Top Events around Europe

The twinkly lights and cosy ambience of Europe’s Christmas markets provide the perfect antidote to cold, dark winter days. Berlin, Prague, Salzburg and Budapest host some of the largest and most renowned festivities at this time of year, but there are many charming alternatives to be found in cities such as Ljubljana, Krakow, Copenhagen and Reykjavik.

As the evenings become lighter and temperatures start to mellow, there are many fabulous events to be enjoyed across Europe in Spring. The famous tulip parade takes place in the middle of April in the Netherlands. The Budapest spring festival is happening during April and May, a must-see festival with music, films and art exhibitions. For any party animals, the Summer opening party is happening in Ibiza at the end of May, a great choice for a fun and wild getaway!

The summer months are when Europe’s events are in full swing, from Plein air cinema festival is happening in Paris in July and August. This summer is a big occasion for any tennis fans with the french open happening in Paris this summer. For any football lovers, the women's euro championships will be taking place in Switzerland in July. This summer is packed full of music festivals, a must-see for any music lovers. The Spring break Island is happening in Croatia, Primavera sound is taking place in Barcelona as well as many other popular festivals.

Early Autumn – typically the last couple of weeks of September and early October – is the season of Oktoberfest in Germany, especially in Munich. Millions of visitors attend each year to drink beer, eat bratwurst sausages, and revel in the jolly singing and dancing for which this event is so renowned. In early October, the Festival of Lights envelops the historic landmarks of Berlin in a spectacular array of colourful displays, while November sees the eclectic Iceland Airwaves music festival taking place in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city. Many Christmas markets also get going towards the end of November, too.

Cannes may hold the title of Europe’s most famous film festival (traditionally held in the second half of May), but there are many other worthy alternatives for film fanatics to attend. Consider the International Film Festival in Rotterdam (late January to early February), the Berlin International Film Festival (February) and the Venice International Film Festival (late August to early September).

How about a festival dedicated entirely to pizza? Few cities are quite so synonymous with a particular dish as Naples, which hosts the Napoli Pizza Village Festival in June. Another of Europe’s top foodie cities, Copenhagen, hosts its own cooking and food festival in the second half of August, featuring a huge variety of markets, workshops and tastings celebrating the best of Danish gastronomy. If a German city break is on your radar – perhaps to Munich or Berlin – then late September and early October are great times to visit, as the annual Oktoberfest celebrations are in full flow. And of course, Europe’s array of Christmas Markets are packed full of culinary delights.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’re in for a treat in 2025. From 2nd July - 27th July, Switzerland will host the women's European championships. Any rugby lovers will be happy with the 6 nations taking place all over Europe, lasting from January - March, some top destinations will be hosting the competition such as France, Italy, England and Scotland.