Imagine gazing up as the sky fills with lanterns rising into the warm evening sky, or watching as the first rays of morning sun cast cathedrals of sculpted ice aglow. Asia-Pacific is a vibrant part of the world, and one filled with fascinating cultures and histories. As the northern hemisphere slips into the chillier months, the best winter festivals in Asia – many steeped in centuries of tradition – offer the perfect excuse for purposeful travel adventures and shared experiences like no other.
While we tend to think of Asia as a balmy tropical destination, winter is a great time to explore the region, with cooler days welcoming timeless pageantry, captivating light, ice and snow festivals, and cultural events that have endured through generations, bringing together families and communities.
From the frozen riverfronts of northern China and the frantic energy of Bangkok to the verdant jungles of India, Asia’s winter festivals offer luxury travellers unparalleled opportunities for cultural and gastronomic immersion, with each awe-inspiring event a gateway to another facet of the region’s unique character.
Of course, which should you visit? We’ve put together a list of our favourite of Asia’s most exciting, most colourful and most memorable winter festivals for your next travel adventure from December to February.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China (December-March)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. Combining cold days and warm hospitality, the Harbin festival is the marquee event among Asia’s many snow festivals
2. Expect some of the largest ice sculptures in the world
3. With the festival spread over three spaces, there’s something for every traveller
One of Asia’s most awe-inspiring annual events, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which takes place in northern China from Boxing Day until 15 March (keep in mind that the peak season hits January and February, when the ice is at its most pristine and the crowds swell considerably), combines mythology and fantasy with light shows, music and cultural performances and, of course, spectacular frozen wonderlands sculpted by local and international artists.
This Guinness World Record-holding spectacle, a contemporary, family-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime festival of towering ice palaces, glowing lanterns, and snow sculptures, has been transforming the Chinese city’s sub-zero winter months into a dazzling display of ice-encrusted artistry since 1963. Today, it draws millions of visitors to the frozen Songhua River (from which the ice blocks that form the sculptures are taken), which becomes home to towering, world-class sculptures, concerts, markets and skating rinks.
The ice festival is actually split into three distinct spaces. The most popular spot is the sprawling 1.2 million square metre Ice and Snow World, where you can climb ice stairs to see across fields of colourfully lit sculptures, before sliding down one of the many ice slides.
Nearby, Sun Island Park is where world-class sculptors compete during the day for wintertime glory in the annual sculpture challenge, and by night, revellers dance on frozen dancefloors to tunes spun by visiting DJs amidst some of the festival’s largest displays, many bringing traditional Chinese myths and legends to life. Finally, Zhaolin Park is where the community comes together, with smaller sculptures, market stalls, food trucks and plenty for the kids to enjoy.
Wherever you head to, you’ll find visitors from across the globe basking in the winter sunshine, clouds of steam billowing from their mouths as they gaze upon the artworks, families sledging and skating, and locals and tourists alike enjoying live performances, sipping cocktails at the ice bars, and feasting on local Northern Chinese delicacies like sizzling lamb skewers and steaming dumplings.
Planning Your Visit
Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, download apps like Didi (China’s answer to Uber) for getting around (although many hotels also offer festival shuttles), and pack plenty of layers for some of the frostiest conditions you’ve ever encountered (down to -30 degrees Celsius).
Fleece mid-layers, heavy parkas for nighttime, a warm wool hat, insulated, waterproof boots with good tread, and insulated (touchscreen-compatible) gloves will all be essential. If you forget something, you can always shop in the winter markets that sprout up around the festival grounds. And before you hit the shops at home, look out for packages that include festival access and a down jacket rental.
Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido, Japan (February)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. We love Hokkaido and the festival is the best excuse to combine the sculptures with the ski runs
2. You’ll see Japanese mythology and fantasy come to life in the ice
3. Feast on the best of Japanese seafood
Another spectacular winter festival is held in Sapporo, the largest city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, each February. The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri in Japanese), which was first established in 1950 as a humble project by art students, is a week-long extravaganza in one of Japan’s most popular winter destinations (it’s only a few hours from the ski fields of Niseko), with 200-300 sculptures on display each year.
You can reach Sapporo directly from Tokyo, Osaka and several Asian cities, flying into the modern New Chitose Airport, or even take the bullet train from other Japanese cities (but you’ll need to change to a regional train in Hakodate).
