Spectacular Winter Festivals That Set the World Aglow

Oct8,2025

Held in the icy city of Harbin, this festival transforms the landscape into a glittering wonderland of towering ice palaces, illuminated sculptures, and frozen artistry.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival – China

This breathtaking Japanese festival showcases massive snow sculptures, intricate ice carvings, and a carnival-like atmosphere in Hokkaido’s Sapporo City.

Sapporo Snow Festival – Japan

One of the oldest and biggest winter celebrations in the world, Quebec’s festival features ice canoe races, snow baths, night parades, and the iconic snowman mascot Bonhomme Carnaval

Quebec Winter Carnival – Canada

In Lerwick, Shetland Islands, men dressed as Vikings parade through the streets carrying flaming torches before setting a Viking longship ablaze—symbolizing Norse heritage, fire, and the end of the Yule season.

Up Helly Aa Fire Festival – Scotland

Hosted inside a giant snow castle built anew each year on frozen Great Slave Lake, this unique festival features concerts, ice slides, and art exhibitions—all made of snow and ice.

SnowKing Winter Festival – Yellowknife, Canada

Set in Geilo, Norway, this ethereal festival features musical instruments carved entirely from ice. 

Ice Music Festival – Norway

In Minnesota, this historic carnival includes ice palaces, parades, snow sculptures, skating events, and winter sports, celebrating the city’s spirit of warmth amid the cold.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival – USA

Geneva’s historic winter festival honors the city’s victory over invaders in 1602. 

Fête de l’Escalade – Switzerland