a woman at the Harbin International Ice and Snow festival, China
the Blue Hole Natural Monument in Lighthouse Reef, Belize
the Chinese Lantern Festival in Shifen, Taipei, Taiwan
a car parked near a huge tree in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
snorkelers and a turtle near Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
a dancer during Carnival in Salvador, Brazil
snow trucks at Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska
a masked reveler during Krampus, Salzburg, Austria
a snow-covered tree in Yellowstone National Park
ice skaters at Nathan Philips Square, Toronto
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Harbin Ice Festival, China
Hibernating is not an option in the frosted reaches of northeast China, where brisk Siberian winds keep the average winter temperatures in Harbin barely above zero degrees Fahrenheit. Hardy local artisans in the Russian-influenced "Ice City" celebrate the season by sculpting ice blocks chopped from the Songhua River into colossal crystalline pyramids and palaces, whimsical dragons and fairies, and frozen slides worthy of a water park. The monthlong Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (beginning January 5), showcases the frosty craftsmanship of local carvers and international teams and includes a Snow Sculpture Expo at Sun Island recreational area and the Ice Lantern Garden Party at Zhaolin Park. Daylight activities include figure skating, ice boxing competitions, and, for the daring, a polar plunge into an ice-free section of the frigid Songhua. After dark, bundle up to see the festival’s illuminated ice displays dazzle neon bright against the night sky. Harbin is accessible via train or plane from Beijing or Shanghai.
Photograph by Andy Wong, AP

Best Winter Trips 2013

Get ready to infuse the long winter months with color, carnivals, and adventure. Chosen by our editors, this year's best winter trips span the globe and transcend the season. Find your favorite, then share your winter trip plans with fellow travelers.

November 01, 2012

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