At its heart, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a snow art showcase, one that attracts global sculptors who craft whimsical worlds from over 300 tons of pristine snow in a harmonious blend of creativity and seasonal resilience.
Like Harbin, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which welcomes more than two million visitors a year, is split into three distinct venues. Odori Park site, located in the city’s 1.5-kilometre-long Odori Park (the original site of the festival in the 1950s), is home to massive sculptures – some more than 15 metres high (among the most popular are the life-size anime characters). You can expect projection mapping shows, delicious food stalls (the hot lemonade spiked with Japanese whisky is a must), and the International Snow Sculpture Contest.
In the city centre, Susukino Ice World is where stunning and more delicate ice sculptures line the streets of the city’s most popular entertainment precinct – look out for the fun ice bars that are always a favourite with locals.
Finally, Tsudome (or the Community Dome) is a family-friendly indoor snowscape with thrilling rides including snow slides, tubing and rafting, cultural performances and entertainment that will appeal to families. The sites are easily accessible by subway or on foot (Odori and Susukino are close; Tsudome is farther but has shuttles).
Planning Your Visit
Of course, there’s more to do than simply gaze at the ice all night. Visitors can seek out the hidden “Snow Art Live” performances—live carving demos under floodlights—and capture golden-hour shots from the many viewing platforms.
Be sure to indulge in a private onsen soak post-festival at ryokans like the Jozankei Tsuruga Mori no Uta, followed by a kaiseki dinner featuring local Hokkaido crab. Alternatively, take a fun dog-sledging excursion in nearby Jozankei for that cinematic winter escape before warming up with a rich bowl of ramen at the city’s Ramen Alley.
Of course, you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance, and pack for temperatures that average -5 to -10 degrees Celsius. We would suggest wearing layers, including thermal underwear, woolly hats, gloves, scarves, and waterproof boots with decent grip, as sidewalks can get slippery. You’ll find strap-on shoe spikes in the city’s convenience stores, as well as warming pocket packs.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, South Korea (January)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. A unique fishing festival just outside Seoul
2. The event is a great day trip from the city for culture lovers and foodies
3. The kids will love the chance to claim their fish from the ice
Another exciting Asian winter festival is the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, a vibrant winter celebration held on the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream in South Korea’s Gangwon Province. Perfect for families and winter lovers, this festival is an immersive, hands-on experience that’s centred around ice fishing for sancheoneo (mountain trout, also known as ‘cherry salmon’), which are prized for living in crystal-clear, cold waters, but also includes adventure, culture, and family fun in a snowy setting that draws a million visitors annually.
During this unique event, which runs for three weeks in early January (we recommend weekdays to avoid the crowds from Seoul, which is a two-hour train ride away), you’ll rub shoulders with locals and visitors alike, and the entry fee includes basic fishing gear and access to the main activities. The kids will love the process of drilling a hole in the ice and baiting the hooks as you hunt for sancheoneo. Alternatively, try catching slippery river trout by hand by leaping into shallow pools, sledging down snowy hills, bobsledding, or ice skating, or joining ice soccer matches held on makeshift pitches, and competitive snowball fights.
Like other snow festivals, this event also features massive ice sculptures, colourful light displays at night, cultural performances by traditional musicians and dance troupes, and food stalls where you can grill your fresh catch on-site or enjoy it as sashimi with locally produced soju. If you were unlucky on the ice, there’s plenty of grilled fish, hot soups, or street foods on hand to help you warm up.
Planning Your Visit
Be sure to pack for a chilly day out on the ice as January temperatures in South Korea hover around -5°C to -15°C, with wind chill making it feel colder.
Essentials include thermal base layers (top and bottom), a waterproof and insulated jacket, snow pants or thick leggings, wool socks (bring extras for wet feet), sturdy waterproof boots with good grip for icy surfaces, and gloves (waterproof ones for fishing). Hand and foot warmers, which are available in all convenience stores, are also lifesavers, as are good sunglasses for snow glare, lip balm, and moisturiser for that dry winter air.
While you can reach the event grounds by public transport and by car, we would suggest booking one of the organised shuttles or day trip tours to help avoid traffic and parking dramas. Once you’re on-site, everything is easily reached on foot.
