Events, Festivals and Exhibitions

Festivals in Europe

Discover amazing world festivals, events and exhibitions
 
  • Sigtuna Christmas Market (Sundays) 2025, Sigtuna (near Stockholm), Sweden

    Stora torget & Stora gatan, 193 30 Sigtuna Sigtuna (near Stockholm), Sweden

    Sigtuna’s Christmas Market unfolds on four Advent Sundays—30th November, 7th, 14th and 21st December 2025—turning Sweden’s oldest town into a festive promenade along Stora gatan. Expect choirs, Lucia processions and

    Free
  • Royal Christmas Fair 2025, The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands

    Lange Voorhout, 2514 The Hague The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands

    The Hague’s Royal Christmas Fair brings a festive glow to Lange Voorhout, one of the city’s most elegant avenues. Expect quality stalls, twinkling lights, live performances and plenty of warming

    Free
  • Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival) 2025, Ghent, Belgium

    Sint-Baafsplein, Korenmarkt & surrounding streets; 9000 Gent Ghent, Belgium

    Ghent’s Winter Festival brings a cosy, family feel to the medieval city centre, with stalls, rides and an ice rink set around Sint‑Baafsplein and Korenmarkt. Sip a jenever, nibble on

    Free
  • Haarlem Christmas Market 2025, Haarlem, Netherlands

    Grote Markt & historic centre, 2011 RD Haarlem Haarlem, Netherlands

    Haarlem’s weekend Christmas market is a Dutch favourite, with hundreds of stalls radiating from the Grote Markt into the old town’s handsome streets. You’ll find crafts, seasonal bakes and cosy

    Free
  • Interested in Festivals in Europe?

    Given the diversity of the continent, it will come as little surprise that there is a breadth and diversity amongst the festivals in Europe celebrated each year. Some of our European Festivals are world-renowned, but others featured in our pages, such as the White Nights Festival in St Petersburg and the Dour Festival in Belgium might need an introduction.

    Music Festivals in Europe

    Each summer, the whole continent seems to explode into a festival of music, with everyone taking to the outdoors to enjoy the music. One of the largest and most popular European music festivals is the Sziget Festival in Hungary, held each August. Other events include Tomorrowland Europe, Pukkelpop in Belgium and Zurich Tanzt, a celebration of music and dance. If you are a fan of jazz, then Jazz Brugge or Vinterjazz in Copenhagen could be just the ticket for you. Or, why not try the Tallinn Music Week in Estonia?

    Beer, Wine and Food Festivals

    If you wish to want to avoid the crowds at Oktoberfest then perhaps you should head to Belgium for either the Bruges Beer Festival or Zythos Bier Festival. Wine lovers looking for something a bit different could try the National Wine Day Moldova in the capital city of Chisinau, or for a food festival with a twist then how about the Onion Market in Weimar, in Germany, or Spain’s Gran Festa de la Calçotada, if spring onions are your thing.
    Carnivals in Europe
    While you might be forgiven for associating the carnival with South America, Europe has many a carnival that predates Rio. One of the oldest is the Venice Carnival, although the Nice Carnival and Cologne Carnival (Fastelovend) are also well worth a visit. Or if you like your carnival descending into a historical food fight then the Battle of Oranges in Italy is a must. Alternatively, try the typically Belgium quirky Carnaval de Binche.

    Christmas Markets and Winter Festivals

    In the build up to Christmas, most of Europe is a frenzy of Christmas Markets and Winter Festivals. Salzburg Christmas Market provides a typically Austrian take on the festive occasion, while Dresden Christmas Market and Vienna Christmas Market are equally steeped in tradition. Alternatively, if you are not in a festive mood then you can always visit the Amsterdam Lights and watch the capital of the Netherlands major winter festival turn the city on.And don't worry, we haven't forgotten that the UK is part of Europe, as we have a separate page for Festivals in the UK.