11 Winter Festivals You Should Experience at Least Once

We found the coolest celebrations the country has to offer.

By Allison Sutcliffe September 22, 2017

Your little snow bunny doesn’t get the winter blues. Instead, he’s all about making the most of the season’s white-stuff bounty. We couldn’t agree more! That’s why we’ve rounded up the coolest winter fests the country has to offer so you can get your snow, sled, ski and polar plunge fixes in all season long. Flip through to find a winter wonderland celebration near you!

Bavarian Ice Fest – Leavenworth, Wa – Jan. 13-14, 2018

This decidedly Alps-like town nestled in the mountains of Eastern Washington will still be sporting its over 500,000 winter holiday lights for this year’s annual IceFest. When you and your bundled babes aren’t busy ducking in and out of chocolate shops and nostalgic toy stores that line the main drag, you can watch snow scultpures being erected from the surrounding snow, play IceFest games and activities, and cheer on participants in the annual snowmobile sled pull. But whatever you do, don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display that lights up the night during the festival.

Travel Tip: Be sure to check out the Stevens Pass Grom playgound for your winter crew for even more snow-tastic good times!

Online: leavenworth.org/bavarian-icefest

photo: Visit Leavenworth WA’s Facebook

Do you have a favorite winter festival to share with us? Which one do you want to visit? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe & Gabby Cullen