5 Festive Winter Events Worth Traveling For
Whether you want to get your Christmas shopping done in a festive setting or participate in snow sports, there are plenty of great events to choose from during the winter. The markets, festivals, and other seasonal events listed here are worth checking out. Most are family-friendly and include a range of activities for visitors young and old. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Fun Winter Festivals & Events
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | Austin, TX |
| Royal Pavilion Ice Rink | Brighton, UK |
| Union Square Holiday Market | New York, NY |
| City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival | Minneapolis, MN |
| Saranac Lake Winter Carnival | Saranac Lake, NY |
The Science Of Snowflakes
What To Wear To A Winter Event
If you're traveling from a warmer climate to one of these frozen festivals, you'll want to make sure you and your family are prepared for the cold. Make sure you have all the layers you'll need before you finish packing.
- Warm coat or jacket
- Hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Thick socks
- Snow boots
- Sweater
- Hand warmers
- Snow pants
8 Great Winter Movies
- Winter Carnival (1939)
- Frozen (2013)
- Love Actually (2003)
- New Year's Eve (2011)
- Winter Love Story (2019)
- Holiday Inn (1942)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
- It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Why Do Holidays Fall Around The Winter Solstice?
In Depth
Winter can be a magical time, filled with holidays, gift giving, time spent with family, and good cheer. Some towns and cities take the season to the next level, with special festivals, markets, and sports. In no particular order, here are a few seasonal events that are worth hopping on a plane or train to get to.
For #1, we have the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin, Texas. It is a ten-day fine art and shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists, music, and two full bars in a festive, holiday-themed atmosphere. Past musical acts have included the Texicana Mamas, Hot Club of Cowtown, The Watters, and Dale Watson.
The bazaar was established in 1976, and every year highlights Austin's artists and makers. These locals include singers and bands as well as small business owners who craft artisanal goods.
The bazaar was established in 1976, and every year highlights Austin's artists and makers.
Our #2 entry is the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton, England. The popular Christmas attraction has welcomed over a million people since its doors first opened in 2010. The ice rink operates seasonally, with access typically running from the start of November through mid-January.
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is free to spectate, so skaters and non-skaters alike can visit. Those who want to enjoy a snack or beverage can sit at the rinkside bar and restaurant, which serves items such as mulled wine, burgers, pizzas, craft beers, and cassoulet. In addition, the rink offers a special "beginners area" where children can learn to skate.
Next up, at #3, we have the Union Square Holiday Market, based in New York, New York. It offers a wide selection of unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists for holiday shoppers to purchase. Some of the items available for purchase include handmade jewelry, accessories made from recycled plastic, hats, and leather belts.
It offers a wide selection of unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists for holiday shoppers to purchase.
The market is also known for selling many artisanal food and beverage items. Past examples include hot sauce gift sets, truffle oil, and flights of different varieties of honey. Its parent company, Urbanspace, also has pop up markets at Columbus Circle and Bryant Park, so New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike have a number of options to choose from.
At #4, we present the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The three-day festival includes the Luminary Loppet, a one-night event which annually draws 10,000 people to the candlelit Lake of the Isles to cross-country ski, freewheel bike, Chuck & Don's skijor, and perform other snow-based activities.
The festival includes other events, such as the Minne-Loppet, Captain Ken's Kubb Tournament, and the Southwest Journal Snow Sculpture Contest. Participants can rent skis if they do not have their own. Running simultaneously to the main event is the REI Co-op Luminary Party, featuring an outdoor concert with dancing, drinks, and special giveaways.
Running simultaneously to the main event is the REI Co-op Luminary Party, featuring an outdoor concert with dancing, drinks, and special giveaways.
Our last entry, #5, is the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, which features ten days of sports, performances, parades, and fireworks at Saranac Lake, New York. The centerpiece of the carnival is the Ice Palace, built by volunteers on the shore of Pontiac Bay at the state boat launch.
The event can trace its roots to a one-day carnival held in 1897 by the Pontiac Club. It is now organized by the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee, a group of volunteers. Some of the activities include the Ladies' Fry Pan Toss, the Woodsmen's Exhibition, Arctic Golf, ice skating on Lake Colby, and Flowerball.
