Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

The 60th Sapporo snow festival in northern Japan opened on Thursday, showcasing illuminated ice sculptures, snow lanterns, a maze, a "Dragon Ball" sculpture and even a tribute to the country's world record holding swimmer Kosuke Kitajima.

A notable highlight this year is a huge snow sculpture of Disney characters, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort.

The festival draws some two million visitors every year.

Photo: Reuters, AFP