Every U.S. State’s best winter festival Event
The World of Winter Events and Festivals
We all have ways of getting through the post-holiday blues and for many destinations across the country, there is but one tried & true way to chase the winter doldrums away: throw a party. Once again, it’s the time of year for winter festivals to grab the spotlight, a collection of events that embrace the special atmosphere of the season, typically offering attendees good times in the great outdoors. The following collection of the best winter festivals in the USA for 2023 includes many get-togethers dedicated to carving ice & snow into fanciful shapes and huddling around bonfires, but in warmer locales, you’ll find golf tournaments, state fairs and seafood festivals. This is to say nothing of late winter festivals dedicated to St. Patrick, which take the honor in some states. Click on the slideshow to get some 2023 winter travel inspiration.
Alabama: Mobile Mardi Gras
If you thought New Orleans was the only destination on the Gulf that lets loose during Carnival season, then it’s time to meet Mardi Gras in Mobile. Port City lays claim to having the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras celebrations and throughout the festival season, parades take to the city’s streets showering crowds with beads, moon pies and other gifts while parties fill homes all around town. February 3-21 in 2023.
Alaska: Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships
Each winter, the best artistic ice carvers from around the world descend on The Tanana Valley Fairgrounds in Fairbanks to show off their skills and compete for titles across a range of carving categories at this wonderful wintry event. The real winners though are the spectators who get to enjoy all their hard work glistening and sparkling in the Alaska winter splendor. The competition is from February 17 – March 17 in 2023, with the sculptures remaining at the park through March—weather dependent.
Arizona: The WM Phoenix Open
They call it the “Greatest Show on Grass” and this annual golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale is set to once again live up to its reputation this winter. The golf will be great for sure—Scottie Scheffler looks to defend his title—but it’s the “only in AZ” atmosphere around Hole 16, the concerts (Maroon 5, Walker Hayes, Lainey Wilson and Dustin Lynch are set to play this year) and near perfect weather that makes this event so special. February 6-12 in 2023.
Arkansas: The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Every year on March 17, the handsome town of Hot Springs paints itself green and goes ga-ga for the (checks notes) shortest St. Paddy’s Day procession in the world. This year, country star Justin Moore will serve as Grand Marshal while actor Christopher McDonald will be the official Parade Starter. The day will also include live music and a “Blarney Stone” kissing contest.
California: North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST
Each late winter, Tahoe City bubbles with over with ten days of fun dedicated to snow, merrymaking, and the High Sierra lifestyle. Activities at this year’s SNOWFEST include but certainly are not limited to colorful parades (daytime and torchlight), Mardi Gras parties, polar bear swims, concerts and pancake breakfasts. March 2-12 in 2023.
Colorado: International Snow Sculpture Championships
Once again, some of the finest snow sculptors in the world will descend on Breckenridge this winter to show off their skills in turning the white stuff into wonderful works of art. The artists are not allowed to use power tools—adding another layer of skill to the works on display—and once the sculptures are completed, they turn the town into a magical place to be—especially at night. January 23 – February 1 in 2023.
Connecticut: Wintertide
Melt away the low-temperature blues at Mystic Seaport Museum’s annual embrace of all things icy. Wintertide 2023 will feature games, music, arts & crafts, warming food & drinks (rest assured, the hot cocoa will flow) and the ever-popular ice sculpture demonstrations in addition to life-sized snowglobes. February 18-20 in 2023.
Delaware: Fire & Ice Festival
Who said the beach is only for summer? Make for the stretch of coast known as the Quiet Resorts for a weekend full of winter fun. There will be ice sculptures (beautifully illuminated each evening) fireworks, bonfires, ice slides, chili cook-offs, ice skating, food tastings and much more taking place in Bethany Beach, Millville, Frankford and surrounds. January 27-29 in 2023.
Florida: Florida State Fair
While most states hold their annual fair during the summer, the Sunshine State sets a different course with its annual festival of all things Florida taking place in the middle of winter. Visit the fairgrounds in Tampa to enjoy the nation’s tallest traveling Ferris wheel, mouthwatering—and social-media friendly—fair food, living history museums, live music, adrenaline-fueled thrill shows and much more. February 9-20 in 2023.
Georgia: Savannah St. Patrick’s Day
Winter fades away with a bang in Savannah, as the city throws a bash for St. Paddy’s every year during the lead-up to and on March 17. From the annual “Greening of the Fountain” at Forsyth Park to the annual parade on the big day and the revelry on River Street, this St. Paddy’s fest is one of the best in the entire nation.
Hawai’i: Waimea Town Celebration
Come to the captivating island of Kaua’i during the middle of winter and you’ll be swept away by the island’s biggest festival that pays tribute to its heritage through concerts, competitions and cultural events over the course of nine days. Waimea Town Celebration makes the perfect springboard to explore this naturally stunning Hawaiian island. February 18-26 in 2023.
