Celebrate the Culture of Winter Festivals without the Crowds

Winter festivals are exciting and enriching. Celebrating with locals brings a deep connection to the people and their culture. What about for those who don’t enjoy the crowds? Here are some hints to enjoy some of the festivals without sacrificing the quality of your experience.

Many festivals span several days or weeks which gives you an opportunity to go early in the morning or on a weekday.

Chinese New Year 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon and it is an important festival that will be celebrated for a week across the country and the region. It is followed by Lantern Festivals making February an interesting time to be in Asia.  Smaller villages in China, Vietnam, South Korea, or Tibet can take you off the beaten path while still enjoying the people and festivities. 

Pack your parka! The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most popular winter events which takes place in February. The festival is famous for turning the city into a winter wonderland with its enormous and intricate snow sculptures. Besides the sculptures, there are concerts, light shows, and food stands offering delicious Hokkaido specialties.  

Celebrate Winterlude, in Ottawa, Canada and combine it with the region’s top ski resort Mont-Tremblant. The beautiful Fairmont Tremblant is perfectly situated for ski-in, ski-out and it feels like European village so much closer to home.

Do you want to enjoy the festivities without the hassle? A great way to ensure the best experience is a private guide.  You gain access, a curated experience, and a wealth of knowledge from a local guide.  

I always check for public holidays and major events when planning travel. Regardless of your travel style, knowing the public holidays will help smooth potential wrinkles in your travel and provide additional enriching events to plan for.

I love talking about travel, so feel free to reach out at: Tanya@MariposaTravelAdvisors.com.

By Tanya Gilbert