New Year’s, Hmong-style

Fresno, Calif.

Dec. 26-Jan. 1: The Hmong International New Year celebration in Fresno is said to be the largest event of its kind in the U.S. It showcases the Hmong culture with music, dance and traditional dress.

Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno. (559) 487-1012, www.hmongnewyear.us.

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Palm Springs

Jan. 4-15: At 18, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is all grown up. The event will have its usual interesting cinematic offerings. Celebs to be honored include Sydney Pollack, Adam Beach and Kate Winslet.

Venues vary. Tickets $9-$10. (800) 898-7256, www.psfilmfest.org.

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Sandpoint, Idaho

Jan. 11-14: To banish the post-holiday winter blahs, Sandpoint puts on an annual carnival that blends chilly with silly. The Adult Spelling Bee is a costumed team event. Then there are the fudge and chili cook-offs and the K-9 Keg Pull, in which hounds harnessed to empty kegs race over a 50-yard course. Fireworks will light up the frosty air at Schweitzer Mountain ski resort after a Torchlight Parade.

Venues vary.(800) 800-2106 , www.sandpoint.org/wintercarnival.

-- Amy Hubbard