Amsterdam Festival of Light (November 28, 2024 to January 19, 2025)
In terms of the top European winter events, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, truly shines with the Amsterdam Light Festival! The “art of light” is the focus of this week-long event when the creations of renowned architects and artists illuminate Amsterdam with radiant masterpieces. Visitors can walk amid the festival’s exhibits or, for an even more spectacular experience, purchase a ticket for a boat tour along the city’s canals and view the lights from the water. Whatever you do, be sure to wear warm clothing and bring your umbrella!
The annual Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from November to January.
Venice Carnival (February 22 to March 4, 2025)
Considered by many to be one of the best winter festivals in Europe, the Venice Carnival embodies the Italian art of enjoyment. While there are several theories pertaining to the origins of the carnival, it is generally accepted that it began as a form of public entertainment in the 11th century, and then became official in the 12th century, when the people of Venice gathered in St. Mark’s Square to celebrate victory over an enemy. Carnival gradually became an institution over the next centuries and, although the festival was banned in the 18th century, city officials reinstated it in the 1970s.
In the modern incarnation of the Venice Carnival, residents and visitors don masks and costumes, attend masquerade balls, and enjoy other activities such as gondola rides, dinner parties, and much more. After attending the Venice Carnival, you may need to reassess your definition of pomp and celebration! The Venice Carnival typically takes place each year between February and March.
Lyon Festival of Lights (December 5-8, 2024)
While Paris is usually referred to as the ‘city of lights’, Lyon also shines, especially during its Festival of Lights (Fêtes des lumières). Carrying on a tradition that originated in the 19th century, this French city glows each year on December 8, when Lyon’s residents illuminate their windows with candles and stroll through the city to admire the stunning light displays. As locations throughout the city come alive with light, remarkable artifacts and a stunning illusion emerge, and spectators gather to experience the breathtaking illuminations. The Lyon Festival of Lights is most certainly among the must-visit winter festivals in Europe! It takes place each year in December and lasts for several days.
Carnival of Binche (March 2-4, 2025)
One of the oldest festivals in Europe — and recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO — is the Carnival of Binche (Carnaval de Binche), which takes place in Belgium’s Binche region. With origins dating to the 14th century, the carnival has preserved its traditional structures; in addition to donning masks and costumes, parade participants toss oranges at spectators. Catching the oranges is supposed to bring good fortune and throwing them back is considered offensive, as they are a gift! The Carnival of Binche takes place each year in February or in March.
Vinterjazz Festival (January 30 to February 28, 2025)
Winter celebrations in Europe also include excellent music festivals. Denmark’s Vinterjazz Festival stands out as one of the premier European music festivals, bringing together Danish and international musicians. The festival takes place across the country, with performances in hundreds of venues in cities throughout Denmark, including Copenhagen, Aarhus, Brabrand, and Silkeborg. The dates of the annual festival vary, but it generally takes place at the beginning of each year.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (December 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025)
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay certainly stands out among the seasonal festivals in Europe, offering visitors and residents a delightful way to embrace the joy of the new year. In Scots, ‘hogmanay” refers to the last day of the year, and the Hogmanay festival is a distinctive New Year’s event rooted in Scottish culture, with a collection of associated rituals and traditions. While Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, hosts the largest Hogmanay celebrations, the festival’s fireworks, torchlight processions, concerts, and street parties take place throughout the country.
Fête du Citron (February 15 to March 2, 2025)
If you’ve yearned for a winter event in Europe that celebrates citrus fruits, you’re in luck! The Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), in Menton, France, is dedicated to lemons. The event originated in 1934 to mark the annual production of Menton lemon and other specialty citrus fruits from the region. Now drawing more than 200,000 visitors each year, the festival features citrus exhibitions, handicraft fairs, and parades with beautifully illuminated floats and orchestras. The Menton Fête du Citron takes place between February and March.
Amsterdam Art Below Zero Ice Sculpture Festival (December 21, 2024 to March 2, 2025)
Amsterdam’s Art Below Zero Ice Sculpture Festival demonstrates that creativity can transcend time and weather. Sculptors from around the world unite in the city to craft spectacular masterpieces from ice. The meter-long ice sculptures draw inspiration from Amsterdam’s history, vividly bringing the past to life, and are enhanced by special effects. We do suggest wearing warm clothing, along with a hat and gloves, when you attend the Ice Sculpture Festival!
The Carnival of Nice (February 15 to March 2, 2025)
Our Europe winter festival guide contains multiple carnivals — with the Carnival of Nice holding a distinguished position among Europe’s winter festivals. Held in the seaside city of Nice, France, the carnival presents a bright array of entertainment, lively street parades, and engaging events throughout the city.
The Carnival of Nice takes place in February each year. While tickets are required to attend the event, costumed attendees can enjoy free admission to the parade.
A note on enjoying winter festivals in Europe
Winter events in Europe fall into two categories: those that require tickets and those that do not. Some events offer complimentary admission, while others may require a ticket purchase. Some festivals also have mobile apps with additional information and insight; you can also review various rules, conditions, and other information on the official website of the respective event.
We also suggest wearing warm clothing and bringing hats, gloves and scarves; you may also want to bring a protective case for your cell phone to shield it from the extreme cold.
