Winter is when the world comes alive in the most unexpected ways. Think mischievous brothers coming down from the mountains, a celebration of Viking heritage, and glowing ice castles. Around the world, we found 10 winter festivities you’ll want to experience at least once in your life.
10. Kobe Luminarie (Kobe, Japan)
The Kobe Luminarie is an annual light display that honors the victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. What began as a one-time memorial has turned into a yearly tradition, drawing millions of visitors who come to witness over 200,000 hand-painted bulbs illuminate the city center. t’s a moving tribute that also played a crucial role in revitalizing tourism and bringing life back to the city after the earthquake.
9. Dongzhi Festival (China)
The Dongzhi Festival celebrates the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The tradition involves the making and eating of tangyuan, which are colorful glutinous rice balls. The round shape of the tangyuan and the bowls in which they’re served symbolize unity and the gathering of family.
8. The Yule Lads (Iceland)
In Iceland, the 13 nights leading up to Christmas are the domain of the Yule Lads, a mischievous band of 13 brothers who descend from the mountains one by one to cause a bit of holiday havoc. Each of the Yule Lads has a specific quirk, from slamming doors to stealing sausages. Children leave a shoe on their windowsill every night, and if they’ve been good, they’ll receive a small gift. If they’ve been bad, they’ll find a rotting potato in their shoe.
7. Inti Raymi (Cusco, Peru)
Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is an ancient Incan ceremony, which was once banned by the Spanish conquistadors. The celebration includes a massive theatrical reenactment of the original Inca festival, with traditional music, colorful parades, and dancing. The main event takes place at the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where actors playing the Sapa Inca and his wife perform rituals to honor the sun god, Inti.
6. Night of the Radishes (Oaxaca, Mexico)
On December 23rd, the main square of Oaxaca, Mexico is filled with carved radishes. The Noche de Rábanos, or Night of the Radishes, is a unique competition where local artisans carve oversized radishes into elaborate scenes, from detailed nativity scenes to fantastical creatures. The tradition is said to have started in the 19th century when shopkeepers would carve radishes to attract consumers.
5. Krampusnacht (Austria & Germany)
For a darker take on the holiday season, turn your attention to Krampusnacht in the Alpine regions of Austria and Germany. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, naughty children are visited by Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon creature. In many towns, men dressed in terrifying Krampus costumes parade through the streets. This ancient tradition is once again popular, offering a slightly scary alternative to the usual Christmas cheer.
4. Quebec Winter Carnival (Quebec, Canada)
The Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the most famous winter festivals in the world. Since its modern revival in 1955, the carnival has grown into a massive celebration of all things winter. The festive features various activities, including snow sculpture competitions, canoe races on the frozen St. Lawrence River, and an enchanting ice palace.
3. Up Helly Aa (Shetland, Scotland)
This is Europe’s largest and most famous fire festival. The event celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage with a day of music, parades, and feasting, culminating in a breathtaking torchlight procession. A squad of “guizers” marches through the town in full Viking regalia, carrying a replica Viking longship. As darkness falls, nearly a thousand torch-bearers join the procession. It’s a dramatic show that lights up the winter night.
2. Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo, Japan)
What began in 1950 with just six snow sculptures made by high school students has turned into one of the world’s most renowned winter events. The Sapporo Snow Festival now attracts over two million visitors annually. The festival features hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, with the main attractions being the massive snow sculptures reaching up to 15 meters in height.
1. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival (Harbin, China)
Topping our list is the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, the largest ice and snow festival in the world. Every year, the city of Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland, with entire buildings and monuments sculpted from blocks of ice and snow. The festival, which begins on January 5th, features life-sized ice castles, palaces, and sculptures, all illuminated with an array of colorful lights.
