Global Events Digest: Where to Travel in Winter 2025

1. Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival

When: December 24 – February 20, 2025

Where: Harbin, China

Harbin, known as the “Ice City,” comes alive each winter with the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. This two-month celebration features jaw-dropping ice and snow structures, dazzling light displays, and a variety of exhilarating winter activities. Visitors can explore the massive Harbin Ice and Snow World, a “frozen Disneyland” with gigantic ice slides, ice castles, and even an ice theater.

The festival also features the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo on Sun Island, showcasing incredible snow sculptures carved by artists from around the globe—making it a must-see for those looking to travel this winter. In addition to the main festival venues, discover Harbin’s historic architecture, and opportunities for winter sports like skiing and ice swimming in the frozen Songhua River.

Pro Tip: Try to visit the festival in January or February to avoid the peak crowds during the Chinese New Year holidays in late January/early February.

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2. Amsterdam Light Festival

When: during December, 2025

Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands

As the chill of winter descends upon the Netherlands, the city of Amsterdam lights up with a magical display that captivates visitors from around the world, making it an ideal destination to travel in winter. From December through January, the canals and streets of Amsterdam come alive with an enchanting array of light installations. Inspired by the theme of “Disrupt!”, this year’s festival challenges visitors to see the world in a new light, both literally and figuratively.

Strolling along the waterfront, one is greeted by a brilliant tapestry of colors and shapes – from glowing lanterns illuminating the pathways to intricate light sculptures floating serenely on the canals. Each artwork tells a unique story, inviting the viewer to pause, wonder, and engage with the thought-provoking displays.

In addition to the dazzling installations, be sure to visit the city’s charming Christmas markets for some unique gifts and local treats to complement your light festival experience.

3. New Year’s Eve

When: December 31, 2025

Where: Paris, France

For the American traveler seeking a magical winter getaway, Paris transforms into a veritable winter wonderland during the New Year’s Eve festivities.

Picture this: you step out onto the Champs-Élysées, the iconic avenue aglow with twinkling lights and bustling with revelers from all corners of the globe. As the clock nears midnight, the crowd erupts in a chorus of excitement, their breaths forming clouds in the frosty air. Suddenly, the sky explodes in a dazzling display of fireworks, illuminating the Eiffel Tower and casting a warm glow over the city below.

But the New Year’s Eve celebration in Paris is so much more than just the midnight spectacle. Throughout the city, Parisians and visitors alike gather in cozy cafes, dining on rich, hearty French cuisine and sipping on glasses of chilled champagne. Live music and laughter fill the air as people dance the night away, embracing the festive spirit of the season.

For the more adventurous traveler, Paris offers a wealth of winter activities to enjoy, making it an ideal destination to travel in winter. You might take a spin on the ice skating rink at the iconic Hôtel de Ville, or venture out on a guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks, adorned in their winter splendor. And of course, no visit to Paris during the holidays would be complete without a stroll through the charming Christmas markets, where you can indulge in warm, mulled wine and browse unique, locally-crafted gifts.

GLOBAL EVENTS TO TRAVEL IN JANUARY

1. Sundance Film Festival

When: January 23 – February 2, 2025

Where: Park City, Utah, USA

Each January, filmmakers, actors, and enthusiasts converge to celebrate storytelling that pushes boundaries and ignites conversations. The festival transforms the quaint mountain town into a vibrant hub of creativity. Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance has become the premier showcase for groundbreaking independent films that challenge conventions and spark conversations.

You can be among the first to witness powerful narratives and visionary documentaries that might soon shape cultural dialogues. Engage in intimate Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors who are passionate about their craft. The festival’s atmosphere fosters connections—you might find yourself discussing a film’s nuances over coffee with a director or sharing insights with fellow enthusiasts in line for the next screening.

Beyond the films, Sundance offers workshops, panel discussions, and events that delve into the art and business of filmmaking, making it a prime reason to travel in winter. It’s a place where aspiring artists gain inspiration, industry professionals scout new talent, and audiences experience the magic of cinema in its most raw and innovative forms.

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2. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

When: January 11~February 2, 2025

Where: Hwacheon, South Korea

In the heart of South Korea’s picturesque landscapes, winter casts a spell that transforms Hwacheon into a sparkling wonderland, making it a must-see destination to travel in winter. Each January, the crystal-clear waters of the Sancheoneo Stream freeze over, creating a vast, glistening playground for visitors.

One of the festival’s main attractions is ice fishing. Imagine joining locals and travelers alike on the frozen lake, drilling a hole through the thick ice, and dropping a line in hopes of catching the elusive sancheoneo—a prized mountain trout.

But the festival is more than just fishing; it’s an immersion into South Korean culture. You can participate in traditional games, watch captivating performances, and savor the savory delights of local cuisine. The air is filled with laughter and excitement, fostering a sense of camaraderie among everyone who attends. The vibrant energy is contagious, making you feel part of a big, joyous family.

3. Australia Day

When: January 26, 2025

Where: Sydney, Australia

Every year on January 26th, Australia bursts into a vibrant tapestry of celebrations known as Australia Day. As a visitor, you’ll find yourself swept up in a multitude of experiences that showcase the very essence of Australian life. Picture yourself starting the day with a traditional beachside barbecue, where the aroma of sizzling sausages and fresh seafood fills the air.

