Are you ready to head out on a family adventure next winter? You know, get away from the hustle and bustle of work and other obligations? Make a few memories with the family, while laughing, talking, and having an amazing time? Well, maybe you need to consider attending one of the best winter events around the world for your next family vacation! There are so many events held during the winter months. So, it isn’t difficult to find one that will pique the interest of your family. Today, I am going to share some of the best winter events around the world, so you can get an idea of what is out there waiting for you.  

Winter Events Around the World 

Christmas Markets 

Christmas markets are held every December in many cities around the world. You will discover numerous Christmas markets in Europe at this time of the year. Your family can focus on the markets in one area. Or you can choose to take a Christmas market river cruise for your family trip. Either option will have you making memories with your family while enjoying the sights and sounds of the season.  

Amsterdam Light Festival 

Head to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to attend the Amsterdam Light Festival. At least twenty light artworks are displayed within the city. You can view these light displays from the streets. However, I recommend checking them out from the canals. They seem even more breathtaking from the water.  

Red Crab Migration 

The Red Crab Migration usually takes place in late December on Christmas Island. If you time your family vacation just right, you can see millions of red crabs scurrying across this island to breed. It is difficult to determine exactly when this winter event will occur each year. However, a visit to this island will always have you experiencing something amazing, even if you miss the red crabs.  

Grindelwald Snow Festival 

The Grindelwald Snow Festival is held in Grindelwald, Switzerland every January. When you are not looking at the ice and snow sculptures, you may find yourselves skiing on the slopes of the Swiss Alps. There are many other winter activities waiting for your family here too. So, it is the perfect option if you all want to stay busy during your time away from home.  

Cordova Iceworm Festival 

The Cordova Iceworm Festival is one of the more unique festivals in Alaska every year. This festival was started back in 1961 to celebrate winter. It gave the locals something to do during the dark winter months to lift their spirits. The biggest event during this festival is the iceworm parade. And yes, a lot of people line up Conga line style to wear the inchworm costume.  

Up Helly Aa 

One of the most impressive fire festivals in Europe is Up Helly Aa in Lerwirck, Scotland. Choose to be a Viking for the day, as you watch a torch-lit procession that results in the lighting of a traditional Viking longship. The locals dress in traditional costumes and you may want to join in on the fun and dress up too.  

Plungefest 

Plungefest is held in Maryland each year during the month of February. You can celebrate winter in style by eating local foods and drinking local cocktails. Add in live music and entertainment in the heated ice lodge and you may forget that you should be jumping into freezing cold water at some point during this winter event.  

Mardi Gras 

There is no better way to celebrate winter than Mardi Gras, or Carnival, as it is known in some areas. You can choose to take a family vacation in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, or any other destination that celebrates this winter event. No matter where you take your family trip, your time will be spent attending parades, dancing, and wearing elaborate costumes.  

Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival 

There is nothing more beautiful during the winter months than watching the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. You will have the chance to see those lights, and much more, when you take a family vacation in Iceland. This winter lights festival is the perfect place to mingle with the locals, wander through the museums, and take a dip or two in a thermal pool.  

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 

There are too many winter activities to count when your family attends the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. This winter event is held every year in the month of February. It is best to spend a couple days attending this winter carnival, so you have the chance to do all the activities on your list. There are snowshoe races, snow rugby games, and fry pan toss. Attend the Firefighter’s Broom Ball before watching the fireworks go off over the lake for a night your family will never forget.  

Polar Fest 

Polar Fest is another one of the winter events that are held in the US. You will find this winter event in Minnesota. During Polar Fest, the locals celebrate Polar Pete. They do this by jumping into the icy water, golfing on the frozen lake, and running the Freeze Your Buns Run 5K.  

Fête du Citron 

Down in the French Riviera, you can attend the lemon festival. Fête du Citron was started back in 1895. This festival was created to celebrate the main fruit of the region. While also providing entertainment during the long winter months. Lemons are used to create massive sculptures. The best part is all those sculptures create a lemony scent throughout the area.  

These are the best winter events around the world, and they are definitely worth considering for your next family trip. Your family can choose the winter event they love the most and then I can personalize your family vacation itinerary accordingly.  

So, are you ready to have me personalize your next family vacation?  

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