Amsterdam Light Festival (26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027)
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 (31 January – 17 February 2026)
To see how well Italy celebrates, one only has to look at the Venice Carnival. The carnival dates back to the 12th century, when Venice was a major trading center, and it ranks among Europe’s finest winter festivities. Throughout the carnival, people in flamboyant costumes and elaborate masks fill every corner of the city with color, almost turning Venice back into the Renaissance.
In 2026, inspired by the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the carnival flows through the canals under the theme “Olympos, The Origins of the Games.” In this modern Olympos, where mythology, art, and sport intertwine, masks reflect not only mystery but also the competitive spirit and the aesthetic of antiquity. Grand balls, gondola rides, and magnificent parades are among the event’s highlights. This enchanting celebration usually takes place between February and March each year.
Lyon Light Festival (5 – 8 December 2026)
People say Paris is the city of lights. Yet France’s famous city of Lyon is not quite convinced, at least not during the festival season. The Light Festival (Fete des lumieres) is a tradition that began in the 19th century and continues today. Every year on December 8, the people of Lyon place candles in their windows and walk through the streets to admire dazzling light installations.
When many sites across the city are illuminated, extraordinary works create a stunning illusion. Millions of visitors flock to Lyon to enjoy these magnificent displays. The Lyon Light Festival, a mesmerizing fixture among Europe’s winter events, takes place over several days each December.
Binche Carnival (15 – 17 February 2026)
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 (30 January – 28 February 2026)
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 (29 December 2026 – 1 January 2027)
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 (14 February – 1 March 2026)
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 Ice Sculpture Festival (13 December 2025 – 8 March 2026)
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!
Nice Carnival (11 February-1 March 2026)
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.
Cologne Carnival (12 – 17 February 2026)
Germany’s largest street festival, the Cologne Carnival, is known locally as the “fifth season.” Millions of people in vibrant costumes turn every corner of the city into a vast open-air party, with chants of “Kölle Alaaf!” On “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the grand parade becomes the carnival’s climax, as chocolates and flowers fly through the air. Filled with music, dance, and boundless joy, the celebration is held every year in February.
Tomorrowland Winter (21 – 28 March 2026)
Set in the French Alps in Alpe d’Huez, this festival is winter’s most prestigious music event. If you want to enjoy the ski slopes by day and dance on the snow to the world’s best DJs in the evening, March 2026 is the right time for you.
This electronic music celebration is held every year, usually in March.
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.
