Nice Carnival 2026

Blog Gepubliceerd: January, 16 2025 (Bijgewerkt op: December, 01 2025)

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**Experience ‘joie de vivre’ at Nice Carnival 2026**

This February, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of grand celebrations featuring spectacular floats, floral displays, lively music, and fireworks at Nice Carnival 2025.

Why Nice Carnival Should Be on Your Bucket List?

Imagine being surrounded by lively celebrations with giant floats, floral adornments, music, and fireworks—this is what the French call ‘joie de vivre.’

Dating back to 1294, Nice Carnival is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and is one of the oldest and most cherished carnivals in the world. What began as a simple festivity has grown into a grand spectacle, embodying centuries of tradition and the vibrant culture of Nice. This historical event invites visitors to celebrate and be part of a living legacy.
A larger-than-life celebration of tradition and art.

What to expect?

This year's theme, “Vive la Reine!” (Long Live Queen), celebrates iconic queens, heroines, and powerful female figures from history, mythology, and fantasy. Here's what awaits you:

1. The Carnival Parades (Corso Carnavalesque)
Day and night parades showcase giant themed floats, performers, and dazzling light effects in a lively, theatrical procession.

2. The Flower Parades (Bataille de Fleurs)
Floral floats covered in fresh blooms parade through the streets, with performers tossing flowers into the cheering crowds.

3. Music, Dance & Street Performances
Dancers, musicians, acrobats, and global street-art troupes fill the city with nonstop energy and festive excitement.

A unique floral float adorned with real flowers.

About the area

Nestled along the French Riviera, Nice is known for its year-round sunshine, azure beaches, and historic charm. Wander through the narrow streets of Old Town (Vieux Nice) or relax on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Explore museums like the Marc Chagall National Museum or the Matisse Museum. Nice is also known for its beautiful gardens and parks, including Castle Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea. With its Mediterranean climate, outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling are popular. Enjoy a vibrant culinary scene, with fresh seafood and traditional French cuisine available in many seaside cafes and restaurants.

Event details

Name of the event: Nice Carnival
Location: Nice, Côte d'azur
Date: February 11th to March 1st, 2026.
Official Event Website: NiceCarnival

Get ready to witness the magic of France’s biggest carnival!

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Komende evenementen

Winterland Locarno

Winterland Locarno is Unmissable. Here’s why! Get ready for the ultimate winter celebration at Winterland Locarno 2025! Back for its 5th edition from November 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026, this festival transforms Locarno, Switzerland, into a magical winter wonderland. The heart of the experience is its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, filled with dazzling lights, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Visitors can skate on a free ice-skating rink under the stars or take a thrilling ride down the 5-meter-high, 30-meter-long ice slide. What to expect at Winterland Locarno 2025? Winterland Locarno 2025-2026 promises an unforgettable winter experience, with various activities and attractions designed for visitors of all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to: Skate and Glide Glide across the beautiful free ice-skating rink under the stars, with skate rentals available on-site. For an extra thrill, try the 5-meter-high, 30-meter-long ice slide, an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike! Magical Light Displays Stroll through the enchanting pathways with stunning light installations that create a magical atmosphere throughout the festival grounds. Festive Markets Explore the Winterland Christmas Market, featuring 25 quaint houses dedicated to handicrafts, Christmas decorations and gift ideas. Culinary Delights Winterland creates the perfect spot for gathering with friends over drinks or a meal! Savour mulled wine, Christmas tea, and various delicious offerings ranging from burgers and raclette to Thai cuisine and bars serving creative cocktails and warm beverages. Live Entertainment Attend free concerts featuring international, national, and local artists every evening. The highlight of the event is the audiovisual show "I pescatori di stelle" (The Starfishers), projected daily in the Town Hall starting at 5:00 PM, transforming the square into an open-air theatre. The Best Part Winterland prioritises sustainability throughout the event, making it a fantastic way to celebrate the Advent season with joy and light! Skate, Slide, and Let the Winter Magic Take You for a Ride! About the area Locarno, a picturesque town in southern Switzerland, sits on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, near the Italian border and is renowned for its Mediterranean-like climate. Locarno’s old town is famous for its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and scenic views of the Alps. One of Locarno's most iconic events is the Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals, celebrating international cinema each year. This town is home to attractions like Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary, offering breathtaking panoramic views, and Piazza Grande, a lively central square that hosts events throughout the year. From concerts to festivals, Piazza Grande becomes especially vibrant during the holiday season with Winterland Locarno, transforming the square into a festive wonderland filled with lights, markets, and entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, and boat rides on Lake Maggiore, and explore nearby villages, making Locarno a must-visit destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Event Details Name of the event: Winterland Location: Piazza Grande, 6600 Locarno Date: From November 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026Official Event Website: Winterland Locarno Whether you're after adrenaline or a cozy winter escape, don’t miss out on the magic of Winterland Locarno 2025!

