Festivals and Events

Music, Dance, and Timeless Traditions

Celebrate the world’s most vibrant traditions — from dazzling carnivals to cosy winter markets — and discover the music, flavours, and stories that bring each destination to life.

Autumn Cultural Escapes

Experience Europe's vibrant harvest festivals, from traditional celebrations to contemporary arts

Festival Cards
September
Oktoberfest
Munich, Germany
20 Sept – 5 Oct
The world's biggest beer festival with Bavarian music, parades and hearty food.
September
La Mercè
Barcelona, Spain
19 – 24 Sept
Catalonia's grand street festival with fireworks, human towers (castells), and concerts.
October
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
15 – 19 Oct
Europe's largest electronic music gathering with top DJs and club events.
October
Alba White Truffle Fair
Piedmont, Italy
5 Oct – 8 Dec
Markets and tastings dedicated to Italy's prized white truffle and regional wines.
October
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Thessaloniki, Greece
30 Oct – 9 Nov
Premier film festival in Southeast Europe.
October
Skopje Jazz Festival
Skopje, North Macedonia
October 16 to 19
The festival offers blend of traditional and contemporary jazz, featuring renowned international artists alongside local talents.
November
Eurochocolate
Perugia, Italy
14 – 23 Nov
Chocolate lovers' paradise with tastings, sculptures, and workshops.
November
Taksirat Festival
Skopje, North Macedonia
Late Nov – Early Dec
Alternative and rock music festival attracting international artists.
November
Christmas Market Openings
Vienna, Prague, Zagreb, Strasbourg
from mid-Nov
Historic squares transform with festive lights, mulled wine, and crafts.

Winter Magic Carnival Spirit

From enchanting Christmas markets to vibrant pre-Lenten celebrations across the continent

Festival Cards
December
Zagreb Advent
Zagreb, Croatia
29 Nov – 6 Jan
Consistently ranked among Europe's best Christmas markets.
December
Dubrovnik Winter Festival
Dubrovnik, Croatia
29 Nov – 6 Jan
Music, lights, and festive treats in the UNESCO Old Town.
December
Hogmanay
Edinburgh, Scotland
31 Dec – 1 Jan
Scotland's legendary New Year street party with torch processions and fireworks.
January
Vevčani Carnival
Vevčani, North Macedonia
13 – 14 Jan
Ancient pagan masquerade with satirical masks and music.
January
Surva Festival
Pernik, Bulgaria
24 – 26 Jan
One of Europe's biggest masquerade parades (kukeri).
January
Up Helly Aa
Shetland Islands, Scotland
28 Jan
Viking fire festival featuring torchlit processions and longship burning.
February
Rijeka Carnival
Rijeka, Croatia
1 – 23 Feb
Colourful masked parades and lively concerts along the Adriatic.
February
Patras Carnival
Patras, Greece
19 Jan – 2 Mar
Greece's largest carnival with floats, street parties, and masquerade balls.
February
Venice Carnival
Venice, Italy
22 Feb – 4 Mar
Elegant masks, grand balls, and parades on the canals.
March
Basel Fasnacht
Basel, Switzerland
10 – 12 Mar
UNESCO-listed carnival with elaborate costumes, piccolos and drummers.
March
Las Fallas
Valencia, Spain
15 – 19 Mar
Giant paper-mâché sculptures burned in spectacular nightly fireworks.

Festival Magic: Where to Stay

A curated guide to the most vibrant festivals and events, paired with top accommodation options.

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