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne become alive with parades featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and performances that highlight the country’s multicultural heritage. You might join locals in lively festivals, enjoying live music from both renowned and emerging Australian artists.

One of the most exhilarating experiences is witnessing the spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky over iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Australia Day is also a time to engage with Indigenous cultures, providing inspiration for your future activities for winter. Many events offer the chance to explore Aboriginal art exhibitions, listen to traditional storytelling, and participate in workshops that deepen your understanding of the land’s first peoples.

GLOBAL EVENTS TO TRAVEL IN FEBRUARY

1. Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)

When: January 29-February 1, 2025

Where: Celebrated across China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines and Korea

Lunar New Year, celebrated across Asia, is a vibrant and culturally rich holiday that marks the start of the lunar calendar—making it the best place to travel in winter. It’s a time when families come together to honor traditions, enjoy festive foods, and ward off bad luck while welcoming good fortune for the upcoming year.

During Lunar New Year, individuals can immerse themselves in a range of cultural experiences:

• Korea: Participate in the three-day event known as “Seollal,” where families dress in traditional hanbok costumes and children perform deep bows (seh bae) to elders, receiving money and words of wisdom in return. Enjoy traditional dishes like mandu (dumplings) and dduk-guk (rice cake soup).
• China: Witness the festivities on New Year’s Eve, where families gather to make and consume traditional dishes like baos and dumplings. Exchange red envelopes with money and observe superstitions like not buying new shoes or cleaning the house before the holiday.
• Vietnam: Join in the celebrations of Tết, where families enjoy traditional sticky rice cakes like bánh Tết and bánh chưng. Visit temples to pray for good luck and participate in superstitions like paying off debts and not throwing anything away on New Year’s Day.
• Malaysia: Celebrate the 15-day holiday culminating in Chap Goh Mei, with traditional spreads including yee sang (salad) and nian gao. Witness lion dancers and receive red pocket envelopes (ang pow) from relatives.
• Philippines: Participate in the Media Noche midnight feast, featuring round-shaped fruits and sticky rice dishes. Watch the fireworks and avoid spending money on the first day of the year to encourage better finances.

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2. Carnival of Venice

When: February 14, 2025 – Tue, March 4, 2025

Where: Venice, Italy

Dating back to the 12th century, the Carnival began as a period of indulgence and festivity before the austere days of Lent. It’s a time when Venetians and visitors alike don elaborate masks and extravagant costumes, stepping into roles that blur the lines between nobility and commoner, reality and fantasy. The masks are more than just decorative—they’re symbols of anonymity and social equality, allowing everyone to celebrate without the confines of identity or status.

As you stroll through the labyrinthine alleys and glide along the canals, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of sights and sounds. Street performers captivate with music and dance, while parades fill the squares with a riot of colors and textures. The Piazza San Marco becomes a focal point of festivity, its grandeur amplified by the throngs of masked figures and the echo of traditional Venetian melodies.

One of the most enchanting experiences awaits within the opulent masquerade balls held in historic palaces and grand hotels. Here, you can dance the night away, lose yourself in the elegance of the moment, and perhaps even forget the outside world exists.

But the Carnival isn’t just about spectacle; it’s about immersion. Recognized as a festival in the winter, it’s about tasting the rich flavors of Venetian cuisine at a streetside café, engaging in the camaraderie of shared wonder with fellow travelers, and feeling the palpable connection to centuries of tradition. The festival invites you to not just witness but to participate—to become a living part of Venice’s storied history.

3. Rio Carnival

When: February 28 – March 8, 2025

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Every year, just before Lent ushers in a time of reflection, Rio de Janeiro bursts into life with the world-famous Rio Carnival, or “Carnaval do Rio.” This isn’t just a festival—it’s one of the most extravagant and vibrant celebrations on the planet, a pre-Lenten party that captures the very soul of Brazil.

At the heart of the Carnival is the electrifying Samba Parade held in the Sambadrome, a massive stadium designed specifically for this event. Here, samba schools compete in spectacular parades, each telling a unique story through their theme. Thousands of dancers and musicians clad in dazzling costumes move to the infectious rhythms of samba, creating a sensory explosion of color, sound, and movement that captivates audiences from around the globe.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. All over Rio, lavish carnival balls unfold in hotels, clubs, and historic venues. These glamorous events feature live music and dance performances, with attendees dressed in elaborate costumes that add to the opulence of the festivities.

Perhaps the most accessible and infectious aspect of the Carnival is the street parties, known as “blocos.” These informal gatherings pop up throughout the city, turning streets into open-air dance floors. Locals and visitors alike join together, dancing and celebrating in a joyous atmosphere that’s impossible to resist.

As a participant, you’ll dive headfirst into an experience that engages all your senses. Imagine dancing beneath the stars in a pulsating street party, feeling the beat of the drums resonate through your body. You’ll taste traditional Brazilian foods, connect with people from all walks of life, and perhaps even join a samba parade yourself.

Warm up this winter by visiting exciting events

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