Celebrations and festivals around the world celebrate the beauty of winter.
Strong winds, deep drifting snow and Arctic-like, sub-zero temperatures fail to dampen the spirits of winter revelers. Many countries and cultures have a tradition of winter festivities to brighten the drab, gray days of snow and cold. In North America, winter celebrations are made up of snowmobile, dog sled and ski races, ice fishing derbies, hockey, ice skating, curling, survival skills and polar bear swims. From small country towns to major metropolitan cities, young and old gather to celebrate winter.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Held for more than 124 years, the annual St. Paul Winter Carnival and Festival is one of the oldest and largest winter celebrations within the United States. Snow sculpting and ice carving competitions, a giant snow slide, dog sled races, a Torchlight Parade and the King Boreas Grand Day Parade are a few of the highlights of the event. Ice fishing, hockey, polar bear swims, snowboarding and cross county skiing are enjoyed by many of the festival visitors.
St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation
429 Landmark Center
75 West 5th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-223-4700
winter-carnival.com
Snowfest, North Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe offers a wealth of recreational activities year-round.
Named one of the top 100 events by the American Business Association and one of the top 10 in California by the California Board of Tourism, Snowfest is spectacular. North Lake Tahoe and nearby Truckee, Nevada, present 10 winter frolic-filled days and nights, both on and off the mountain. Fine dining, casino entertainment, lively clubs, parades and parties are but a few ways to celebrate winter. Held annually in early March, Snowfest is the perfect time to be in Tahoe. Daytime temperatures climb to the mid-40s F, with 20 to 30s overnight. Skiing at the many resorts is excellent; snow conditions in early March are normally the best of the season. Participate in more than 100 events during Snowfest. Ice carving contests, a polar bear swim in the lake, ski races and pet events are but a few of the favorites. A torch-light parade starts the festivities. Lodging is available at ski resorts, condos on the lake shore or a cozy cabin in the woods.
North Lake Tahoe Central Reservations
888-434-1263
gotahoenorth.com/lodging.
Tahoetopia.com
Niagara Falls Winter Festivals
Niagara Falls attracts visitors from around the world.
Enchanting and exciting, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is magnificent. Winter is celebrated in style at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Presenting more than 3 million tree and ground lights to showcase 125 animated light displays, the award-winning event entices more than a million visitors to the falls from November through January each year. "Fireworks Over The Falls" features breathtaking fireworks as part of Winter Festival of Lights. Celebrate the majestic winter wonderland at the Niagara Ice Wine Festival. Held in conjunction with the Festival of Lights, the Ice Wine Festival features the tasty offering of local vineyards.
Winter Festival of Lights Office
5400 Robinson St.
Niagara Falls, ON
Canada L2G 2A6
800-563-2557
wfol.com
Anchorage, Alaska Fur Rondy
The fur auction is an anticipated event at the Anchorage Fur Rondy.
Packed with more than 120 events unique to Alaska, the annual Anchorage Fur Rendezvous is one of the most attended winter festivals in North America. Held the last week in February, the World Championship Sled Dog Races attract competitors and visitors from all over Alaska and around the world. The fierce competition among dog sled teams has been a celebrated event since 1946. Native Alaskans also come to compete in the annual blanket toss and tribal dancing that is a featured event at the rendezvous. Men's Snowshoe Softball and the famous Grand Prix Auto Race are crowd-pleasing favorites.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
400 D Street Ste. 200
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-274-1177
furrondy.net
Tags: more than, Niagara Falls, Festival Lights, Lake Tahoe, Winter Festival