11 American Winter Festivals You Should Have on Your Bucket List

When: Feb. 24 to March 5

Known colloquially as “Fur Rondy,” this Anchorage, AK, festival has been held annually since 1935 — and what started as a three-day sports competition has evolved into one of the world’s most popular Winter celebrations. The 10-day festival uniquely combines classic events — such as the ancient Alaska Native Blanket Toss and World Championship Sled Dog Race — with modern additions, such as the Running of the Reindeer, Rondy DASH scavenger hunt, Snowshoe Softball Tournament, and Snow Sculpture Competition.

When: Feb. 17 to 26

Sure, Newport, RI, may be best known as one of New England’s best sailing and beach destinations during the Summer, but come Winter, it’s all about one thing: the Newport Winter Festival. In its 29th year in 2017, the festival includes a series of signature events that bring locals and tourists back again and again, including the Chili Cook-Off, hot drink contest, comedy show, and beach polo matches. The family-friendly celebration also includes fun experiences designed especially for the youngest Winter festival attendees, such as the Princess Party at OceanCliff Castle, Teddy Bear Tea, and Children’s Fair.

When: Feb. 17 to 19

As far as snowy celebrations go, it’s hard to beat the unspoiled natural landscape of Bend, OR, or this Pacific Northwest town’s Oregon WinterFest. After all, there’s a lot to love about this seasonal festival, including the Fire Pit Competition along the Deschutes River, live ice sculpture exhibits, Kid’s Hot Cocoa Run, Metal Mulisha motocross show, and Fire King and Queen crowning ceremony. But what really sets Oregon WinterFest apart from other competitions is its musical program; the celebration holds a series of live shows in various genres in the event’s US Cellular Chalet Tent.

When: Feb. 9 to 20

Spread out across Detroit Lakes, MN, the cold-weather Polar Fest is held annually over the week and weekend around Presidents' Day. The jam-packed schedule includes activities for every age and interest; some of the most popular events include the Polar Palooza snow tube races, Polar Fest Plunge into Little Detroit Lake, and Frozen Fireworks, as well as a series of dinners, parties, and beer tastings at Lakeside Tavern and The Lodge on Lake Detroit. Locals and visitors alike will also love the history surrounding Polar Pete, Detroit Lakes’ fictional mascot; Polar Pete closes out the festival with skiing and snowboarding on Detroit Mountain.

When: Feb. 3 to 12

For 10 days in February in upstate New York, the Adirondacks come alive with the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. The longest-running Winter festival in the country, the event was first established in 1897 and has since grown into a series of sports competitions, performances, parades, and fireworks. Perhaps most anticipated is the yearly crowning of the king and queen of the Winter Carnival and their court, as well as the construction of the Ice Palace, the crown jewel of the event since 1989.

When: Jan. 26 to Feb. 5

Winter is no joke in Minnesota, and neither is St. Paul’s annual Winter Carnival. The hub of the event is Rice Park, where visitors can view ice sculptures and light displays, take in live entertainment, shop local vendor booths, and grab a drink at the ice bar. But that’s not all that the St. Paul Winter Carnival offers — visitors should also check out the lineup of signature events, including the Beer Dabbler festival, Securian Winter Run 10k/5k, family-friendly Snow Park, Disc Golf Ice Bowl competition, and Autonomous Snowplow team engineering competition.

When: Feb. 8 to 12

With a nickname like Ski Town, USA, it’s no surprise that Colorado’s Steamboat Springs is home to one of the best Winter carnivals in the country. With the purchase of a $10 Winter Carnival button, attendees can experience all that makes the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival so special, including a series of races and competitions that take place on the snow-covered main street and on the slopes of Howelsen Hill. But without a doubt, the most spectacular (and unique) event is the Winter Carnival Night Extravaganza, where spectators experience a jaw-dropping display of fireworks, jumps through a fiery hoop, and pyrotechnic show from the legendary Lighted Man’s fireworks suit. Yes, you read that right — he shoots off fireworks from his body.

When: Jan. 14 to 28

The 2017 Stowe Winter Carnival-themed StowOasis will be this picturesque Vermont town’s 43rd annual event. The ski destination comes alive during the Winter season, and the carnival celebrates all things Stowe and snow with a series of competitions, movies, and games. Highlights include the beer garden festival, kids' carnival, snow golf and snow volleyball tournaments, and the annual Ice Carving Competition, where artists will design a sculpture based on the yearly theme. The 2017 event will also feature the second annual broomball competition, a new addition and fast favorite; check the schedule for the full lineup.

When: March 3 to 12

As far as California goes, it doesn’t get any better than North Lake Tahoe during the Winter or this snowy mountain town’s annual SnowFest! In its 36th year in 2017, the family-friendly festival includes almost 100 parades, laser shows, fireworks, concerts, parties, sport competitions, and other events; the schedule changes slightly each year, but past favorites include the Dog Sled Pull, Polar Bear Swim, Wine N’ Ice, and Winter Wonder Film Festival.

When: Feb. 3 to 5

During the winter, Whitefish, MT, is nothing short of a true Winter wonderland — and the Whitefish Winter Carnival is the best way to experience everything magical about this season. Though the Merry Maker Party, King and Queen Coronation, Ski Joring, and Disco Party take place in January, the bulk of the festival events take place over a February weekend; attendees can celebrate with the kickoff gala, Penguin Plunge, Pie Social, and Grand Parade. The significance of this event goes beyond seasonal festivities — in fact, it honors the mythology of the god Ullr and the Nordic Yetis, the original settlers of Big Mountain and Flathead Valley.

When: Jan. 12 to 15

Now in its 66th year, Wintersköl is the “toast to Winter” and celebration of local culture in Aspen, CO, held over four days in January. The festival focuses on the town’s rich arts scene and snowy mountains; events include Ullr Nights’ Winter outdoor activity series, the Wintersculpt 48-hour snow sculpture competition, Glow in the Park Block Party in the outdoor pedestrian mall, and a free public skate at Lewis Ice Arena. One of Aspen’s most anticipated events of the year, the entire town gets into the Wintersköl spirit, including local businesses and premier resorts such as the legendary Little Nell.