Pride of the January festival circuit

It may sound a little un-British, but why not enjoy the January weather instead of fighting it? The Kiruna Snow Festival entertains the Swedish in January. Held in Norrland, it takes advantage of thick layers of sparkling white snow in January by providing locals and visitors alike with a chance to enjoy ice skating, reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding races, snow sculpting contests and skiing, as well as traditional cold weather comfort foods on their January holidays.

January is quite chilly at Park City in Utah, but although there's skiing to be had here too, Sundance Film Festival is the main event. If you enjoy independent and documentary films, this is the film festival for you; it not only showcases work by new film makers but also attracts the attention of many big names. If you long to escape the January cold, try Festival of the Desert, which overflows from Essakane, an oasis town in Tombouctou. Each January more and more Tuareg tribes arrive, bringing their own festival music to mingle with traditionally-influenced bands from across the world. It's a festival of peace as well as of music, and the festival celebrations include dancing, poetry readings, choreographed ritual sword fights and games.