Many countries' modern winter holiday traditions are rooted in ancient Winter Solstice celebrations marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
The 2009 Quebec Winter Carnival will have a masquerade theme with activities from Jan. 30 to Feb. 15 such as dog sled races, night parades and outdoor dance parties.
The Fort William Mountain Festival in Scotland celebrates mountain culture with indoor and outdoor ice climbing workshops, lectures and exhibitions from March 6-14.
www.ballonchate audoex.ch/sibac.asp?Lang=EN
The annual Festival International de Ballons in Chateau-d'Oex, Switzerland, is Jan. 24 to Feb. 1. View more 80 balloons with a backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
Trip Tracker is compiled by Joy Guest. Is there a vacation or excursion that interests you? E-mail jguest@adn.com or comment online at adn.com/life/travel.