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The Tegernsee Valley Hot Air Ballooning Festival takes place Jan. 28-Feb. 4 about an hour’s drive northeast of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. 

The Tegernsee Valley Hot Air Ballooning Festival takes place Jan. 28-Feb. 4 about an hour’s drive northeast of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.  (iStock)

Post-Christmas blues, January blahs, cabin fever ... there are many names for that post-holiday feeling that dissipates as quickly as the bubbles from a champagne bottle left uncorked. Instead of running from winter, embrace it at any of these events taking place in the great outdoors over the next several weeks.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: The Amsterdam Light Festival refers to a series of installations set up along the city’s famed canals. Through Jan. 21, visitors can enjoy the approximately four-mile-long route on foot or by means of a boat cruise. The event’s 12th edition uses artificial intelligence and digital technology as its guide and inspiration. The lights are turned on daily at 5 p.m. and remain on until at least 10 p.m. Walking the route in sections or in its entirety is free of charge, while the free festival app offers purchase of a route map for 7.99 euros. Guided walking tours are available at a cost of 21.50 euros for adults and 12.50 for children up to 12 years of age. The appoximately 75-minute cruises go for 26.50 euros for adults and 13.25 euros for children between the ages of 4 and 12. The festival information point set up at the Stoperaplein sells tickets and provides information. Online: tinyurl.com/2dzsxh2a

Amsterdam Light Festival is a major tourist attraction, showing several light sculptures and illuminated artworks around the Canal Ring and the River Amstel. This year’s event takes place through Jan. 21.

Amsterdam Light Festival is a major tourist attraction, showing several light sculptures and illuminated artworks around the Canal Ring and the River Amstel. This year’s event takes place through Jan. 21. (iStock)

London, UK: On Jan. 7, those with a feel for somewhat quirky events will enjoy taking part in the Twelfth Night celebrations. The proceedings starting at 2 p.m. at Bankside London feature characters known from pagan myth and folklore including the Green Man, the Holly Man and the devil Beelzebub. Next to Shakespeare’s Globe, the “Mummers” will lead the “wassailing,” a toast encouraging good growth, before heading to the Jetty to perform the freestyle St. George Folk Combat Play. This is followed by the distribution of cakes containing a hidden bean and pea, and those among the crowd who find them are ceremoniously crowned King and Queen for the day. Singing, dancing, storytelling and general merriment round out the proceedings, all of which can be enjoyed for free. Online: thelionspart.co.uk/twelfthnight

Fischleintal Sexten, 3 Zinnen Dolomites, Italy: The 3 Zinnen Ski-Marathon is a cross-country skiing event open to both professional athletes and recreational skiers who feel up to the challenge of covering 62 km of the breathtakingly beautiful terrain of the Dolomites. Those not up to conquering such a distance can opt for the 30 km course. The start of the 62 km is found in Sexten/Sesto and passes through Innichen/San Candido, Toblach/Dobbiaco and the Landro Valley to Niederdorf/Villabassa. The 30 km race gets underway at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco. A third option is to take on the Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, which calls upon racers to conquer 1,000 meters of elevation gain over 30 km using free technique. The race, formerly known as the Pustertaler Ski-Marathon, takes place Jan. 13-14. Online: ski-marathon.com

Grindelwald, Switzerland: Each January, already-idyllic Grindelwald hosts an event that lends even more charm to this village overlooked by the Eiger and Wetterhorn mountains of the Alps. The World Snow Festival, slated for Jan. 15-20, sees ice artists from around the world descend upon the town to bring their ice-cold visions to reality, creating figures and sculptures from three-meter-high blocks of snow. Each edition of the festival has a theme, and in keeping with the festival’s 40th anniversary, the motto and guiding them for 2024 is “tradition.” From 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, the teams will work their creations to perfection. Just whose artwork is the best is a question determined by the participating teams and public voting. The snow scupltures remain in place until the weather gradually wears them away. Entry is free. Online: tinyurl.com/jtp69c32

Vienna, Austria: In the heart of Austria’s elegant capital, one of the Continent’s largest ice rinks makes a flashy place for figure skaters to show off their jumps and spins. The Viennese Ice Dream, romantically poised between the Town Hall and Borgtheater, is a magnificent icescape made up of four separate rinks connected by winding paths and capped by a second story. The newly-built viewing platform means skaters can observe others’ skills while taking a break. Some 2,000 pairs of pre-warmed skates in all sizes are available for rent on-site. Helmets and double runner skates for juniors are also offered. The rink is open from Jan. 20 through March 3. Tickets for a four-hour session start at 9 euros for adults and 6.30 euros for children born in 2009 or later. Online: wienereistraum.com/en

Tegernsee, Germany: An upcoming event will lift all eyes to the sky above the Alpine lake resort town of Tegernsee, located about an hour’s drive northeast of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Tegernseer Tal Montgolfiade, or Tegernsee Valley Hot Air Ballooning Festival, unfolds Jan. 28-Feb. 4 as hot air balloons add a splash of color and interest against a background of snow-capped peaks. For even more stunning views of the spectacle, it’s possible to book an ascent in one of the balloons. When weather conditions and thermal dynamics allow for it, the balloon pilots will take to the skies around 10 a.m. daily. Tickets for ascents inclusive of transfer are available in the Tegernsee tourist information center on the day prior or online at München-Ticket and cost from 281.40 euros per passenger. Back on solid ground, the event program for the weekend days of Jan. 28 and Feb. 3-4 includes a display of both full-size and model balloons set up on the Seepromenade in Bad Wiessee, treats from the grill and mulled wine. On Feb. 2, one of the highlight events, Balloon Glow, takes place. From 6 p.m., DJ music will accompany some ten balloons set up at Sonnenbichl at Bad Wiessee in preparation for ascent, and an hour later, they’ll have liftoff as those below continue to enjoy their food, drink and music. Online: tegernsee.com/ballonfahrten

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