Events, Festivals and Exhibitions

Winter Festivals

Discover amazing world festivals, events and exhibitions
 
  • Žilina Christmas Market 2025, Žilina, Slovakia

    Mariánske námestie & Námestie Andreja Hlinku, 010 01 Žilina Žilina, Slovakia

    Žilina’s markets spread across two neighbouring squares in the historic centre, combining crafts and food with a local cultural programme. With everything compact and walkable from the train station, it’s

    Free
  • Advent u Zadru (Zadar Advent) 2025, Zadar, Croatia

    Petar Zoranić Square & surrounding Old Town venues Zadar, Croatia

    Nestled in the historic heart of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the city of Zadar comes alive each winter with the vibrant celebration of Advent u Zadru, a magical seaside Christmas market where holiday

    Free
  • Erfurt Christmas Market 2025, Erfurt, Germany

    Domplatz & Altstadt, 99084 Erfurt Erfurt, Germany

    Set around the grand Domplatz and through the medieval core, Erfurt’s market is famed for its nativity scene with life‑sized figures, a giant pyramid and cosy wooden stalls. Thuringian bratwurst

    Free
  • Leipzig Christmas Market 2025, Leipzig, Germany

    Marktplatz & Augustusplatz, 04109 Leipzig Leipzig, Germany

    Leipzig’s centuries‑old market fills the compact old town with around 300 stalls offering Saxon crafts, toys and hearty street food. The Marktplatz hosts the tree and stage, while Augustusplatz adds

    Free
  • Colmar Christmas Markets – La Magie de Noël 2025, Colmar, France

    Six markets incl. Place des Dominicains, Place de l’Ancienne Douane & Petite Venise; 68000 Colmar Colmar, France

    Colmar’s old town becomes a glowing maze of six themed markets, from gourmet treats near Saint‑Martin to children’s delights in Petite Venise for Colmar Christmas Markets. Illuminated churches and canals

    Free
  • Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025 France

    Strasbourg , France

    The Strasbourg Christmas Market is a magical event that blends centuries of tradition with the vibrant holiday spirit. As one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas markets, it has

    Free
  • Stuttgart Christmas Market 2025, Stuttgart, Germany

    Schlossplatz & Schillerplatz, 70173 Stuttgart Stuttgart, Germany

    Stuttgart’s historic core turns festive with hundreds of elaborately decorated stall roofs around Schillerplatz and Schlossplatz for the Stuttgart Christmas Market. The Old Castle and Baroque facades provide a regal

    Free
  • Reims Christmas Market (Marché de Noël) 2025, Reims, France

    Promenades Jean‑Louis Schneiter & city centre; 51100 Reims Reims, France

    Reims Christmas Market is one of France’s biggest markets along the Promenades, a short stroll from the Gothic cathedral. Expect rows of chalets with regional crafts and gourmet treats, plus light

    Free
  • Basel Christmas Market 2025, Basel, Switzerland

    Barfüsserplatz & Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel Basel, Switzerland

    Basel’s duo of markets on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz creates one of Switzerland’s most atmospheric Advent experiences. Stroll cobbled streets between wooden chalets, pausing for raclette, Basler Läckerli and creamy hot

    Free
  • Staromestské vianočné trhy 2025, Bratislava, Slovakia

    Hviezdoslavovo námestie, 811 02 Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia

    Running parallel to the Main Market, the Staré Mesto (Old Town) Christmas market unfolds along tree‑lined Hviezdoslavovo námestie. Rows of chalets serve punch, lokše and sweet treats, while the stage

    Free
  • Festive Maribor (Magical December) 2025, Maribor, Slovenia

    Trg Leona Štuklja, 2000 Maribor Maribor, Slovenia

    Slovenia’s second city turns its main squares into a stage for concerts, light installations and a lively Christmas market. Stalls cluster on Trg Leona Štuklja, with more events a short

    Free
  • Bratislava Christmas Market 2025 Slovakia

    Hlavné námestie & Františkánske námestie, 811 01 Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia (Slovak Republic)

    The Bratislava Christmas Market, held annually in the heart of Slovakia's capital, transforms the historic Main Square (Hlavné námestie) into a festive wonderland. What to Expect at the Bratislava Christmas

    Free
  • Helsinki Christmas Market 2025, Finland

    Senaatintori (Senate Square), 00170 Helsinki Helsinki, Finland

    As winter descends, Helsinki shines with festive warmth and Nordic charm. The Finnish capital celebrates Christmas with a perfect balance of calm and joy — where candlelight, sea breeze and

    Free
  • Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt 2025, Nuremberg, Germany

    Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg Nuremberg, Germany

    Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is the archetypal German Christmas market, set across the historic Hauptmarkt beneath the gothic spires of St Sebaldus. The season opens with the appearance of the Christkind at

    Free
  • Szeged Christmas Festive Weeks 2025, Szeged, Hungary

    Dóm tér, 6720 Szeged Szeged, Hungary

    Szeged’s Festive Weeks unfold beneath the twin towers of the Votive Church on Dóm Square, with additional clusters of stalls at nearby Dugonics and Klauzál squares. Expect handicrafts, street food

    Free
  • Eger Advent 2025, Eger, Hungary

    Dobó István tér, 3300 Eger Eger, Hungary

    Eger’s Dobó Square becomes a warmly lit gathering place each Advent, with stalls, concerts and seasonal flavours set against the backdrop of the castle. With dates confirmed for 2025, it’s

    Free
  • Cité de Noël, Béthune Grand’Place, France

    Grand'Place Béthune, Hauts-de-France, France

    From November 28 to December 28, the enchanting Cité de Noël transforms Béthune’s historic Grand’Place into one of the most captivating Christmas markets in the Hauts-de-France region. Nestled beneath the

    Free
  • SoWa Winter Festival 2025, Boston, USA

    SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    The SoWa Winter Festival returns 28 November–28 December 2025 inside the soaring, brick‑and‑steel SoWa Power Station. Expect 125+ makers, specialty bars, live entertainment and photo‑ready décor across multiple floors. It’s

    Free
  • Interested in Winter Festivals?

    Although you can find winter festivals around the world, it is perhaps in Europe that they are most celebrated, as people drink mulled wine to keep themselves warm.

    Christmas Markets

    Nothing heralds the onset of winter and Christmas more than Christmas carols, mulled wine and a Christmas Market. As the big day nears, it's not just the kids who are getting excited, most of Europe is a frenzy of activity.If you like your Christmas market steeped in tradition then try either the Salzburg Christmas Market or Vienna Christmas Market. Alternatively, the Dresden Christmas Market is noted for its giant stollen. Other winter festivals of note include Brno Christmas Market and Brussels Christmas Market. In the UK, you could do far worse than heading for the Padstow Christmas Market or Beverley Festival of Christmas, where food is mot definitely to the fore. Click here for a full round up of Christmas Markets in Europe and the UK.

    Other Winter Festivals

    Not in a festive mood? Head to the Netherlands for the Amsterdam Lights and watch the city glow with fantastic lightworks. In North America, head for the Quebec Winter Carnival and join Bonhomme and his friends playing around on the snow and ice. In Asia? The Harbin Ice Festival in China is the world's largest snow and ice festival.
    Winter Music Festivals
    Winter festivals are not just about stollen and mulled wine, the Winchester Christmas Market is a great celebration of classical music and carols played in the surrounds of the wonderful Winchester Cathedral.

    Winter Wonderland

    While if you want to enjoy a winter wonderland and are in the UK capital, head for the Hyde Park Christmas Wonderland and join in on all the fun.