The Best 2026 U.S. Winter Festivals Worth Packing a Bag For
Once we greet the New Year and relatives return home, you need a good winter festival. Hiding under a weighted blanket isn’t your only option. Across the U.S., communities are embracing the freeze, throwing parties that range from charmingly nostalgic to downright bizarre.
Come along and see where the open road can lead you to enjoy the best winter festival!
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Where: Saranac Lake, New York
Vibe: An ice-cold architectural marvel.
If you think you know cold, head to the Adirondacks in February. Since 1897, people in Saranac Lake haven’t just endured the temperature; they’ve celebrated it. The centerpiece here is the Ice Palace, a massive fortress built entirely from blocks of ice harvested directly from Lake Flower. It’s not just a pile of snow: this is a legitimate structure with lights, mazes, and ice furniture.
Beyond the palace, the festival is a bit of a marathon. There are fireworks (multiple displays, actually), curling matches, and the famous “Arctic Golf.” It’s a community effort that feels genuine, historical, and incredibly cool—literally and figuratively. Remember pack your warmest layers since looking at an ice castle is less fun when you can’t feel your toes.
Ullr Fest
Where: Breckenridge, Colorado
Vibe: Vikings on vacation
Breckenridge is already a premier ski destination, but for a few days in December, it gets wonderfully weird. For over 60 years, locals have gathered to honor Ullr (pronounced “Oool-er”), the Norse god of snow, in hopes of a powder-heavy season.
This isn’t your standard tree-lighting ceremony. Expect to see thousands of people donning Viking helmets for the main parade. There’s a frying pan toss competition and a bonfire that lights up the Rockies. It’s a rowdy, joyous excuse for to play dress-up, unleash your inner Viking, and party in the snow. If you like your winter festival with a side of mythology, this is the one you’ve been longing for all along.
Wassail Weekend
Where: Woodstock, Vermont
Vibe: A living holiday card.
If Ullr Fest is the rowdier cousin on the way home to Norway, Wassail Weekend is the elegant dinner guest. Woodstock is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful towns in America, and during this December weekend, it leans hard into the New England charm which is just as grand as it is in summer.
The highlight here is the parade of horses and riders dressed in Victorian-era costumes. It’s picturesque to the point of being surreal: snow-dusted streets, historic homes, and carolers. It feels like stepping onto a movie set, but with better hot cider. It’s the perfect antidote to modern stress, offering a slow-paced, visually stunning celebration of tradition. Winter festivals can be charming, and less of a college party scene after all.
Solvang Julefest
Where: Solvang, California
Vibe: Scandinavian hygge without the jet-lag.
You might not associate California with a traditional winter festival, but Solvang is an exception. Crowned as the “Danish Capital of America,” according to the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, this town goes all out from late November through early January.
The architecture is already Danish-style, but during Julefest, the town drips with lights and decorations. You can take candlelight tours, hunt for hidden “Nisse” (gnomes), and eat your weight in aebleskiver (those delicious Danish pancake balls). It’s a great option if you want the festive spirit but prefer your winter weather to be a little milder than the Arctic tundra.
Sartori Big Cheese Drop
Where: Plymouth, Wisconsin
Vibe: Delightfully absurd.
New York City drops a crystal ball. Plymouth, Wisconsin—the Cheese Capital of the World—drops a giant wedge of BellaVitano Gold.
Taking place on New Year’s Eve, this event is a testament to Wisconsin’s dedication to dairy. Thousands gather to watch the glowing cheese descend, complete with fireworks and live music. It’s funny, it’s memorable, and it’s unpretentious. Plus, unlike the crowded chaos of Times Square, you’re likely to get a complimentary sample of actual cheese. It’s the perfect way to ring in a new year with a smile and a snack.
Winter Festival Hype is Real
Sometimes, you must simply choose to enjoy winter. With safety and good packing in mind, any season has its charms and surprising joys! Why hide away until spring? Perhaps one of these winter festivals is just what you need to recharge, relax, and re-energize for the beginning of 2026!
