Every winter, the furry convention calendar packs a surprising amount of activity into just a few weeks. Here's a look at the major events from the 2025/2026 winter season, covering late December through mid-January across Shanghai, Seattle, Phoenix, Japan, and California.
Update: All events in this guide have now concluded. Attendance figures have been updated where available. The travel tips, cold-weather fursuiting advice, and packing recommendations remain relevant for future winter conventions.
If you attended any of these and want a reference for next year, or you are planning ahead for future winter cons, the details below cover what each event offers and what to expect when traveling in cold weather.
Looking for upcoming events? Check our Summer & Fall 2026 Convention Guide for everything ahead this year, or browse the 2027 early calendar to plan further out.
Dates: Dec 19-21, 2025 Location: Shanghai, China
Winter Furry Fusion is one of the fastest-growing furry conventions in Asia, reflecting the rapid expansion of China's furry community. Shanghai offers a backdrop unlike any Western convention city, with a mix of ultramodern architecture and historic neighborhoods. The convention features suit performances that draw from both Chinese and international furry traditions, a dealers area with Chinese furry artists and makers, and social events. Shanghai is well-connected internationally through Pudong Airport (PVG), and the city's metro system makes getting around straightforward. Be aware that accessing Discord, Twitter, and many Western websites requires a VPN in China, so configure one before you travel. December in Shanghai averages 5-10°C (41-50°F), which is comfortable for fursuiting outdoors.
Dates: Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 Location: Wilmington, DE, USA
The New Years Furry Ball is a compact, party-focused event that centers around ringing in the New Year with the furry community. The 2026 edition drew 972 attendees, continuing steady growth from 884 the previous year. It offers a personal atmosphere where you can get to know most attendees over the course of the weekend. The event typically features dance events, social gaming, and a New Year's Eve countdown as the main attraction. Wilmington is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore, making it accessible by car or Amtrak from much of the East Coast. Hotel costs in Wilmington are moderate compared to larger cities, typically $90-130 per night. The smaller scale means no long lines, no crowded hallways, and more face time with friends and new acquaintances.
Dates: Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Anthro Northwest stands out for its strong emphasis on art, writing, and creative workshops. The 2026 edition (ANW8, themed "Nature") drew 3,466 attendees and raised $30,040 for Sarvey Wildlife Care Center. The convention draws from the Pacific Northwest furry community, which has a well-established creative culture. Located in downtown Seattle, ANW gives attendees access to the city's restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions during breaks from programming. The convention features structured workshop tracks where attendees can learn drawing techniques, fursuit construction methods, and creative writing skills from experienced practitioners. Seattle in late December and early January is cold and rainy (averaging 5-8°C / 41-46°F), so pack rain gear if you plan to explore the city. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the nearest airport, about 30 minutes from downtown by light rail. Hotel options in downtown Seattle range from $120-200 per night during the holiday period.
Dates: Jan 2-4, 2026 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Painted Desert Fur Con offers a warm-weather alternative during a season when most of the US is dealing with snow and ice. Phoenix in January averages 18-20°C (64-68°F) during the day, which is comfortable for outdoor activities and fursuiting without overheating. PDFC has a laid-back atmosphere that many attendees describe as a "recovery con" after the intensity of Midwest FurFest in December. Programming includes panels, social events, a dealers area, and gaming. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a major hub with direct flights from most US cities, and rideshare to convention hotels is typically $15-25. Hotels in the Phoenix metro area are reasonably priced in January, with rates around $90-150 per night near the venue.
Dates: Jan 9-11, 2026 Location: Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan
JMoF is the premier furry convention in Japan, drawing 2,524 attendees in 2026. The convention is held at the Loisir Hotel Toyohashi, accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo in about 90 minutes or from Osaka in about two hours. JMoF is known for its high-caliber suit performances, where kemono-style fursuiters deliver choreographed stage acts. The convention features an art gallery, dealers room, dance events, and cultural programming that bridges Japanese kemono and Western furry traditions. For Western attendees, JMoF offers a fundamentally different convention experience from anything in North America or Europe. Registration is handled through a Japanese-language website, but English-language community guides are typically shared online before sign-ups open. Toyohashi has affordable hotels and restaurants, and January weather is cold but manageable (averaging 3-8°C / 37-46°F).
