Instead of bemoaning the end of holiday festivities and the bleakness of winter, make some plans for the new year! You might be surprised just how many destinations have winter events and festivals. Find one that will boost your family’s spirits this season.
Junkanoo Festival: Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas
December 26, 2018 & January 1, 2019
What once began as a temporary celebration of freedom for slaves who were given three days off for Christmas soon blossomed into an exuberant, colorful parade. And now the Junkanoo Festival — a Bahamian cultural expression — occurs during the dark hours the day after Christmas and again on New Year’s Day. In downtown Nassau, this Bahamian celebration showcases costumes, art and artifacts that are unique to Junkanoo. Onlookers have a chance to see costumes made out of cardboard and decorated with brightly colored paper, while rhythmic goombay drums, cowbells and mouth whistles can be heard during performances parading through Bay Street. For more information, visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com.
Providence Restaurant Weeks: Providence, RI
January 13-26, 2019
For two weeks, diners can enjoy meals from nearly 100 restaurants and celebrate Providence Restaurant Weeks. With three-course meals starting at $16.95, visiting one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations is an excellent way to start 2019. For more information, visit www.goprovidence.com/rw.
Winter Wine Festival: Portsmouth, NH
January 18-February 17, 2019
The annual Winter Wine Festival will be held in the historic Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. Now in its 13th year, the event features numerous wine and food tastings, demonstrations and dinners hosted by the most esteemed food and wine experts. Tickets can be purchased here.
27th Annual Winter WINEland: Sonoma County, CA
January 19-20, 2019
Celebrate the 27th Annual Winter WINEland by enjoying two glorious days along Wine Road in Northern Sonoma County. An ideal winter escape, guests are invited to taste current vintages, multiple varietals grown in Sonoma County and even try a few verticals. Winter WINEland is a great opportunity to meet winemakers and taste limited production wines, new releases and library wines. All participating wineries will highlight a Vintage, Varietal or Vertical tasting for the weekend. For more information, visit www.wineroad.com/events/winter-wineland/.
X Games Aspen: Buttermilk Mountain, CO
January 24-27, 2019
The world’s premier winter action sports event returns to Aspen Snowmass for the 18th consecutive year. Watch as snowsports’ greatest ski, snowboard and snowmobile athletes’ battle for glory in 18 different disciplines over four days. This year, the X Games Aspen concerts feature the Chainsmokers, Kygo, Lil Wayne and Louis the Child. Most events are free to spectators. Musical performances require a ticket. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/espn-winter-x-games/.
Naples Winter Wine Festival: Naples, FL
January 26-28, 2019
The Naples Winter Wine Festival provides three days of the very best of wine and food, along with a year-round impact for children in need. Proceeds from the Festival benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation, whose vision is to make a profound and sustaining difference in the quality of children’s lives. NCEF is committed to supporting charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more than $161 million for children in need. For more information, visit www.paradisecoast.com.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival: Charleston, SC
January 27, 2019
The Charleston Restaurant Foundation invites guests to head to Boone Hall Plantation for the world’s largest oyster festival- the 36th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival. A tribute to the mighty mollusk, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival will feature over 80,000 pounds of oysters, in addition to a variety of food options from local restaurants and food trucks. Event highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” contests, live music on the main stage, local wine and beer and the Pluff-a-Pallooza Children’s Area. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.charlestonrestaurantassoication.com.
Seafood Festival: Everglades City, FL
February 8-11, 2019
Hungry travelers can enjoy the annual 48th annual Seafood Festival held in Everglades City, featuring three days of live country music, carnival rides, arts, crafts and incredible food. Guests will feast on fresh gulf shrimp, fish and stone crab claws, fried gator and plenty more seafood. More than 100 vendors offer a variety of great seafood, refreshments and handmade arts and crafts. The kids will love the rides on the midway. For more information, visit www.paradisecoast.com.
Modern Love: Lake Worth, FL
February 15-May 18, 2019
The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County presents “Modern Love”. Love is a universal language – whether it’s between two people, the world around us, or even self-love – this complex emotion spans cultures and defines who we are. In this exhibition, there are representations of all facets of love, as a concept, represented in many ways: color, sensation, awareness, empathy or even through nature, technology, dance and beyond. Twenty-one Palm Beach County artists will be sharing their love in this exhibition, co-curated by Kristin Miller Hopkins. The Exhibition preview will be on February 14. For more information, visit www.palmbeachculture.com.
Clarks Summit Festival of Ice: Lackawanna, PA
February 15-17, 2019
The Clarks Summit Festival of Ice will celebrate their 15th anniversary this year, featuring live ice carving demos and more than 50 finished sculptures lining the streets of downtown Clarks Summit. This year’s theme is Ice Wars. The festival will also feature a parade and after party on Friday evening, live music, an Ice Wars themed Comicon on Saturday and Sunday with special guests, horse and carriage rides and much more. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.theabingtons.org.
George Washington Birthday Parade: Alexandria, VA
February 18, 2019
The nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade marches a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria, celebrating the birth of the first president in his hometown. For more information, including parking, maps, route and status, visit www.washingtonbirthday.net.
St. Andrews Mardi Gras: Panama City, FL
February 22-23, 2019
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Panama City’s St. Andrews Mardi Gras is the most popular and largest Mardi Gras celebration in Bay County. Guests can enjoy viewing over 14 Krewes and 30 brightly colored floats alongside festive music, with tens of thousands of beads and doubloons tossed to the crowd of over 50,000 people! The two-day parade and festival in historic St. Andrews is filled with food, fun and music. For more information, visit www.standrewsmardigras.com.
Mardi Gras Celebration & Fireworks: Snowmass Base Village, CO
March 5, 2019
A 36-year tradition in Snowmass, Mardi Gras kicks off with the early morning Mother of All Ascensions uphill race, followed by an afternoon of revelry with a traditional bead toss, the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert in Snowmass Base Village and fireworks. Look for food and drink specials at restaurants and bars around Snowmass Village. For more information, please visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/mardi-gras-celebration/.
© 2018 Claire Matches
St. Barts Bucket Regatta: St. Barts
March 21-24, 2019
This prestigious event attracts the world’s most beautiful sailboats and yachts for three days of races around the island. Now in its 28th year, the regatta maintains its original spirit focusing on camaraderie and as an international meeting place for owners, designers and boat builders. For guests of the island, the regatta provides a rare opportunity to admire the magnificent vessels anchored in the harbor and to attend one of the many social events. For more information, visit www.bucketregatta.com.