frost fair

English

The Tallinn Christmas Market held in 2010 in Tallinn, Estonia, an annual frost fair.

Alternative forms

• frost faire (obsolete)

Etymology

The first known use of the term frost fair dates back to an event held on the frozen River Thames in London, England in 1608. The term frost faire was also used during that time. (see River Thames frost fairs for more information)

Noun

frost fair (plural frost fairs)

1. A winter event held on top of frosty, frozen, or snow-covered ground, or on a frozen body of water. It typically consists of a variety of vendors and various hands-on games, sports, or rides.

   The food was great at this year's frost fair. Lots of people were out skating and sledding.

Synonyms

• snow festival, winter carnival

Translations

Translations

• Chinese: 冰凍博覽會／冰冻博览会
• Czech: ledový jarmark
• Danish: frostmarked
• Dutch: vorst beurs
• French: foire gel
• German: frostjahrmarkt
• Japanese: 霜祭り
• Russian: морозная ярмарка (moroznaja jarmarka)
• Spanish: feria helada
• Swedish: frostmarknad c