Dates: Jan 15-19, 2026 Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Further Confusion is one of the longest-running furry conventions, active since 1999, and drew 6,621 attendees in 2026 while raising $45,279 for The Street Dog Coalition. The 2026 theme was "The Beach Episode," leaning into the classic anime trope with tropical decor, beach-themed events, and a relaxed summer-in-January atmosphere. FC is held at the San Jose Convention Center, which connects directly to the Marriott and Hilton hotels. The convention features a well-regarded art show, fursuit parade (which sometimes goes outdoors), Critter Olympics, dances, and an active room party scene. San Jose's downtown offers walkable dining options and is served by San Jose International Airport (SJC), just 10 minutes from the venue. January weather is mild by winter standards at 10-15°C (50-59°F). Check out our full FC 2026 recap for detailed venue, hotel, and dining information.
Winter convention travel requires more planning than summer events because weather disruptions are a real factor, particularly for conventions in the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest.
Snowstorms, ice, and fog can cause cancellations and delays at major hubs like Chicago O'Hare, Seattle-Tacoma, and East Coast airports. Strategies to minimize disruption:
If you are driving to a convention in a winter-weather region, check road conditions before departing. Carry chains or ensure you have winter tires if traveling through mountain passes or areas with snow. Keep an emergency kit in the car: blanket, water, phone charger, flashlight. Budget extra travel time for slow conditions.
The conventions in this guide span climate zones from Shanghai's damp cold to Phoenix's dry warmth. Pack layers that you can adjust. A packable down jacket takes minimal suitcase space and covers most cold-weather scenarios. Bring waterproof shoes or boots for cities where rain or slush is likely (Seattle, Shanghai). If you are traveling with a fursuit, our fursuit travel tips guide covers packing, airline rules, and protecting your suit in transit.
Winter conventions offer some of the most comfortable fursuiting conditions because the cold air helps with cooling. However, cold weather introduces its own set of challenges.
In cold weather, you may be tempted to layer up under your fursuit. Resist over-layering. The suit itself provides insulation, and once you start moving in a crowded convention space, you will heat up quickly. A moisture-wicking base layer is usually sufficient. If you plan to suit outdoors for an extended period, add a thin thermal layer, but be ready to shed it when you go back inside.
Road salt is one of the biggest threats to fursuits in winter. Salt crystals embed in faux fur, creating white stains and causing the fibers to stiffen and degrade over time. If you fursuit outdoors at a winter convention:
Cold temperatures reduce battery performance. If your suit has fans, LED lights, or other battery-powered components:
Cold weather suppresses the thirst response, but you are still losing moisture through exertion and breathing. Continue to hydrate on the same schedule you would at a summer convention. Warm drinks (tea, hot chocolate) can be more appealing than cold water and serve the dual purpose of warming you up during breaks.
Painted Desert Fur Con and New Years Furry Ball are both smaller events with relaxed atmospheres, making them approachable for first-timers. If you prefer a larger event with more programming, Further Confusion offers a well-organized experience with panels specifically designed for new convention-goers.
Wash hands frequently, carry hand sanitizer, and consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces like the dealers den. Get your flu shot and stay current on COVID vaccinations before the convention season. Bring basic medications (cold medicine, throat lozenges, pain relievers) in your con bag. If you feel ill during the convention, stay in your room rather than spreading illness to other attendees.
Yes, particularly for conventions that require a flight. A basic travel insurance policy costs $30-80 and can cover hotel costs, meals, and rebooking fees if your flight is cancelled due to weather. Some credit cards include trip delay or cancellation coverage as a card benefit, so check your existing coverage before purchasing a separate policy.
You can, but keep sessions short (15-20 minutes) and be aware of the risks. Moisture from your breath can condense and freeze on the inside of your head, and extremities (hand-paws, feet) can get cold quickly. Have a warm indoor space ready to retreat to, and never fursuit outdoors alone in extreme cold.
For larger events (Further Confusion, JMoF), book as soon as the convention hotel block opens, which is typically 4-6 months before the event. For smaller conventions, 2-3 months in advance is usually sufficient, though holiday-period hotel rates in cities like Seattle and San Jose can rise if you wait too long.
Browse our complete calendar with dates, locations, and details for every upcoming furry convention.
View Full CalendarSources & Further Reading:
Your complete guide to furry conventions in Asia for 2026. Dates, costs, travel tips, and cultural advice for JMoF, Infurnity, Winter Furry Fusion, and more.
Your complete guide to furry conventions in Europe for 2026. Dates, costs, visa tips, and multi-con itineraries for Eurofurence, NordicFuzzCon, ConFuzzled, and more.
Thirteen confirmed 2027 furry con dates are already set, with seven events packed into February alone. Full calendar, date overlaps, and booking advice.