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:
Amsterdam Light Festival
Amsterdam Light Festival is a mesmerizing winter art and light event held annually from late November to late January along the canals of Amsterdam. International artists, designers, and architects transform the city into an open-air gallery with dazzling light sculptures, projections, and interactive installations that illuminate bridges, waterways, and historic façades. Visitors can experience the artworks on foot or from the water aboard special canal cruises, creating a magical fusion of art, technology, and Dutch urban beauty. Blending innovation, creativity, and the reflective calm of winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival offers one of Europe’s most enchanting night-time spectacles.
Jumping Amsterdam
Jumping Amsterdam is an elite equestrian event held each January at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, celebrating the best of international show jumping, dressage, and Dutch horse culture. Since its debut in 1958, the event has become a highlight of the European equestrian calendar, attracting world-class riders, horses, and enthusiasts from around the globe. Beyond the competitions, visitors enjoy exhibitions, demonstrations, shopping areas, and a festive evening show that blends sport with entertainment. Combining precision, elegance, and Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan flair, Jumping Amsterdam showcases the artistry and athleticism of equestrian sport at its finest.
Amsterdam Tulip Festival
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival is an annual event held in Amsterdam, celebrating the city’s iconic tulip season. During the festival, millions of tulips bloom across the city, with vibrant displays in public parks, gardens, streets, and various landmarks. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, photography exhibitions, and events focused on the history and cultivation of tulips in the Netherlands. The festival highlights the beauty of these flowers and showcases Amsterdam’s role as a hub of Dutch horticultural tradition.
Bloemencorso
Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic floral traditions, held each spring in several towns across the country, most famously between Noordwijk and Haarlem during the Bollenstreek Bloemencorso. The parade features spectacular floats, cars, and bicycles elaborately decorated with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring blooms, celebrating the beauty of the Dutch flower-growing regions. Accompanied by marching bands, street performers, and cheering crowds, the event transforms the bulb fields and towns into a moving sea of color and fragrance. Blending horticultural artistry, regional pride, and springtime joy, the Flower Parade is a dazzling tribute to the Netherlands’ world-famous floral heritage.
Koningsdag
Koningsdag (King's Day) is a national holiday in the Netherlands, celebrated annually on April 27 in honor of the birthday of the Dutch monarch, King Willem-Alexander. The day is marked by lively street celebrations, including music, parties, and outdoor markets, where people dress in vibrant orange—the color associated with the Dutch royal family. Major cities like Amsterdam host large festivals, boat parties, and concerts, while smaller towns also engage in local events. It’s a festive, patriotic occasion, with a focus on fun, community, and national pride.
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.
De Parade
De Parade in Amsterdam is a vibrant annual event held during the summer. The festival features a diverse range of performances, including theater, dance, music, and circus acts, all set in a series of large, colorful tents. Known for its lively and informal atmosphere, De Parade transforms Amsterdam's Martin Luther King Park into a dynamic cultural hub, where local and international artists showcase contemporary and experimental work. The festival emphasizes accessibility and interaction, making it a popular event for both families and theater enthusiasts.
Sinterklaasintocht Amsterdam
Sinterklaasintocht Amsterdam (Amsterdam Winter Festival – Sinterklaas Arrival) is one of the Netherlands’ most beloved holiday traditions, celebrated each November as Sinterklaas arrives in the city by boat from Spain. Thousands gather along the Amstel River to welcome him, as a festive parade of boats, marching bands, and colorful characters makes its way to the city center. Children eagerly await sweets and gifts tossed by Sinterklaas’s helpers, while the city transforms into a lively winter festival with music, markets, and family activities. Blending Dutch folklore with festive cheer, it marks the official start of the holiday season in Amsterdam.
Martinstag
Martinstag (St. Martin’s Day) is a beloved autumn festival celebrated across Germany, Austria, and parts of Central Europe on November 11th, honoring Saint Martin of Tours, known for his compassion and humility. The holiday is marked by lantern processions led by children, bonfires, and the reenactment of Saint Martin’s legendary act of sharing his cloak with a beggar. Traditional foods like roast goose and sweet pastries are served, while towns and villages glow with handmade lanterns and folkloric charm. It’s a heartwarming celebration of kindness, community, and the changing season.
Crossing Border Festival
Crossing Border Festival is a renowned literature and music festival held each November in The Hague, Netherlands, celebrating the intersection of spoken word, storytelling, and live performance. Since its founding in 1992, it has brought together writers, poets, musicians, and artists from around the world for an innovative program of readings, concerts, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The festival’s intimate venues and international lineup create a space where literary art meets sound and rhythm, inspiring creative exchange across cultures. Blending language, music, and imagination, the Crossing Border Festival stands as one of Europe’s most distinctive showcases of contemporary art and ideas.
Museumnacht Amsterdam
Museumnacht (Museum Night) is an annual event, where museums across Amsterdam stay open late into the night. During this special evening, over 50 museums participate, offering unique programs, such as exhibitions, live performances, interactive workshops, and themed tours. The event attracts both locals and tourists, providing a vibrant, cultural experience where visitors can explore art, history, and science in a lively, festive atmosphere. Museumnacht Amsterdam is a celebration of the city's rich cultural scene, making museums accessible in an exciting and unconventional way.
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.
SAIL Amsterdam
SAIL Amsterdam is a major international maritime event held every five years in the city of Amsterdam, celebrating the city’s rich nautical history. The event features a stunning gathering of historic ships, tall ships, and modern vessels from around the world, which dock along the city’s canals and waterfronts. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, interactive exhibitions, music performances, and cultural activities. SAIL Amsterdam is a grand spectacle, drawing millions of visitors to witness the impressive fleet, participate in maritime-themed events, and celebrate Dutch seafaring heritage.
Amsterdam Roots Festival
The Amsterdam Roots Festival is an annual cultural event celebrating world music, diversity, and global traditions, held in Amsterdam. The festival features performances from international artists across various genres, including jazz, reggae, Latin, African, and electronic music. It includes concerts, workshops, film screenings, and art exhibitions, highlighting the richness of cultural exchange and promoting unity through music. The festival takes place in different venues around the city, with a focus on creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates global roots and traditions.
Holland Festival
The Holland Festival is an annual international arts festival held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is one of the country's most prestigious cultural events, featuring a wide range of performances in theater, dance, music, opera, and multimedia art. The festival attracts renowned artists and performers from around the world, showcasing both contemporary works and classic productions. With performances in various venues across the city, the Holland Festival is a celebration of global creativity and artistic innovation, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to experience cutting-edge cultural performances in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
750th Anniversary of Amsterdam
The 750th anniversary of Amsterdam is being celebrated in 2025, marking the city's founding in 1275. This milestone event includes a year-long celebration with a variety of cultural activities, historical exhibitions, performances, and festivals. The anniversary honors Amsterdam’s rich history, its development from a small fishing village to a global cultural and economic hub, and its vibrant communities. Special events, public art installations, and community-driven projects are being organized to reflect on the city's past and its future. The year-long celebration will culminate on October 27th, with one big celebration, bringing the city together for a grand finale. The 750th anniversary is a moment for both locals and visitors to celebrate Amsterdam's unique heritage and its place in the world.
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.