Culture & Travel

24 January 2025

When you think of winter, do you only picture cold weather and cozy days under a blanket? What if we told you about extraordinary festivals that will both entertain and amaze you?

From ice fishing on frozen lakes in Canada to reindeer sleigh races in Sweden, from strategic snowball battles in Japan to freezing marathons in Russia, how about stepping into a completely different winter world?

Canada: Lake Trout Fishing Festival

Jigging for Lake Trout

In Canada’s frozen lakes, participants try their luck at fishing through small holes they drill into the ice. While it might seem like a calm and simple activity at first, the process requires patience, strategy, and a bit of luck. The tranquil surroundings and breathtaking scenery only add to the charm of this unique festival.

Speaking of charm, let’s not forget the local delicacies you can savor by the lake and the cultural treasures of the region, waiting to be explored. This event holds a special place among Canada’s winter festivals, making it perfect for those who enjoy cold weather and outdoor adventures.

Norway: Ice Lake Music Festival

Imagine a music festival where everything—yes, absolutely everything—is made of ice. From the stages to the instruments, every element of this festival is crafted from ice!

At Norway’s Ice Lake Music Festival, artists perform mesmerizing pieces using specially designed ice instruments. Set on a frozen lake, the sounds that echo across the icy landscape feel both extraordinary and like a pure reflection of nature itself.

Completely eco-friendly, these events might be a challenge for those who aren’t fans of the cold, but they promise an unforgettable experience.

Sweden: Sápmi Reindeer Races

Sápmi

When you think of Sweden and the Lapland region, reindeer are probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? So it’s no surprise that the region’s most iconic winter festival centers around these majestic creatures.

The Sápmi Reindeer Races honor the traditions of the Sami people, with participants racing across snow-covered tracks in sleds pulled by reindeer.

This festival also offers the chance to dive deep into Sami culture. From handcrafted goods to music and traditional delicacies, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the authentic spirit of Sweden.

Austria: Eisarsch Curling Tournament

ice curling

With a name as quirky as the event itself, the Eisarsch Curling Tournament is one of Austria’s most entertaining winter festivals. Unlike traditional curling, participants sit in specially designed wooden chairs, and the race begins. Competitors glide across the ice, enjoying both the thrill of competition and the sheer fun of it all—spectators do too!

The primary goal of this festival isn’t winning but sharing the joy and camaraderie that cold weather brings. This event, which breathes new life into winter sports, is perfect for anyone seeking a laughter-filled, unique experience.

United States: Frozen Dead Guy Days

Held in Colorado, the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival is one that piques curiosity just from its name. Rooted in the quirky local history of the town, this festival includes everything from coffin races to icy water plunges, alongside a variety of other wacky activities.

With colorful costumes, live music, absurd humor, and outlandish events, this festival promises a full dose of American-style fun. If it intrigues you, don’t miss out!

Japan: Yukigassen Snowball Fight Festival

Yukigassen

Who doesn’t love a good snowball fight? The Japanese certainly do—they’ve even turned it into a sport! At the Yukigassen Snowball Fight Festival in Japan’s Hokkaido region, participants split into two teams and engage in an all-out snowball war.

Attracting competitors from all over the globe, the festival is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for spectators. Both fun and fiercely competitive, this event transforms winter into a celebration.

Canada: Polar Bear Plunge

cold water swimming

Would you dare to dive into an icy lake in the freezing cold? In Canada, groups of brave souls do exactly that, turning this daring feat into an annual festival called the “Polar Bear Plunge.”

Raising funds for charity, this event is also filled with plenty of food, drinks, and unlimited fun, making it one of Canada’s most thrilling winter festivals.

Russia: Oymyakon Winter Festival – An Experience at the Coldest Place on Earth

Our final festival comes from the coldest place on Earth. Oymyakon, a village in Russia’s Yakutia region, is known as the coldest inhabited location on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to -50°C, simply surviving here could be considered an achievement. Yet, locals have turned these extreme conditions into an unforgettable annual celebration.

The Oymyakon Winter Festival features traditional games, ice sculpture exhibitions, unique regional cuisine, competitions, and more. Participants test their endurance by running marathons in the freezing cold. If you’re curious about how locals manage to live daily life in such extreme conditions, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to chat with them and learn their secrets—provided you’re brave enough to face the cold yourself.

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