The New Year's Eve Winter Carnival saw a parade inspired by Norse and Viking stories and North East traditions.

BBC: Thousands enjoy Newcastle New Year's Eve parade

In New Hampshire, Dartmouth College student Evan Diamond and other members of the ski team were getting ready for races at the Ivy League school's winter carnival.

WSJ: Northeast Braces for Major Blizzard

This popular carnival custom takes place at the end of winter, during Shrovetide - the period just before the Christian Lent.

UNESCO: Culture