You can’t stay inside all winter. After all, life doesn’t stop simply because it’s cold outside. The days might be shorter and the temperatures lower, but there’s still plenty of action going on out in the world. Hibernation might work for some, but most of us know the best way to keep warm is to keep moving. Grab a coat or hop on a plane for these must-see winter events. Now share some of your favourites.
Munich Carnival, Munich, Germany
1 January – 16 February 2010
There are carnival celebrations all over Germany, but Munich’s Fasching is closest to that of Venice—with its own distinctive German variations, of course. There are costumes, parades and literally hundreds of balls to choose from. Don’t miss the dance of the Women of the Market at Viktualienmarkt on Shrove Tuesday. Go to www.muenchen.de for more information.
Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah
21 – 31 January 2010
The Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the United States. With Robert Redford at the helm, the festival has been attracting the biggest names in film since 1978. Utah’s epic skiing might have something to do with that as well. If the films can’t keep your attention, seek the slopes. For a schedule of films and information on lodging and tickets, go to festival.sundance.org.
Restaurant Week New York, New York, NY
25 – 29 & 31 January – 7 February 2010
Who says holiday eating is over? It’s cold and we could all use a little more insulation. Restaurant Week New York is here to help. With over 180 top New York restaurants participating this year, tempting your palette has never been easier. So forgo the belt and enjoy prix fixe menu options during lunch and dinner. Book in advance because openings don’t last long. Check here for a full list of restaurants and availability.
Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
29 January – 14 February 2010
The first winter carnival took place in Quebec City in 1894 and the event has been growing in popularity ever since. What better way to cope with the cold than to celebrate everything that makes cold weather so great? This year Quebec’s Winter Carnival continues to add more activities to a list that combines winter sports with the traditional Quebec lifestyle. Stop in the stands to watch a leg of the dogsled races and then warm up in the outdoor hot tub or sauna. Go to www.carnaval.qc.ca for more information.
Venice Carnival, Venice, Italy
6 – 16 February 2010
The Carnival of Venice was first recorded in 1296 when the senate declared the day before lent a public holiday. Carnival has since expanded and grown over the last few centuries to become one of city’s biggest tourist draws. With masks, period costumes, balls and the potential for anonymous debauchery, who wouldn’t want to go? There are many options for the novice carnival reveller, but carnival experts usually attend one of the many invitation-only balls, with the Il Ballo del Doge being the most extravagant and exclusive.
Berlin Film Festival, Berlin, Germany
11 – 21 February 2010
Celebrating its 60th birthday this year, the Berlinale continues to be Berlin’s largest cultural event. Attracting over 19,000 film industry professionals and many more film enthusiasts, the Berlinale also has the largest audience of any film festival in the world. To check the schedule and purchase tickets online, go to www.berlinale.de.
Winter Olympics, Toronto, Canada 12 – 28 February 2010
Some people look forward to winter. Some people don’t stay inside and hibernate during the coldest months of the year. Those people also happen to be world class athletes. This year, the Olympics journey to Toronto and, as usual, tickets are scarce. If you haven’t managed to wrangle some, tickets are still being auctioned on the Olympic website. For more information, check out www.vancouver2010.com.
Rio Carnival 2010, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
13 – 16 February 2010
There are lots of famous parades, but there is nothing like Rio’s Samba Parade. The purpose of the parade is to give Rio’s samba schools a chance to compete against each other. The result is one of the greatest shows on earth (Barnum & Bailey who?). Of course, no good carnival would be complete without a ball. Costumes aren’t mandatory, but one really shouldn’t go to carnival in his/her civvies. But keep this in mind: Costume standards are very high in the capital of carnival. For more information on parade times, click here.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney, Australia
19 February – 6 March 2010
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the world’s most renowned gay and lesbian cultural festival. The goal of the festival is to increase the visibility of the gay and lesbian communities, but it all adds up to one hell of a party. The Mardi Gras Parade includes famous dance troupes and performers. This year Whitney Houston will attend (sans Bobby Brown, we hope). For more information, click here.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival, South Beach, Florida
25 – 28 February 2010
Nothing could more comforting during these dark and dreary months than a plate of expertly cooked food in South Beach, where it isn’t cold at all. The Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival brings together world-renowned wine and spirit producers, chefs and TV culinary personalities in a four-day feast fit for a true epicure. Tickets are hard to come by, so start the search now. For more information and a full schedule, go to www.sobefest.com.
South by Southwest, Austin, Texas
12 – 21 March 2010
At the latter end of the winter season (let’s be honest, it’s pretty much spring), South by Southwest promises warmer weather and an eclectic mix of music, film and technology. The full schedule isn’t available at this time, but keep checking the website for daily updates.
Image from Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras courtesy of www.mardigras.org.au