Idaho: McCall Winter Carnival
Over the course of the last century, the Winter Carnival has brought fun and frivolity to the shores of Lake Payette in the heart of the winter and this year will make the last edition of the event in its current format. Head to McCall for two weekends full of snow sculptures, fireworks, fun runs, snowshoe golf, concerts, a Mardi Gras parade and lots of other fun events. January 27 – February 5 in 2023.
Illinois: St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
The Windy City is often still solidly wrapped in the embrace of Old Man Winter in mid-March, but that doesn’t stop the city from throwing one of the best St. Paddy’s parties on the planet. The Irish Film Festival starts off the fun on March 2-5—featuring humorous and thought-provoking films from Ireland—then on March 11 the Chicago River will be dyed green and the official Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take to the streets. That’s only half of the fun though because the next day is the day for the local’s favorite South Side Irish Parade.
Indiana: FreezeFest
This festival set in the cool college town Bloomington is only entering its third year, but it has already garnered a stellar reputation across the Hoosier State. Visit this year to quaff beverages at an ice bar, watch live ice carving demos & competitions with internationally-known sculptors, sample fare from food trucks and just generally brush off those pesky winter blues. January 20-21 in 2023.
Iowa: Winterfest
There will be a host of indoor and outdoor activities at this always-fun annual event in Amana Colonies. Just a few of the events scheduled to take place are the Winterfest Games (think ham “shotput” and a wreath toss), a beard contest, ice sculpture displays and a beer & wine walk. January 21 in 2023.
Kansas: Lawrence Restaurant Week
Lawrence likes to call itself a “small town with big tastes” and at this annual festival, visitors get the chance to eat the town’s words at an impressive collection of exemplary eateries. Sample special menus at eateries around town while helping raise money for hospitality industry workers. January 19-29 in 2023
Kentucky: Eagles Weekend
In the dead of winter, Bald Eagles gather in and around Kentucky Lake, and this festival shines a light on the remarkable creatures that came to symbolize a nation. Highlights of the festival include eagle-watching cruises on the lake and food & lodging options. January 20-22 in 2023.
Louisiana: Mardi Gras
Parades. Throws. King Cakes. Masquerade balls. Throwing caution to the wind. They don’t call Mardi Gras “The Greatest Free Show on Earth” for nothing. Simply being in the Big Easy around Mardi Gras time is bucket list stuff as this world-famous winter festival more than lives up to the hype. Festivities begin bubbling on Twelfth Night in early January each year and build to a boisterous crescendo on Fat Tuesday each year. Baton Rouge and Lafayette are also great places to celebrate the festival, too. January 6 – February 21 in 2023.
Maine: Carnaval ME
It’s only in its third year, but this festive gathering is well on its way to becoming a New England winter icon. Head to Portland’s Old Port for an extravaganza that will celebrate all the great times you can have during wintertime in Maine. There will be live music, a Bites & Brews Igloo, ice sculptures, bonfires, “frozen” selfie stations and much more. March 8-12 in 2023.
Maryland: Harbor Point Ice Festival
Head to Baltimore’s Harbor Point neighborhood for a one-day festival full of enough fun to keep you smiling the rest of the winter. Award-winning ice sculptors will work their magic to create a myriad of creations in themes to honor the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. There will also be food trucks and plenty of libations for adults and kids alike. January 21 in 2023.
Massachusetts: Lowell Winterfest
The city of Lowell comes alive during the heart of winter for two days full of family-friendly fun at Winterfest. Expect great live music, mouthwatering food, an art market, a range of creative outdoor activities and even a soup cooking contest. February 17-18 in 2023.
Michigan: Zehnder’s Snowfest
This winter festival has been delighting crowds in the middle of the Michigan winter for over three decades now, and this year’s edition promises to be stellar. Winterfest 2023 will feature both ice and snow sculpting competitions across a range of categories, live music, a petting zoo and plenty more activities for the kids. January 25-29 in 2023.
Minnesota: St. Paul Winter Carnival
A true innovator in the field of winter revelry, the St. Paul Winter Carnival will celebrate its 137th birthday in 2023 with a stellar roster of fun ways to embrace the season in the North. Signature events include a series of scavenger hunts, snow sculpture displays, an ice fishing tournament, a parade and a special winter running event. The fun all begins with the one-of-a-kind coronation of King Boreas—the Mighty Monarch of Ice & Snow—and the Queen of the Snows. January 26 – February 5 in 2023.
Mississippi: Jackson Indie Music Week
If one of your resolutions for the new year is to discover new music, then this winter festival is for you. The South’s fastest-growing independent music festival, Jackson Indie Music Week will showcase the diverse sounds of Central Mississippi, with everything from Hip Hop, EDM, Rock, Singer-Songwriter and Blues on stage during the event. January 8-15 in 2023.
