Itching to get out of the city? Plan now to unwind after the holidays. If you've only ever been to Lake Chelan for summer swimming when the place is hot and hopping, here's an occasion to see the wintry side (with some Arctic-oriented activities).

Why leave town: Because as nice at it is to sip eggnog in an overheated house with visiting relatives from Ohio, everybody needs to decompress

What's going on: Lake Chelan Winterfest

When and where: The first two weekends of January (with the most activities Jan. 13-15), in and around the town of Chelan and its 55-mile-long lake (third-deepest in the United States). Also in the neighborhood: wineries of the Lake Chelan AVA, the state's newest American Viticultural Area (think mulled wine).

What's special: Ice sculptures by international artists (carving 2 tons of ice), lots of live music, wine walks, an ice lounge, wagon rides, a Soupfest, the Fire and Ice Parade, a polar-bear swim, giant bonfire on the beach and fireworks

What to expect: Views of snow-capped buttes and frosty orchards. Breaks for skiing or tubing at nearby Echo Valley ski area (www.echovalley.org)

More information: 800-424-3526 or www.lakechelanwinterfest.com