Hornbill Festival, India (December)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. A unique celebration of culture in northeast India
2. Catch traditional dances and music performances in this less crowded environment
3. Families will love the glamping camps that offer a full cultural immersion
For something a little warmer, how about the Hornbill Festival, India’s most vibrant tribal cultural celebration, one that’s often called the “Festival of Festivals.” Held in Nagaland, in northeastern India, this colourful Indian festival brings together 17 major Naga tribes in a showcase of their unique traditions, music, dances, crafts, and food—think warriors in traditional attire, rhythmic drums, folk songs, and a blend of ancient rituals with modern touches.
The event, held in the misty hill station of Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima, runs each December (so there’s plenty of time to plan for 2026) and runs for 10 days, during which the main venue recreates traditional Naga morungs or tribal huts, each of which displays tribal artefacts, traditional weaves, and other aspects of daily life here in the highlands. You can also expect powerful cultural performances ranging from war dances and folk songs to timeless storytelling, as well as indigenous sports like Naga wrestling, archery, and mock battles designed to showcase the community’s strength and skill.
As the sun sets, the event shifts tempo, with the Hornbill International Rock Contest featuring local and international bands, while night carnivals, fashion shows of tribal couture, and illuminated stalls will keep visitors entertained through the night. Be sure to look out for the food zones, which offer local specialities, including smoked pork, bamboo shoots, fermented dishes, and plenty of traditional rice beer (a rarity in mostly-dry Nagaland), as well as the arts and crafts areas, where we would suggest you pick up souvenirs like handmade shawls, jewellery, and bamboo items.
Planning Your Visit
The best time to visit this event is during its first few days, with weekdays less crowded. Evenings are best for light shows and music, while days are better for cultural performances and photo ops. The weather can be chilly in December in the highlands, so be sure to pack for cooler nights and sunny days – cash, a reusable water bottle, solid footwear and power banks are all suggested as facilities are light on the ground.
While you can make your own way to the festival from Dimapur Airport and a three-hour bus trip to Kohima, tours are recommended as foreign visitors will also need to apply for a Protected Area Permit. You can also stay in glamping-style camps (but book well ahead) or, for a little more luxury, Hotel Vivor, which is located near the festival ground.
Seoul Lantern Festival, South Korea (December-January)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. A great addition to any Seoul winter itinerary
2. Tradition and modernity combine in this cultural showcase
3. The lights are easily combined with Christmas markets and ice skating
Another great winter festival in Asia, and another for the South Korean capital, is the Seoul Lantern Festival, one of Seoul’s most magical seasonal events, which transforms the heart of the city into a glowing wonderland. The event, which runs for about three weeks in December and early January, is a free, open-air nighttime festival featuring hundreds of intricate traditional Korean hanji lanterns, crafted from paper, which are paired with modern LED installations, media art, and immersive sculptures.
Centred around the city’s Cheonggyecheon Stream, this event is most popular in the evenings (after 6 pm), when visitors can stroll along illuminated pathways under a canopy of colourful lights while soaking up Seoul’s unique blend of tradition and contemporary creativity. It’s especially enchanting during the Christmas and New Year season, with the event often tying into the broader Seoul Winter Festa with nearby markets and shows.
Visitors can expect crowds of locals and international travellers, who converge on the city centre for the stunning linear exhibitions, which are divided into themed zones that tell stories of Seoul’s past, present, future, dreams, and fantasy. Highlights include the traditional hanji lanterns, which depict Korean folklore, historical scenes, mythical creatures, palaces, and seasonal motifs; modern LED sculptures, kinetic art, and inspiring large-scale installations; lantern-making workshops, and regular musical and cultural performances.
Planning Your Visit
The vibe of this family-friendly event is peaceful yet lively—perfect for slow walks, people-watching, and capturing the reflections on the water. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and be sure to combine your visit with a chance to explore the nearby Christmas markets in Gwanghwamun Square or the ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza.
Of course, you’ll want to wrap up warm as Seoul winters are frosty! Dress warmly for an extended time outdoors, with thermal base layers, a thick insulated jacket or parka, a scarf, hat, and gloves, and comfortable waterproof boots or sturdy shoes, as sidewalks can be slippery.
To stay warm, make stops at the many food stalls for baked egg bread snacks and hot drinks before heading to dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants (try one of the many Hanwoo beef restaurants overlooking the river) and toasting a night under the lights with a shot of soju.
Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam (Monthly Full Moon)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. A colourful night out in one of Vietnam’s most charming cities
2. Paper lanterns offer the chance to wish for good luck in the year to come
3. This family-friendly event is held throughout the year, but February promises something special
Another great showcase of lights and culture is Vietnam’s Hoi An Lantern Festival (also known as the Full Moon Lantern Festival), which is one of the country’s most enchanting and photogenic experiences. Dating back centuries, this full-moon rite honours ancestors and pays tribute to the town’s trading past, when silk lanterns guided ships home. It’s a poetic pause in Hoi An’s timeless streets, evoking a golden era of cultural fusion.
Hosted in the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, the festival transforms the neighbourhood into a glowing, fairy-tale-like scene with thousands of colourful silk and paper lanterns illuminating streets, buildings, and the meandering Thu Bồn River. You’ll be able to enjoy the full majesty of the event with the neighbourhood’s electric lights turned off, leaving only candlelight and lanterns to create a magical, serene atmosphere rooted in Buddhist tradition.
While this free event takes place with the full moon each month, the winter Tết Nguyên Tiêu full moon celebrations in January/February are especially grand and feature special performances and larger crowds. In 2026, aim for the February 12-14 event, which coincides with the full moon.
Head to the Thu Bồn River banks, where you’ll be able to buy small paper lanterns from vendors before making a wish and releasing them onto the water, before strolling the lantern-hung streets to the Japanese Covered Bridge area, where traditional performances like folk singing, poetry, or Bai Choi (storytelling with music) take place each evening. You can also take a short boat ride on the river for a closer view of the floating lanterns before sating your appetite at the many street food stalls.
Planning Your Visit
Unlike many winter festivals, this one is a little balmy, so pack for warm nights with shorts, t-shirts, or modest flowy dresses. You’ll be exploring on foot, so pack sensible walking shoes and don’t forget to take a little cash in small denominations for lanterns and street food.
Thaipusam, Malaysia (February)
Why It’s a Jetsetter Pick:
1. This truly unique festival captures faith at its most striking
2. A photographer’s dream, be prepared for awe-inspiring piercings and devotion
3. Families are welcome, but be prepared for crowds and heat
Culture creatures will love Thaipusam, one of the most intense, colourful, and spiritually charged Hindu festivals you’ll ever witness. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva, the festival is a day of thanksgiving, penance, and fulfilling vows through acts of devotion and self-sacrifice, and in Malaysia, the festival draws over a million people—mostly Tamil Hindus—to the iconic Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur.
Not an event for the faint-hearted, visitors should expect massive crowds, rhythmic drumming, chanting, and devotees, dressed in bright orange and yellow, displaying jaw-dropping body piercings with hooks, skewers through cheeks and tongues. You’ll also see elaborate kavadi structures, heavily decorated frames carried on the shoulders of devotees and attached via those striking piercings in a raw, emotional, and profoundly moving spectacle of faith and tradition.
Thaipusam falls on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai, which means February 1 in 2026, although celebrations build over a couple of days, with processions starting the night before and peaking on the day itself. It’s a public holiday in states like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Perak, and others, so be prepared for crowds to descend on the Batu Caves, a limestone cave temple complex with a giant golden Lord Murugan statue at the entrance.
A key part of the free event is the procession of devotees climbing the famous 272 colourful rainbow steps to the temple, many carrying milk pots, fruits, or heavy kavadis—often in a trance-like state after piercing their bodies as acts of penance. Visitors will also witness vibrant music and chanting, priest blessings, and a warm and welcoming ambience as families converge to encourage devotees in their labours, many of whom start their climb early in the morning before the heat of the day arrives.
Planning Your Visit
February weather in Kuala Lumpur is hot and humid (28-33°C/82-91°F), with possible afternoon showers, so catch the KTM Komuter train out to the Batu Caves Station (13 km north of KL) and try to join the crowds in the morning by arriving around 6 am and, as this is a religious festival, be sure to dress modestly and comfortably for heat, humidity, and crowds—think light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat/cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Be sure to leave valuables back at the hotel as pick-pocketing does occur, and instead prioritise water, snacks, and a small amount of cash for food/vendors (this is the foodie capital of Southeast Asia after all!)