Some of the largest ice festivals in the world are quickly approaching for those looking to plan unique winter vacations. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival takes place in Harbin City, China, and will happen from January 5th to February 25th and the Quebec Winter Festival will occur from February 1st to February 17th this coming year.
Combine a winter ski or snowboard trip with some of the most amazing festivals in the world. There are two main parts to the Harbin festival: Sun Island and Ice and Snow World. Sun Island features a display of massive snow sculptures, and Ice and Snow World features buildings constructed out of ice that are illuminated at night with gorgeous displays.
The giant ice crystals are taken from the Songhua River, which runs through Harbin City. Many people plunge into the literally freezing river as a method of improving circulation among other health benefits.
The Quebec Winter Festival is famous for its adorable snowman mascot as well as being the largest winter festival in the world. There are numerous activities to take part in during the festival including: outdoor banquets, snow sculptures, an ice palace where dance parties occur, eloquent masquerade balls, dogsled races, and a few parades mixed in.
Even though the Quebec festival is the larger and better known of the two winter festivals, the Harbin Festival holds the current Guinness Record for largest snow sculpture ever built. Ironically, the snow sculpture was Canadian themed, and depicts Niagara Falls and Crossing the Bering Strait. It was 250 meters long, 28 feet high, and consisted of 13,000 cubic meters of snow. Hopefully one of the competitors at the upcoming festivals will be able to top that impressive record!
Information for available tours for the Harbin Winter Festival can be found here.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