Natale in Piazza, Lugano 2025–2026

Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Lugano.What if Christmas could feel like stepping into a storybook? Each winter, Lugano brings this dream to life with Natale in Piazza, a tradition that has become a highlight of the festive season in Ticino. From 27 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, the city’s squares and streets will transform into a glowing wonderland of lights, wooden chalets, and joyful celebrations. Blending the charm of a classic Christmas market with Lugano’s elegant lakeside setting, it offers visitors the perfect mix of tradition, community, and winter magic.Why Natale in Piazza is Special?What makes Natale in Piazza truly special is the way it turns all of Lugano’s historic centre into a festive stage, blending tradition, elegance, and community spirit. Stroll among wooden chalets filled with handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and local specialities, then pause by the Christmas tree in Piazza della Riforma to savour mulled wine or sweet Swiss treats while live music and DJ sets keep the evenings lively. For a touch of winter magic, head to Parco Ciani, where the ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights offers an enchanting setting for families, couples, and friends to create unforgettable memories.About the AreaLugano is the largest city in southern Switzerland and the gateway to the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Known for its beautiful lakeside setting and surrounding mountains, it blends Swiss precision with Mediterranean charm. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, cultural attractions, fine dining, and outdoor activities year-round, making it a destination that appeals to city lovers and nature enthusiasts.Event DetailsName of the event: Natale in PiazzaLocation: Lugano city centre (Piazza della Riforma & Parco Ciani)Date: November 27, 2025 – January 6, 2026Official Event Website: Lugano EventiGet ready for a magical Christmas in Lugano!

28th Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People

A global celebration of creativity, culture, and storytelling for young mindsThe 28th Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People is scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 6, 2025, in Pyrgos and Amaliada, Greece. Since 1997, this festival has become one of Europe’s most important events for films made for and by young audiences. It offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse stories, cultures, and ideas while encouraging creativity and education through cinema.The festival was first launched in 1997 to promote films that speak to children and teenagers from around the world. It has grown into a respected event, drawing filmmakers, educators, and audiences from across Europe and beyond. One of its most exciting components is Camera Zizanio, a European audiovisual meeting that provides young people with the opportunity to create and showcase their own films.What to ExpectInternational Film Screenings – Over 70 films, including features, shorts, animations, and documentaries from across the globe.Camera Zizanio – A platform for young filmmakers to present their work and gain feedback.Workshops & Educational Programs – Creative workshops for children and teens to learn filmmaking skills.Special Programs – Events and screenings held in other cities, expanding the festival’s reach beyond Pyrgos and Amaliada.Awards – Recognitions such as the ECFA Awards, CIFEJ Prize, Human Values Award, and more celebrate exceptional films and social messages.About the Area The festival takes place in the welcoming cities of Pyrgos and Amaliada, located in the heart of Western Greece. Both towns are rich in cultural heritage and close to beautiful landscapes, making them perfect destinations for film enthusiasts. Attendees can also explore nearby cities like Patras and Athens, adding more experiences to their trip.Event DetailsName of the event: 28th Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young PeopleLocation: Pyrgos and Amaliada, Greece (with programs in other cities in Western Greece and Athens)Date: 29 November – 6 December 2025Official Event Website: Olympia FestivalJoin the celebration of creativity and culture – experience inspiring films and workshops designed for young minds

Advent Christmas Market- Zagreb

Experience a festive wonderland filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer in the heart of Croatia’s capital.Every winter, Zagreb transforms into one of Europe’s most magical Christmas destinations. Christmas Market in Zagreb is a month-long celebration where the city sparkles with lights, music, and festive stalls offering local delicacies and crafts. From ice skating to cultural performances, this event is perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.The Christmas Market in Zagreb has been celebrated for over a decade and is recognised as one of the top Christmas markets in Europe. The event blends Croatian traditions with modern entertainment, drawing visitors from all over the world. It lasts from late November to early January, turning the city into a winter wonderland loved by both locals and tourists.Advent Christmas market, Zagreb, 2024.About the AreaZagreb’s city centre, where most festivities happen, is easily walkable and full of charm. In addition to Christmas attractions, visitors can explore historic streets, museums, and nearby parks. Ban Jelačić Square is a hub of activity, and the city’s cafes and restaurants offer warm spots to relax between sightseeing.Event DetailsName of the Event: Christmas Market in Zagreb 2025Location: Zagreb, CroatiaDate: 29th November 2025 – 7th January 2026Official Event Website: Advent ZagrebCelebrate the holidays in Zagreb’s festive heart!

Valletta Baroque Festival

Valletta’s Grand Celebration of Baroque Music and Heritage Held annually in Malta’s capital city, the Valletta Baroque Festival (VBF) celebrates the rich legacy of baroque music. Featuring performances by renowned international and local artists, the festival takes place across Valletta’s historic venues, offering audiences an authentic experience of baroque music within the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.This year, the event will be held from 8th to 25th January, 2026. What to Expect? Expect over 30 concerts featuring leading baroque specialists, held across various evocative locations throughout Malta.Signature performances include chamber ensembles, solo recitals, and full baroque orchestra productions with authentic period instruments.The atmosphere is deeply cultural yet welcoming — ideal for both baroque aficionados and curious travellers.Visitors can enjoy music with Maltese culture: evening concerts in atmospheric settings, followed by strolling through ancient streets or sampling local cuisine.About the AreaLocated on Malta’s eastern coast, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture, grand fortifications, and vibrant cultural scene. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the city is compact yet rich in history, with every street revealing ornate churches, palaces, and lively squares. Beyond the festival venues, visitors can explore landmarks such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the scenic Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour.Event DetailsName of the event: Valletta Baroque FestivalLocation: Valletta & across Malta, MaltaDate: 8-25 January 2026Official Event Website: Malta FestivalsPlan your trip today and be part of Malta’s Baroque celebration this January.

Nice Carnival 2026