Missouri: St. Louis Mardi Gras
It may not be as well known as NOLA or as historic as Mobile, but the Show-Me State knows hows to do Mardi Gras right. From the Twelfth Night kick-off through the Cajun Cook-Off, Pet Parade, Wiener Dog Derby, Mayor’s Ball and Grand Parade, the fun is centered around the historic Soulard neighborhood—in the shadow of the Gateway Arch—and it’s just the thing to get through the dog days of winter. January 6 – February 18 in 2023.
Montana: Whitefish Winter Carnival
Each year in early February, the charming small town of Whitefish comes together to let its hair down during a celebration of winter and you’re invited to get in on the fun. In addition to a grand parade through town, there will be disco parties, polar plunges, pancake breakfasts and a range of fun for the whole family. February 3-5 in 2023.
Nebraska: Cathedral Flower Festival
For three days, Omaha’s St Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center & Gallery will come alive with music and flowers in a one-of-a-kind winter festival. Visitors will be able to take in over 30 floral creations courtesy of local designers, listen to music and admire photography in addition to feasting on tasty food & drink. January 27-29 in 2023.
Nevada: Fire & Ice Winter Festival
Ice bowling, ice sculpture contests, ice disc golf, bonfires, billiards, live music and a historic steam train ride that doubles as a front-row seat to a fireworks display. Yes, Fire & Ice is easily Nevada’s number one snow-based soiree. January 13-15 in 2023.
New Hampshire: Keene Snow & Ice Festival
The small town of Keene will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its popular Snow & Ice Festival in February and this one promises to be one of the best. The day will be filled with frosty sculptures from some of the best ice artists in the region and a host of family-friendly activities. February 4 in 2023.
New Jersey: Let It Glow
Head to Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park to see the dark winter night illuminated by fanciful lanterns representing a diverse range of animals at the annual Let It Glow festival. There are over 30 of these life-like lanterns located around the zoo, each one seemingly more spectacular than the last. Runs through January 15 in 2023.
New Mexico: Mardi Gras in the Mountains
Yep, they celebrate Mardi Gras out West and this festival in Red River has become an icon of the winter social scene of the region. For every traditional event associated with the holiday like a lively Mardi Gras ball, Mardi Gras in the Mountains surprises you with a truly unique offering like the burning of the Tchoupitoulas—a ritual designed to eliminate all your troubles for the year ahead. February 16-21 in 2023.
New York: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
This winter festival is truly a grand dame of the genre, having been entertaining the winter crowds in the Adirondacks since 1897. You’re bound to fall head over heels for the charm of this town and its festival which provides days full of fun things to do (curling, arctic golf, frying pan tossing, inner tubing, fireworks and live music are just the start). And if that doesn’t do it, the breathtaking Ice Palace, made completely of local blocks will surely seal the deal. February 3-12 in 2023.
North Carolina: Blowing Rock WinterFest
This year marks the 25th edition of this cherished rite of winter in the Tar Heel State, and the 2023 edition promises to be fantastic. Visit to take part in the Festival of Lights, Polar Bear Plunge, Polar Dunk, tomahawk throwing, ice carving or just sample the excellent food, beer & wine available at the festival. January 26-29 in 2023.
North Dakota: Frostival
Each winter, Fargo heads outside to make playing in the cold cool with a six-week festival that fully embraces the beauty—and good times—of the season. Among the highlights of the event are winter kickball, cardboard sled races, disc golf, volleyball, yoga in the snow, massive bouncy castles, snow sculpture competitions and much “s’more”. January 14 – February 25 in 2023.
Ohio: WinterLand
What starts as a series of festive events in December stretches all the way to late February, lighting up downtown Cleveland along the way. WinterLand events in the heart of winter include the Downtown Cleveland Ice Sculpture & Luge Tour, Ice Fest (think ice sculptures and ice carving workshops), the Cleveland Cocoa Run and Brite Winter concert event. Through February 25 in 2023.
Oklahoma: An Affair of the Heart
An Affair of the Heart is one of the nation’s largest craft and art fairs and it has been a cherished shopping tradition in Oklahoma City for 35 years now. Visit to nab a find for your home or that special someone just in time for Valentine’s Day. February 10-12 in 2023.
Oregon: Oregon WinterFest
The mood will be merry & bright in the heart of the winter at the Pacific Northwest’s largest winter festival. Taking place at the Deschutes County Expo Center near Bend, WinterFest features concerts from the likes of Warren G, Sugar Hill Gang and Tyler Farr in addition to eye-catching illuminations by the Central Oregon Light Art, ice art, carnival rides, fire sculptures, awesome food & drink and much more. February 17-19 in 2023.
