centuries-old celebration that attracts tourists from all over the world. Expect extravagant masquerade balls, gondola parades, and street performances throughout the stunning canals of Venice.

When: February
Where: Venice, Italy

4. Sapporo Snow Festival: Every February, Sapporo, Japan, turns into a winter wonderland, featuring giant snow and ice sculptures that light up the night. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most famous winter events, offering a unique experience with snow slides, ice skating, and breathtaking snow art.

When: Early February
Where: Sapporo, Japan

5. Cologne Carnival: Get ready for a month-long celebration in Cologne, where costumes, music, and parades fill the streets. The Cologne Carnival is a pre-Lenten celebration that features lively processions, street parties, and colorful costumes, attracting thousands of visitors to the city.

When: February or March
Where: Cologne, Germany

6. Amsterdam Light Festival: Experience the magic of winter nights with the Amsterdam Light Festival. This annual event features stunning light installations from international artists displayed along the city's canals. It's a unique way to explore Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways and vibrant art scene.

When: Late November – January
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands

7. Rio Carnival: While traditionally a summer event, the Rio Carnival in Brazil kicks off in late winter for those in the Southern Hemisphere. Known for its colorful parades, samba music, and extravagant costumes, Rio's Carnival is an electrifying celebration of Brazilian culture.

When: February or March
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

8. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival: If you love ice and snow, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China is the ultimate winter destination. This dazzling event features massive ice sculptures, ice castles, and snow carvings that light up with vibrant colors, creating a surreal winter landscape.

When: January – February
Where: Harbin, China

9. Mardi Gras: New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is legendary for its street parades, bead-throwing traditions, and vibrant celebrations. Though celebrated in other places, New Orleans offers one of the most iconic Mardi Gras festivals with its lavish costumes, music, and festive atmosphere.

When: February or March
Where: New Orleans, USA

10. Quebec Winter Carnival: One of the world’s largest winter festivals, the Quebec Winter Carnival transforms the city into a magical winter destination. Visitors can enjoy ice canoe races, parades, snow sculptures, and a nighttime Bonhomme Carnaval celebration, all set against the backdrop of historic Old Quebec.

When: January – February
Where: Quebec City, Canada

11. St. Moritz Gourmet Festival: For those with a taste for fine dining and luxury, the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival is the event of the year. Set in the stunning Swiss Alps, the festival features world-renowned chefs, wine pairings, and gourmet delights, making it the ultimate food and wine festival in winter.

When: January
Where: St. Moritz, Switzerland

Whether you’re seeking snowy landscapes, vibrant parades, or unique cultural experiences, these winter festivals offer the best of what winter has to offer. Start planning your trip now and immerse yourself in the seasonal magic these events bring!