The coldest months of the calendar year can also be some of the most interesting and enjoyable. Why you ask?

 

That's because over the next few chilly weeks, you can indulge in one of the many wonderful winter festivals around the world.

 

So stop hibernating, put on those extra layers and book yourself a cheap flight to one of these popular travel destinations.

 

 

Buenos Aires Tango Festival

Intense and sexy are just a couple of words that usually come to mind when one is asked to describe the tango. The annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival is a great place to see this emblematic dance. Book your flights to Buenos Aires and enjoy tango concerts, dancing displays, exhibitions and classes. It is a perfect opportunity to watch, listen, learn and participate in a wide range of events all dedicated to this passionate dance form. (Feb. 27-Mar. 7, 2010)

 

 

Las Fallas

Book your flights to Valencia in Spain and enjoy this festival that is undoubtedly the most spectacular and complete fiesta on earth. During the days and weeks beforehand , the streets are alive with fireworks displays, music bands, artistic lighting, street performances and parades. Las Fallas takes place each March and is intended as a tribute to St. Joseph. (Mar. 15-19, 2010)

 

 

Frozen Dead Guy Days

Frozen Dead Guy Days is celebrated from Friday through Sunday on the first full weekend of March. Such eerie activities as coffin races, a slow-motion parade, and "Frozen Dead Guy" lookalike contests are held. Organized in Nederland, Colorado, this year's festival highlights are live music, a beer garden, a parade of hearses, ice carving demonstrations, frozen Salmon tossing and icy turkey bowling. Definitely a "unique experience" to say the least. (Mar. 5-7, 2010)

 

 

Quebec Winter Carnival

The Quebec Winter Carnival takes place each January and February in lovely Quebec, Canada. Dubbed the world's largest winter carnival, it is easily the most talked about Quebec event all year and brings thousands of visitors to the area. Such activities as a zip line, night parades, slide runs, concerts, snow sculptures, sleigh or dogsled rides and skating are offered at the lively and bustling carnival.(Jan. 29-Feb. 14, 2010)

 

 

World Ice Art Championships

The World Ice Art Championships is an ice sculpting contest held each year in Fairbanks, Alaska. The contest is the largest of its kind in the world and is attended by more than 100 sculptors from 30 different countries every year. The championship is divided into three separate divisions, with each then divided again into abstract and realistic categories. (Feb. 20-Mar. 28, 2010)

 

 

Whether you choose to tango or be mesmerized by ice sculptures, winters are no longer about being held hostage indoors until April.  

 

Warm up with CheapOair's great selection of winter travel deals to top domestic destinations.

 

Flickr: patrichica, Fender Champ, tusptangar, rouquine660 & Frank A. Duck