Why limit your winter outings to the local sledding hill when you can race down a 5,000-foot ski hill dressed as a witch?
That’s just a sample of the weird and wacky fun waiting for you at several top-rated 2012 international winter festivals. If you are looking for some incredibly cool places to make the most of the coldest season of the year, consider traveling to the following:
SCOTLAND
You are in for a real treat for the senses when you head to the Shetland Islands in Scotland on the last Tuesday of January. That’s when locals host Up Helly Aa. For the past century, residents of Lerwick have lit up the night with an elaborate winter festival complete with amazing costumes, antique Viking weaponry, 1,000 fuel-soaked torches, and a full-sized longship. The event draws thousands to the area to witness a scene that’s straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. In the dark of night, more than 800 costumed characters, carrying blazing torches or axes, follow the dragon ship past throngs of spectators while singing traditional songs. The march culminates with the ritualistic burning of the ship. Then, the bearded men perform skits and dance routines, and the party continues until the sun rises.
CANADA
Quebec City is known for its stunning skyline, but there’s nothing quite like the way the place looks during its annual winter carnival. In 2012, the popular event takes place from January 27-February 12. The massive get-together is billed as the world’s largest winter carnival, and there is no shortage of fun to be had. Highlights include tours of a life-sized ice palace and photo ops next to towering snow sculptures, and the carnival’s snowman mascot. In addition, the annual canoe race, which features paddlers navigating the frozen St. Lawrence River’s snow and ice obstacles, is a huge draw, as is the horse derby on snow, and the always amusing human-sized foosball game where players are attached to long metal rods in rows of three.
Related Articles:
A Family Ski Vacation–Already?
Tips For Your Family Ski Vacation
Canada—Not Just A Winter Destination