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!

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival – Steamboat Springs, Co – Feb. 7-11, 2018

One of the oldest and longest Winter Carnivals in the country is also one of the zaniest. The Noon Street Events include wacky happenings like the Soda Pop Slalom, the Donkey Jump and the Shovel Race. There’s a Winter Carnival Rodeo Clown and Dog and even a Dad Dash for the tiniest snowbunnies. Thrill seekers will get a major adrenaline rush during the Night Extravaganza, where they’ll watch the Lighted Man ski downhill with Roman Candles shooting out of his pack—it’s the perfect kickstart to the fireworks show.

Travel Tip: Save time to hit the slopes over at Howelson Hill Ski Area—the oldest ski resort in Colorado.

Online: steamboatchamber.com/signature-events/winter-carnvial

photo: Travis Gainsley

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