The winter season is a time for Christmas markets, spending time with loved ones, and ushering in the new year but there’s a huge chunk of the season that’s largely ignored. With the Christmas festivities over and baubles back in the attic, the months ahead are nothing but a cold hurdle for many. But they don’t have to be.
Winter festivals are a wonderful way to keep the party going well into the new year. The northern hemisphere, particularly Europe and the US, hosts several festivals to make your days brighter, warmer, and longer. Here is our comprehensive guide on the top 7 winter festivals to watch out for in 2025;
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Winter Lights at Canary Wharf, England
If you think Canary Wharf is just a sea of office buildings, the Winter Lights Festival might change your perspective. From January 21 to February 1, 2025, the area transforms into a glowing wonderland with 12 stunning installations weaving between the iconic glass skyscrapers.
Highlights include illuminated silky sari fabric and a stack of bathtubs emitting both light and sound, creating a surreal and mesmerizing experience. It’s the perfect excuse to bundle up, sip on a warm hot chocolate, and explore this magical trail in the heart of London.
Kiruna Snow Festival, Sweden
Held from January 22-26, 2025, the Kiruna Snow Festival promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of northern Sweden’s winter wonderland. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this iconic event showcases the city’s snowy charm, solidifying Kiruna’s recent recognition as the next European Capital of Culture.
Highlights include the Kiruna International Snow Sculpture Competition, where artists craft jaw-dropping creations from snow, and thrilling activities like dog sledding and reindeer racing. Adding a touch of quirky fun, the Snow Blower World Championships never fail to entertain.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival in Minnesota, US
As the oldest winter festival in the U.S., this festival offers a striking mix of traditional and quirky activities. Impressive snow sculptures and the iconic Ice Palace provide a majestic backdrop, but it’s the carnival’s unusual events that steal the show. The medallion treasure hunt challenges visitors to decode daily clues in search of a cash prize.
In addition, other highlights include an ice fishing tournament, the crowning of a Winter Carnival Royal Court, and even a cat show. You’ll also love the doggie depot, where the Canine King and Queen are crowned. It adds to the whimsical charm to the event.
The carnival’s origins date back to when a New York Times journalist dubbed Minnesota “unfit for human habitation,” prompting locals to prove him wrong in spectacular fashion. This year’s celebration will run from January 23 to February 1, 2025, making it the perfect winter escape!
Vilnius Light Festival, Lithuania
The Vilnius Light Festival is a dazzling experience that transforms Lithuania’s charming capital into a vibrant canvas of light and creativity. Known for its quaint architecture and picturesque Old Town, Vilnius offers a stark and stunning contrast during this festival. You’ll encounter a city-wide display of illuminated digital art, innovative installations, and “dynamically moving architecture.”
Iconic spots across the city are set aglow with mesmerizing, mind-bending visuals, while massive beams of light shoot into the sky, creating a spectacle that captivates locals and visitors alike. Scheduled from January 24 to 26, 2025, this event promises to brighten the winter nights with unforgettable brilliance.
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival in Shetland, Scotland
This festival is a fiery and unforgettable way to embrace winter in Shetland. Rooted in the island’s rich Viking history, this dazzling celebration brings the community together in a blaze of traditional music, costumes, and torchlight. Held from late January to March across the archipelago, the most spectacular event occurs in Lerwick, the Shetland capital, on the last Tuesday of January.
Participants don traditional Viking garb, parade through the streets carrying flaming torches, and revel in the warmth of camaraderie. Culminating in a dramatic torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley ship, this festival transforms the chill of winter into a roaring spectacle of heat and heritage. This year, it’s scheduled to start on January 28.
Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
This year, the Sapporo Snow Festival marked its 75th anniversary. The event transforms Hokkaido into a mesmerizing winter wonderland and took place from February 4-11. This iconic event showcases snow art at its finest, with local artists creating breathtaking large-scale replicas of both Japanese and international landmarks.
From towering sculptures to intricate small-scale designs, the festival is a true celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Beyond the awe-inspiring art, visitors can enjoy snow games and a variety of activities scattered across the island. Feeling chilly? Hokkaido’s renowned hot springs and open spas provide the perfect cozy retreat to warm up and unwind.
Montréal en Lumière, Canada
The Montréal en Lumière festival promises a unique and exhilarating experience that goes beyond your typical seasonal activities. Among its standout attractions is the Loto-Québec Skating Loop, offering a fresh twist on the classic ice rink. As you glide along the loop, you’ll be immersed in the festival’s vibrant energy, complete with live DJ sets that keep the beats flowing.
You can also explore a lively fairground and countless opportunities to experience winter ‘the Montréal way.’ Taking place from February 27 to March 9, 2025, this festival is a dazzling celebration of culture, music, and winter magic.
Conclusion
Winter 2025 is shaping up to be a season of spectacular celebrations. Whether you’re chasing icy artistry, fiery parades, or sunny beats, these festivals promise memories that will warm your heart—even in the coldest of temperatures. So, grab your passport and your puffiest coat (or a bikini, depending on your choice), and let the festivities begin!
