In San Diego we’re lucky to have very mild winters. Most of our usual outdoor activities continue year-round. However, in much of the country cold weather and a lack of sunlight can put a damper on everyone’s mood after the holidays are over. To compensate for this, many cities put on winter festivals and carnivals. These lift the spirits of locals and visitors alike. The festivals below were scheduled to have events this winter for those in the mood for some winter fun. The Omicron variant may impact the festivities. Therefore, we focus on winter festivals in the United States in order to limit any disruption that may be caused by international travel restrictions.

Midwest

St Paul Winter Carnival (January 28 – February 6): This is the oldest, biggest, and often the coldest winter party in the country. This year is the 136^th carnival and it is expected to draw over 250,000 revelers. There are parties, contests, drag queen bingo, and a parade among other events. The carnival is probably best known for its festive light displays and ice sculptures. Every 10 to 15 years the carnival builds its famous ice castle. These centerpiece structures have been up to 165 feet tall. Unfortunately, one isn’t planned for 2022. But there is still plenty going on in Minnesota’s capital city to keep you entertained.

The Great Northern (Minneapolis January 27 – February 6): We generally wouldn’t suggest flying to Minnesota in the middle of winter for this festival alone. But since it takes place at the same time as the Winter Carnival above you can have a two for one winter experience. This festival focuses on art experiences, music, locally sourced food, and educational speakers. While this may be generous, some have referred to it as a mini, but much colder, South by Southwest.

West Coast

Portland Winter Light Festival – PDXWLF (February 4 – 12): Head to Oregon’s biggest city for this light and arts festival sponsored by the Willamette Light Brigade. Many local businesses offer pop-up events with small light sculptures and parties. While large light displays, and performances, are scattered around the city. These displays are very photogenic so be sure to have enough battery power on your phone.

SnowFest (Tahoe City February 24 – March 6): This festival doesn’t offer any main show stopping event. It is a low-key celebration that adds some fun to the ski season. A small parade, contests, and parties are spread out over its duration. We mention SnowFest because it is convenient for our many California clients. But for ski bums there are several ski themed events around the country, including the ever-popular Aspen Gay Ski Week (January 16 – 23).

Fur Rendezvous (Anchorage February 25 – March 6): Anchorage locals also call this popular festival Fur Rondy. It offers snow sculptures, parties, competitions (including an outhouse race), and many other events. Fur Rondy has an Alaskan theme which makes it unique to those of us from the lower 48. If you’re going to embrace cold weather, why not go all the way?

Miscellaneous Winter Festivals

Mardi Gras (New Orleans January 6 – March 1): Not every big celebration that occurs in winter has to involve ice. (Unless you count the ice in your to go cup as you walk down Bourbon Street). While this isn’t technically a “winter festival”, we had to list it as it is one of the biggest parties of the year. Smaller events begin in early January when the Krewes have their own parades and parties around town. The big event is the main parade on March 1. Although it will probably be chilly out, beads and a good time are as important as a warm coat at this event.

Chinese New Year (Around the country February 1): It’s also not a “winter festival”, but Chinese New Year offers an opportunity to forgot about winter with good food and festivities. Events generally span several days, with the Year of the Tiger beginning February 1, 2022. Fireworks, parades, parties, and the famous dragon and lion dances are highlights of larger events. If your city has a Chinatown, or an Asian business district, it is likely that there will be some sort of celebration. Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, New York City, and of course San Francisco hold some of the biggest events.

Conclusion

The bulk of the holiday season will be over soon. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t additional opportunities for winter fun. If you would like more information about any of these festivals, and help in planning a trip to them, give Purple Light Vacations a call. Of course, if you’d rather forget winter, and head to a tropical island, where there for you too.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).