10 Great Winter Festivals in 2014

Carnaval de Quebec, Canada

The Quebec Winter Carnival features a number of fun events, many of which are celebrated outside. Canoe racing, giant table-soccer games, and a derby are among the popular daytime events. At night, parades with floats, bands, and more take over the streets. Not a fan of the cold? Visit one of the Carnival's Village Arctic spas.

Where: Quebec, Canada
When: January 31 to February 16

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Hogmanay, Edinburgh, Scotland

This three-day celebration is the best way to kick off the New Year. Head to Edinburgh for the 21st annual Hogmanay festival, which includes a traditional torchlight procession, a street party, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: December 30 to January 1

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Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China

If you like ice art, Harbin is the place to be in January and February. More than 15,000 people carve more than 4 million cubic feet of ice for the annual Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Indulge your destructive tendencies at the end of the festival, when visitors are allowed to demolish the sculptures using ice picks.

Where: Harbin, China
When: January 5 to February 28

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Tromso International Film Festival, Norway

Catch some of the best new international movies at the Tromso International Film Festival, held every January in Norway. Here, shorts, documentaries, and independent films are screened for audiences. Be sure to catch at least one showing at the festival's outdoor snow cinema.

Where: Tromso, Norway
When: January 13 to 19

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Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival, Bruges, Belgium

Can't get enough of the Disney movie Frozen? This year's Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival in Bruges is based around the animated film, with sculptures depicting characters and scenes from the hit movie. For a more adult experience, grab a very well-chilled drink in the ice bar.

Where: Bruges, Belgium
When: November 23 to January 6

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Belalp Hexe, Valais, Switzerland

It may seem odd to base a festival around a legend about a witch who murdered her husband and was burned at the stake, but Belalp somehow makes it work. Every January, hundreds of skiers clad in witch outfits descend on the town for an intense downhill competition. Non-skiers can take part in the massive apres-ski parties held after the big event.

Where: Belalp, Valais, Switzerland
When: January 11 to 18

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Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Whitehorse, Canada

The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous marks its 50th anniversary in 2014. The festival celebrates winter with fun contests like hair freezing, beard growing, and snow carving.

Where: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
When: February 20 to 24

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Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

Around two million people visit the Sapporo Snow Festival every year to see incredible snow statues and ice sculptures. Even the stages for the festival's concerts and performances are made out of snow!

Where: Sapporo, Japan
When: February 5 to 11

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Up Helly Aa, the Shetland Islands, Scotland

When an entire capital comes to a halt for a public holiday the day after a festival (to "allow for recovery"), you know the festival itself is going to be crazy. Up Helly Aa is Europe's "Largest Fire Festival," and it's held on the last Tuesday in January every year to mark the end of the yule season.

Where: Lerwick, the Shetland Islands, Scotland
When: January 28

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Venice Carnival, Italy

This debauched event building up to Lent has a number of different events for visitors. Watch a jousting match or parade, join in one of the masked balls, or just enjoy the many street performers.

Where: Venice, Italy
When: February 15 to March 4

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