Soon warm autumn will be replaced by colder temperatures for the start of winter. The weather in Armenia is cold in winter, but not frosty. The duration of the frost-free period increases depending on the height of the area. January is the coldest month here. At this time, the temperature in the mountainous regions reaches from -12 °C to -25 °C and in low-lying areas it is from -5°C to -7°C.
This makes Armenia attractive not only in summer, but also in winter season. The number of tourists visiting Armenia is increasing at a steady pace, particularly it attracts many fans of outdoor activities and winter sports. In winter, you can visit a large number of museums and exhibition halls in Yerevan, listen to concert programs and watch performances. In all regions of Armenia you can see with your own eyes the numerous snow-covered temples and monasteries high in the mountains, which make the view just fascinating.
Since mid-December the preparations for the New Year are noticeable all over the country. People want to be prepared in advance in order to treat family members and numerous guests to tasty and delicious food. This family holiday is celebrated joyfully and warmly. All adults and children give and receive gifts. In winter people celebrate also a lot of traditional events and festivals, including Christmas on January 6.
At the end of January or in February, the Day of St. Sargis is celebrated. St. Sarkis is the patron of youth. This Armenian commander served at the court of Emperor Constantine, but did not want to give up Christianity. The emperor ordered 40 girls to kill him and his 40 brave men. But the girl who loved him did not obey and saved Sargis. Since then, he is honored as the patron saint of all lovers. On this day in the morning a liturgy is held in the churches for the gathered young men and women. The night before the celebration those young people who are willing to marry must eat a salty pancake, and then they do not eat or drink, expecting to have a dream where their bride or groom is bringing for them a glass of water. On the day of the feast young people pray the saint asking him to make their prayers audible to God. St. Sarkis is the realizer of the love longings.
On February 13 Trendez is celebrated. This is a traditional national holiday of all lovers and newlyweds. This ceremony is rooted in paganism and was held in honor of the Armenian goddess 
Astghik. After attending the morning liturgy in churches, people gather together, fires are kindled in the evening, couples pass around bonfire 7 times, then they hold hands tightly and jump over the fire. If they manage to do this without separating their hands, their marriage will be strong and happy throughout their life. The Armenian holiday Trendez, the European holiday of St. Valentine’s Day and the Russian Festival of Maslenitsa have a lot in common. Therefore, it is not surprising that Trendez is also celebrated in some Russian cities – Ryazan, Moscow, Krasnoyarsk.
In the middle of February in the resort town of Jermuk the “Snow Man” festival has been held since 2014. During the festival, participants create snow and ice sculptures. Others can take part in skiing and snowboarding competitions, climb a frozen waterfall or participate in many other contests. There is also a rental equipment. The festival is accompanied by funny songs and folk dances. There are special places where you can try delicious festival and national dishes.
By the way, the city of Jermuk is one of the best resorts of Armenia. There is a well-developed and long-established network of balneological sanatoriums with famous mineral water. In the comfortable local clinics, you will quickly restore your strength and cheerfulness.In winter you can also relax and at the same time improve your health at one of the numerous sanatoriums or balneological resorts in other regions of the country. Such clinics with comfortable hotels are in Aghveran, Arzni, Jermuk, Hankavan, Dilijan, which have been popular since Soviet times.Taking part in these and other cultural and educational activities, you can organize a good vacation with your family or friends.
In Armenia, you can relax at any time of the year, but in the cold winter you will receive a warm welcome, have a lot of emotions, good impressions and pleasant memories. Together with the Sun tour you will have a great time, you will see and learn a lot of interesting things, and of course enjoy the amazing Armenian cuisine.