Winter carnivals are an extension of the holiday celebrations and extend well beyond the New Year.

Many of the coldest places have wintercarnivals to brighten up the white landscapes and act as wintery diversions.

Here are 5 best winter carnivals of the world which can become a part of your holiday plans this year.

1. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska

Winter in Alaska is one long slog. The monotonous icy landscapes made the residents think of a sports tournament in the winter season that would attract fun and fervor to the otherwise dull and gloomy environs. This gave rise to the annual Fun Rendezvous Carnival that takes place in Anchorage, the capital of Alaska, which lasts 10 days. This event highlights winter sports like reindeer and dog races, ice hockey, snowshoe and others that are very unique to Alaska. Visit this carnival from Feb 24th to March 4th.

2. Saranac Lake, New York

Saranac Lake, New York

Located in the woods of Adirondack, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the place to be this winter. Traditional winter sports such as Nordic skiing, ice-skating are all on display. An additional attraction is the evenings packed with fireworks, concerts and parades based on a central theme. The main attraction is however, the ice palace built of ice blocks sourced from the Lake Flower. Visit Saranac from February 3rd to 12th.

3. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa-Ontario

This capital city holds the best winter carnival in the world. Ice sculptures and winter sporting events are the major attractions of this city. The festivities are held under a single banner called Winterlude and attract thousands of visitors from across the world to this two-week long fiesta. The restaurants serve a variety of gourmet delights including the best of food and wine. The festival starts from 3rd February and ends on the 20th.

4. Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo, Japan

More than 2 million visitors throng this northern city of Japan to witness the fabulous display of ice and snow sculptures at the annual Snow Festival in Sapporo. The sculptures are crafted by internationally renowned teams. The visitors can also try their hand at figure skating, snow rafting and savor local gourmet food served in restaurants all over the city during this time. Visit this weeklong festival from 6thto 12th of February.

5. Hanover, New Hampshire

Hanover, New Hampshire

This student town of New England is famous for its Dartmouth Winter Carnival. Skiing races, dog sled races and many amateur winter sporting competitions form a part of the celebrations here. One can also enjoy sleigh rides and skating parties on Occom Pond during their stay at this time. This is a short 4-day event held from February 9th – 12th.

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