Events in Europe
Planning a trip around one of these events?
We design tailor-made Europe itineraries that weave festivals, markets, and big cultural moments into realistic routes—with the right bases, travel days, and breathing room.
How we help with event-based trips
Spotting a festival or Christmas market is easy. Fitting it into a realistic Europe trip is harder.
When travelers come to us with “We want to be in X for Y festival,” we help you:
– Choose smart bases before and after the event
– Plan train/flight days so you’re not exhausted when the fun starts
– Balance “event days” with slower time in nearby towns or countryside
– Avoid common pitfalls (sold-out stays, awkward transfers, too many one-nighters)
If you already know which event you’re aiming for, start by sharing your trip idea or booking a free intro call.
Events by Country:
St. Nicholas Fayre
St. Nicholas Fayre is one of England’s most picturesque Christmas markets, transforming the medieval streets of York into a festive wonderland each late November and December. Shoppers stroll past rows of wooden chalets lining Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square, filled with artisan gifts, seasonal foods, and local crafts. The scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air, while the city’s historic Minster and timber-framed buildings provide a magical backdrop. With its mix of heritage charm and holiday cheer, the St. Nicholas Fayre is a highlight of the Christmas season in northern England.
Jorvik Viking Festival
Jorvik Viking Festival is Europe’s largest Viking-themed heritage event, held each February in the historic city of York, England, once known as Jorvik during the Viking Age. The week-long festival brings history to life through battle reenactments, living history encampments, archaeology talks, and family workshops, all celebrating the city’s Norse past. Highlights include the dramatic Festival of Fire, where warriors clash beneath flaming torches, and the grand parade of Vikings through York’s medieval streets. Blending education, spectacle, and community spirit, the Jorvik Viking Festival offers an unforgettable journey into Britain’s Viking heritage.
The Boat Race
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is an annual rowing competition between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, held on the River Thames in London. The race, which has been held since 1829, is one of the most prestigious and historic sporting events in the UK. Teams of eight rowers from each university compete over a 4.2-mile course, starting from Putney and ending at Mortlake. The event draws large crowds along the riverbanks and is broadcasted internationally, symbolizing intense rivalry and tradition between the two universities. The race is a key fixture in British sporting culture.
Rochester Sweeps Festival
Rochester Sweeps Festival (Rochester Sweeps Festival, Kent) is one of England’s most colorful May Day celebrations, reviving the centuries-old tradition of chimney sweeps welcoming the arrival of spring. Held each early May in the historic town of Rochester, the festival fills the streets with Morris dancers, folk musicians, giant puppets, and performers in bright green and black paint. The event opens with the traditional awakening of Jack-in-the-Green, a leafy spirit symbolizing renewal, followed by lively parades and music across the city’s medieval backdrop. Blending pagan folklore, English folk culture, and joyous revelry, the Rochester Sweeps Festival is a vibrant celebration of spring’s rebirth.
European Night of Museums
The European Night of Museums is an annual event held across Europe, when museums and cultural institutions open their doors to the public for free or at a reduced price, offering special events, exhibits, and activities that are often not available during regular hours. The event aims to make culture and history more accessible and engaging by offering unique experiences such as guided tours, workshops, live performances, and interactive displays. It attracts thousands of visitors across various cities, providing a chance to explore the art, history, and heritage of Europe in a festive and dynamic atmosphere.
Cooper's Hill Cheese Roll
The Cooper's Hill Cheese Roll is an annual event held on Cooper's Hill near Gloucester, England. The event involves a thrilling and unique race where participants chase a large wheel of cheese down a steep hill. Competitors run or tumble after the 9-pound cheese, with the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill winning the cheese. The race is known for its dangerous nature, with steep inclines and high speeds. It draws large crowds of spectators and has become a beloved, albeit unconventional, tradition in the UK.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most prestigious horse racing event, held annually in June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. Established in 1711 by Queen Anne, it is known for its high-stakes races, royal pageantry, and fashionable dress code, including extravagant hats. The event spans five days, featuring world-class thoroughbred racing, highlighted by the Gold Cup and attended by members of the British Royal Family, who arrive in a royal procession. Combining sport, tradition, and elegance, Royal Ascot is a key fixture in the British social calendar, attracting elite guests, celebrities, and racing enthusiasts from around the world.
Keswick Victorian Fayre
Keswick Victorian Fayre (Keswick Victorian Fayre) brings a nostalgic touch to the Christmas season in the heart of England’s Lake District, held each December in the market square of Keswick. The town comes alive with Victorian-costumed stallholders, selling artisan crafts, festive foods, and seasonal gifts, while choirs, brass bands, and street entertainers provide lively performances throughout the day. The fayre also supports local charities, giving it a strong community spirit alongside its festive charm. With its blend of heritage atmosphere and holiday cheer, the Keswick Victorian Fayre is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Glastonbury Carnival
Glastonbury Carnival (Glastonbury Carnival) is one of the largest and most vibrant illuminated processions in Europe, lighting up the historic town of Glastonbury, England each November with a dazzling spectacle of floats, costumes, and music. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the event is part of the West Country Carnival Circuit and features towering, themed carts powered by volunteers and adorned with thousands of lights. Blending pageantry, pyrotechnics, and local pride, the carnival draws tens of thousands of spectators for a night of pure, glowing celebration.
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is an annual event in the United Kingdom, celebrated on November 5th. The night commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The event is marked by bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of effigies, often representing Guy Fawkes. It is a celebration of the plot’s failure and a time for families and communities to gather. Traditionally, people also enjoy food like toffee apples and treacle toffee. The night is a mix of historical remembrance and festive fun.
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels Festival
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels Festival is one of England’s most dramatic and fiery folk traditions, held every 5th of November in the Devon town of Ottery St Mary. Locals, known as “barrel rollers,” carry flaming tar barrels on their shoulders through the crowded streets, a test of both courage and endurance that dates back centuries. The event is part of the town’s Bonfire Night celebrations, accompanied by a huge bonfire, fairground rides, and fireworks. Rooted in mystery and local pride, the Tar Barrels Festival is a thrilling spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Lightpool Festival
Lightpool Festival is a dazzling celebration of light, art, and performance, held each autumn in the iconic seaside resort of Blackpool, England. Coinciding with the city’s world-famous Illuminations, the festival transforms the Promenade, Tower, and public spaces into a glowing stage for light installations, projection mapping, live performances, and street parades. Featuring works by international artists and a vibrant mix of music, dance, and technology, Lightpool Festival brings a contemporary creative edge to Blackpool’s traditional seaside sparkle, offering a mesmerizing experience for visitors of all ages.
European Heritage Days
European Heritage Days is an annual event held across Europe on the third weekend of September, offering free access to historical sites, museums, monuments, and government buildings that are usually closed to the public. Launched in 1984, the event highlights cultural heritage through guided tours, special exhibitions, and interactive workshops, allowing visitors to explore everything from medieval castles to private mansions and iconic landmarks. It’s a unique opportunity to discover hidden treasures, learn about history, and celebrate Europe’s rich cultural legacy.
Not sure which event works best for your dates or route?
Ready to turn an event into a real trip?
If you’ve found one or two events that caught your eye, we can help you build the rest of the route around them.
– Share your trip idea and mention the event(s) you’re considering
– Or book a free 20-minute consult to talk options live
We’ll come back with honest thoughts on what’s realistic for your dates, budget, and travelers—no obligation.