Time to get planning your first trip of 2026. These upcoming winter festivals give you the perfect excuse.
© Courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
You’ll have plenty of travel dates to choose from when you attend the World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the fest runs Jan. 9–March 1. The largest winter festival in the Midwest, it encompasses a range of events and more than 100 art installations.
© Courtesy of Visit Haywood
In Haywood County, North Carolina, Jan. 29–Feb. 1, explore five mountain towns and an abundance of winter fun, including a jazz concert, ice sculptures, ice-carving demonstrations and more.
In New York’s Finger Lakes, the Fire & Ice Winter Festival is in its ninth year. Taking place Feb. 22–23, you can expect (of course) fire and ice via ice-carving competitions and fire shows, but also dog-sled races and food and dining experiences, including a self-guided, limited-time beverage tasting trail, and a local chefs challenge.
© Discover Newport
In Newport, Rhode Island, the 37th Newport Winter Festival takes place Feb. 13–22, with 150 different events, including ice sculpting and food and drinks fun, such as a burger competition.
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