So that’s it – holiday season is over. The baubles are back in the attic, the stockings removed from the mantlepiece, and the New Year’s hangover is (just about) dissipating. For many of us, the months ahead represent a harsh, cold hurdle to overcome before the days start getting brighter, warmer and longer.
But while we in the northern hemisphere are still in the bleak midwinter, it’s not all doom and gloom. The coming months will see some spectacular winter festivals all over Europe, the US and beyond. From city-centre light displays and ice sculpture contests to reindeer racing and torch-lit processions, there’s lots in store to kick those winter blues. So chin up, and read on: these are the world’s best winter festivals in 2025.
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This list was written by Liv Kelly, a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.