Pennsylvania: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival
Over the course of 10 days in winter, the lovely Lancaster County town of Lititz is transformed into an icy wonderland and you’re invited to get in on the frosty fun. Ice sculptures, food trucks, live music, a chili cook-off, and a Winter Funderland attraction for kids are just a few of the reasons to stop by this festival. February 17-26 in 2023.
Rhode Island: Newport Winter Festival
The water may be a little chilly for sailing and swimming, but that doesn’t mean that this coastal town slows down the merrymaking. For over 35 years, Newport Winter Festival has been delighting the crowds and this year’s festival will once again feature great live music, comedy & magic shows, a warm drink contest, a chili cook-off, beach polo and a host of activities for the kids. February 17-26 in 2023.
South Carolina: Hilton Head Seafood Festival
Each winter, Hilton Head gathers to celebrate the bounty of the sea and Southern culture at this foodie dream come true. This year’s Seafood Festival will offer guests the chance to enjoy celebrity chef dinners, wine tastings, cooking demos and the chance to learn new skills in the kitchen all while just generally having a whale of a time. Feburary 20-26 in 2023.
South Dakota: Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo
Rapid City will once again be stacked with wranglers, cowboys, cowgirls, livestock and more Wild West vibes than you can lasso during this cherished festival in the Black Hills. In addition to the classic rodeo competitions and fun events like “mutton bustin’” and sheepdog trials, there will be concerts from the likes of Justin Moore and others, a beer festival and a Western art show. January 27 – February 4 in 2023.
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge Winterfest
This celebration of winter starts off in November but runs well into February. Events you’ll be able to enjoy in January and/or February are the Winterfest Driving Tour Of Lights, ice skating at the Wilderness Resort, Lights over Gatlinburg, Wilderness Wildlife Week and special helicopter rides called Night Flights. Runs through February 19 in 2023.
Texas: Charro Days Fiesta
They’ve been celebrating the truly special culture of Brownsville and its surrounds since 1938 at this fiesta that toasts life on both sides of the US-Mexico border. At the Charro Days Fiesta, you’ll be able to enjoy eight days of vibrant parades, music & dancing, sensational food, fireworks, carnival rides and costume balls. February 18-25 in 2023.
Utah: Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
Bear Lake’s biggest annual winter event, Monster Winterfest will once again return to the lake for a weekend of good times and slightly chilly swims. Some of the highlights of the weekend include the chance for attendees to try out a myriad of winter sports for free on Friday, the watery Monster Plunge into the water and Monster Chili Cook-off on Saturday and a pancake breakfast on Sunday. January 27-29 in 2023.
Vermont: Stowe Winter Carnival
There’s never a subpar time to visit Stowe and this year Winter Carnival is back and expected to be better than ever. The usual array of professional ice carvers will be in attendance—creating fascinating frozen works—and the town will once again be holding its wacky & wintry snow volleyball tournament. There will also be stargazing events and plenty of fun to be had warming up at the town’s bars & restaurants after a day out in the snow. January 19-22 in 2023.
Virginia: Virginia Wine Expo
Wine lovers from around the region will head to Richmond this winter to sample and learn about vino from the Old Dominion alongside the 2023 guest regions of Napa and Argentina. This is a fully curated wine, food and spirits event so you should expect great meals alongside the chance to learn about Virginian viticulture—and to head home with a few new favorites. February 25 -March 5 in 2023.
Washington: Winter Karneval
If you thought Leavenworth was content with just filling your December with festive cheer, then think again, because Winter Karneval has arrived to keep your January nights light & full of fun. Inspired by the German pre-Lenten festival of Fasching, the festival will feature fire dancers, ice carvers and fireworks in addition to the fact that the town’s holiday lights will stay on all month long. Weekends in January 2023.
Wisconsin: Lake Geneva Winterfest
This year will mark the 28th edition of this wildly popular festival, an event that combines the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship with a host of entertaining family-friendly things to do. Besides the spectacular snow sculptures, visitors will be able to enjoy events like the Downtown Ice Sculptures Walk and Bonfires on the Beach alongside the opportunity to sample delicious local food & drink. February 1-5 in 2023.
West Virginia: Celtic Calling
Even if there’s still frost in the air in early March, Celtic Calling comes to Charleston to fill the hearts of all who attend with the warmth of the Celtic lands. As in years past, expect the festival to include displays of dance, music, dance, athleticism, and education about Celtic culture. March 1-5 in 2023.
Wyoming: Pinedale Winter Carnival
Each year in the middle of winter, Pinedale throws a big party complete with like-nothing-else skijoring competitions and the crazy Cardboard Classic “sled” race. The festival also includes a range of snow sculptures and an organized Snow Ball social. February 11-12 in 2023.