Embrace the season at one of these winter festivals in the Pacific Northwest

Outdoor cold weather festivals have been popular for eons. Created to relieve the tedium of winter, such events can be found throughout the country in places where temps drop and the snow falls. Instead of hunkering down at home, people gather together outside to celebrate all things winter. 

Here in the Pacific Northwest, winter-fests abound during the months of January and February, and feature a variety of fun activities and competitions for all ages.

Snow Sculpture at Fur Rondy, Photo by Brian Adams

In Western Washington, mark your calendars for Winter Karneval in Leavenworth, to be held over the second, third and fourth weekends of January. The charming Bavarian town plans to honor a German tradition dating back to the thirteenth century, commonly referred to as “Fasching,” a German form of Mardi Gras. There will be ice carving, fire dancing performances, fireworks, carnival-style street entertainment and more. Though Christmas will have already come and gone, the holiday lights will continue to shine on in this picturesque village

On the other side of the state, get ready to celebrate Lake Chelan Winterfest on January 14-23. This area is the ideal place to experience Washington’s winter wonderland with its snow-capped hilltops and glacier fed waters. Events will occur in both downtown Chelan and nearby Manson, with intricate ice sculptures, two spectacular fireworks shows and countless other activities.  

Even the wineries get in the act at Lake Chelan Winterfest, courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Ice Carving at the Oregon WinterFest, courtesy of Lay It Out Events

In neighboring Idaho, the McCall Winter Carnival is set for January 28-February 6. The festival has a history that can be traced back to 1924 when the town created the Payette Lakes Sports Carnival to beat the winter doldrums. Over time, the event evolved into an “Ice Break-Up Contest,” where people could buy a ticket and enter a guess as to when the ice on Payette Lake would break up in the spring. This ended in 1941 when gambling became illegal in the state.

Flash forward to 1965 when the community rallied to bring back a winter festival to McCall, driven by the goal of promoting skiing in the area. Over the years, it has grown into a 10-day celebration with 100 events, attended by thousands of people.  Along with a snow sculpture contest, there’s fireworks over Payette Lake, a children’s torchlight parade, snowshoe golf, a snow bike race, ice show, dog sled challenge and even a beard and leg contest!

Ice Throne at Lake Chelan Winterfest, courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Also in Idaho is Lava Hot Springs’ Fire & Ice Winterfest. Slated for February 4-5, it’s said to be one of the zaniest winter festivals in the country. There are fire performers that dance and do acrobatics as they manipulate flaming objects, a wacky relay race, ice catapult, s’mores stand and chili tasting, plus the infamous Polar Bear Float Parade on the Portneuf River. For those who are part polar bear and want to jump into the frigid river on a float tube dressed in a crazy costume, this is your opportunity for a chance at your fifteen minutes of fame. The Torch Light Parade takes centerstage at night, featuring local daredevils skiing down the mountain with lit torches. And if you get cold during the festivities, head to the Lava Hot Springs Mineral Pools and soak your chills away. 

Montana has the Whitefish Winter Carnival, February 4-6. Survive the dead of winter and also celebrate the story of Ullr, the Nordic god of snow, who legend has it, found his way to northwest Montana and settled on Big Mountain. Make merry as you watch the Grand Parade, take the bone chilling Penguin Plunge, look for mischievous Yetis, dance the night away at the Disco Party and be on hand for the coronations of winter royalty. The theme of the festival is “80s Rewind,” so expect plenty of big hair, spandex, leg warmers and neon colors!

Lake Chelan Winterfest, courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Not to be outdone, Oregon boasts one of the region’s largest events with the OnPoint Oregon WinterFest. The festival, to be held February 18-20, in the town of Redmond, OR, is well known for its Light, Ice & Fire Exposition, where artists transform blocks of ice into masterpieces and use light in creative ways. Check out snowboarders and skiers freestyling, cheer on talented canines demonstrating tricks, shop for handcrafted pieces at the Fine Arts & Crafts Pavilion, munch on delicious treats from the Wonderland Marketplace and deck yourself out in the latest sports and recreation duds at the Polar Market.

In the Far North, the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, on tap for February 25-March 6, is all about celebrating the pioneering spirit of Alaskans. This is the state’s oldest winter festival and features winter sports, native culture and plenty of events, including snow sculpture carving, an outdoor hockey tournament, frostbite footrace, snowshoe softball, fireworks, Native Arts Market and the ever-popular outhouse races. In the latter, participants pull porta-potties on skis down the streets of Anchorage – a must-see to believe!

Outhouse Races at Fur Randy courtesy of @Jody-O photos Visit Anchorage

One of the more traditional events is the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races, involving dog teams and their mushers completing a high-speed loop daily for three days. The competition dates back to 1946. Another activity that has stood the test of time is the Fur Rondy Blanket Toss. Participants take a turn to either jump or grip the blanket’s edge while tossing others into the air.

Feature photo courtesy of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce