Winter events worth traveling for
Winter is more than ski slopes and holiday cheer. Cities around the world come alive with winter events that celebrate art, music, fashion, film, and more — experiences designed to enrich your mind and invigorate your spirit.December
Some of the best things to do in winter start in December. Kick off the season with world-class art or a winter wonderland.- Art Basel: Each December, Miami transforms into an open-air gallery during Art Basel, welcoming international artists, collectors, and creatives showcasing cutting-edge installations and pop-up exhibits. The event also features a legendary after-hours scene that keeps the energy going long after sunset.
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: For five dazzling nights, the Newport Harbor glows with twinkling yachts decked in lights, music, and festive displays. Locals and visitors line the waterfront to watch the parade sail by. It’s a tradition that captures the magic of the holidays, SoCal style.
- Wintersköl: This long-running Aspen celebration of winter pride brings the local community together for snow sculptures, fireworks, and après-ski festivities. It’s Aspen at its finest— cozy, chic and full of mountain spirit.
January
Kick off the new year with a glamorous lineup of cultural events that celebrate fashion, film, and creativity in iconic cities around the world.- Paris Fashion Week: January kicks off the fashion calendar with two of Paris’s most stylish showcases — Haute Couture and Menswear — drawing the global style scene to the city for a week of craftsmanship and creativity. Couture houses unveil their most intricate designs, while pop-up exhibitions and soirées add even more glamour to one of the most elegant winter events.
- Palm Springs International Film Festival: One of the first major film events of the year, this festival brings Hollywood glamour to the desert. Screenings, star-studded galas, and mid-century modern backdrops make Palm Springs an irresistible winter destination for film lovers.
- Napa Truffle Festival: Each winter, Napa Valley celebrates truffles with a weekend of gourmet tastings, wine pairings, and culinary discovery. Michelin-starred chefs and truffle experts come together for cooking demos, truffle hunts, and indulgent dinners that showcase the region’s finest flavors, against a backdrop of Napa’s world-famous wineries.
- Sundance Film Festival: Independent filmmakers, A-list actors, and creative storytellers gather in Park City, Utah for the ultimate film-lover’s event. Between premieres and panels, visitors can enjoy the snowy scenery and small-town atmosphere that make Sundance one of the world’s most popular winter festivals. 2026 will be the last year that Sundance will be held in Park City as the festival will be moving to Boulder, Colorado..
February
February brings a mix of sunshine, style, and sport. It’s a month made for design lovers, golf fans, and anyone looking for things to do in the winter with a little warmth.- Modernism Week: Design enthusiasts flock to Palm Springs each February to celebrate mid-century modern architecture and retro style. Guided home tours, lectures, and art shows highlight the enduring appeal of modern design in the desert, while each evening wraps up with great food, live music, and lively parties.
- AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Few sporting events blend prestige and scenery quite like this iconic Pebble Beach tournament. Golf pros and celebrities share the greens along California’s rugged coast, where ocean views and championship-level play make it a highlight of the winter sports calendar.
- Santa Barbara International Film Festival: As awards season hits its peak, filmmakers and stars gather in this SoCal town for screenings, panels, and celebrations. The festival brings Hollywood to a relaxed beachside setting, pairing the glamour of the red-carpet with local charm.
- Winter Olympics 2026: The world’s best athletes converge in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo for the Winter Games. From the dazzling opening ceremony to thrilling competitions on snow and ice, Italy takes center stage as the host of one of the most anticipated winter events in the world.
March
The season closes with late winter events that showcase style and athletic excellence.- Paris Fashion Week: As the season shifts, Paris Fashion Week returns to debut the year’s most anticipated womenswear collections. Runways fill with fresh silhouettes and bold styles, while the city’s cafes, galleries, and streets become a fashion stage all their own.
- BNP Paribas Open: Known as the “fifth Grand Slam,” this world-class tennis tournament in Indian Wells draws top players and devoted fans to the California desert. The atmosphere is electric but laid-back — sunshine, stunning mountain backdrops, and thrilling matches that make it a must for sports lovers.
