Top Winter Festivals Around the World to Visit in 2025–26

Winter is coming! If you’re planning your holidays, why not experience the magic of a winter festival? From ice sculptures to skiing competitions, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best winter festivals to add to your itinerary:

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1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, South Korea
Dates: 10 January – 1 February 2026
Held on the frozen Hwacheoncheon River, this festival lets you catch cherry salmon (sancheoneo) through ice holes—grill them yourself or enjoy festival-prepared dishes. Brave visitors can even try bare-hand ice fishing! Other fun activities include sledding, ice soccer, bobsledding, and a Santa Village Photo Zone.

How to reach: Round-trip shuttle buses are available from Seoul.

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2. Lake Geneva Winter Fest, United States
Dates: 28 January – 1 February 2026
Experience America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational Competition, where artists turn 10-foot snow blocks into stunning creations. Enjoy lakeside bonfires, local cuisine, sleigh races, and shopping.

How to reach: Shuttle services run from nearby towns to the festival.

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3. Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Dates: 4 February – 11 February 2026
One of Japan’s most famous winter events since 1950, featuring massive snow sculptures, snow mazes, snowmen, and ice slides. Live performances, jazz bands, choirs, and dance shows add to the festive vibe. Don’t miss tasting the world-famous Sapporo beer!

How to reach: Accessible via subway; shuttle buses operate between Sakaemachi Station and the Tsu Dome Site.

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4. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, China
Dates: 25 December 2025 – mid-February 2026
A spectacular carnival of ice and snow across the city—from Zhongyang Street to Songhua River. Highlights include ice lanterns, ice sailing, sledding, ice hockey, Alpine skiing competitions, and international ice sculpture contests.

How to reach: Convenient trains from Beijing or Shanghai to Harbin.

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5. Grindelwald World Snow Festival, Switzerland
Dates: 19 January – 24 January 2026
Artists worldwide sculpt snow into masterpieces at this 41st edition festival themed “Myths and Legends.” Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and learn about the stories behind each sculpture.

How to reach: Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald station (every 30 minutes).

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From snowy adventures to cultural spectacles, these festivals promise unforgettable winter memories. Pack your warm clothes and get ready for a magical season!