5. Whitefish Winter Carnival, Montana
It’s starts with the coronation of King Ullr and the Queen of the Snows, a Whitefish tradition that has been going on for over fifty years. Watch out, as a Yeti just might try and make some mischief throughout the three day event. Highlights of this carnival include a Penguin Plunge for charity, a old fashioned parade down main street, a pie social, torch-light ski processions and horse-pulled Skijorring events. It’s a fun way to thumb your nose at Old Man Winter.
6. Carnival de Quebec, Canada
The Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the oldest, largest and arguably best in the world, saving winter-bogged Canadians from cabin fever since 1894. Their snowman mascot, Bonhomme, is a Canadian icon and many festival-goers wear his red hat and sash. The enormous ice palace is the center for many events. There’s skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, skating, hockey, dog-sledding, snow-tubing, horse-drawn sleigh races and plenty of winter wow for the kids. Try ice canoeing down the St. Lawrence river. Check out the elaborate snow sculptures and toot your horn at the day and night parades. Dance parties and masquerade balls fill the nights. Caribou (a traditional hot alcoholic beverage of red wine, whiskey and maple syrup) will help keep you warm.