Illustrative photo Gouda bij Kaarslicht 2026: Candlelit Festival in the Old Town
Gouda bij Kaarslicht takes place on December 11, 2026, in the historic old town of Gouda. Thousands of candles light up the Markt as the great Christmas tree is switched on around 19:00, and admission is completely free.
Illustrative photo Néon – La nuit électro, Clermont-Ferrand, France 2026: Tickets, Line-up & Dates
Néon – La nuit électro 2026 takes place on 12 December 2026 from 19:00 to 02:00 at the Grande Halle d’Auvergne near Clermont-Ferrand. The first electronic night of its kind in the region features Kungs, TRYM and Bon Entendeur for around 5,000 guests. Tickets currently range from 24 to 49 Euro.
Illustrative photo Knock Out Festival 2026 in Karlsruhe, Germany – Metal Indoor Festival Dates & Line-up
The Knock Out Festival 2026 takes place on 12 December at the Schwarzwaldhalle in Karlsruhe. Featuring W.A.S.P., Queensrÿche, Battle Beast and more, this indoor metal festival is the perfect year-end event. Tickets from €89.90.
Illustrative photo Walhalla Festival 2026 in Neumünster, Germany – Metal & Medieval Rock Festival
The Walhalla Festival 2026 takes place on 12 December at the Holstenhallen in Neumünster, Germany. A one-day metal and medieval rock festival featuring bands such as Beyond the Black, Xandria and Grave Digger. Doors open at 14:00, tickets from approx. €77, camping available.
Illustrative photo Dickens Festival Deventer 2026 – Dates, Program & Visitor Guide
On 12-13 December 2026, Deventer's historic Bergkwartier brings the 19th century to life. Featuring over 950 Dickens characters, choir music, and thousands of lights for a magical holiday experience.
Illustrative photo Amsterdam Winter Paradise 2026: Winter Festival at RAI Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise takes place from December 12, 2026 to January 2, 2027 at RAI Amsterdam. The Netherlands' biggest winter festival features ice rinks, a light paradise, a Ferris wheel and an evening stage program.
Illustrative photo Santa Lucía Festival 2026 – Swedish and Canarian Traditions in Santa Lucía de Tirajana
The Santa Lucía Festival on 13 December 2026 in Santa Lucía de Tirajana unites Canarian and Swedish traditions. Highlights include the meeting of the two Lucias, the procession and the offering ceremony. Free admission.
Illustrative photo Punk im Pott 2026 in Oberhausen – Indoor Punk Festival at Turbinenhalle
Punk im Pott 2026 takes place on 19 December at Turbinenhalle Oberhausen. The 28th indoor punk festival with Dubioza Kolektiv, The Exploited and more offers a full day of German punk and punk rock.
Illustrative photo Christmas in Noirmoutier 2026: Christmas Market and Mimosa Season
From December 19, 2026 to January 2, 2027, Noirmoutier turns into a Christmas village with a market, ice rink and treetop course, while the island's winter mimosa blossoms and salt marshes make for a memorable side trip.
Illustrative photo Gstaad New Year Music Festival, Switzerland 2026/2027
Gstaad New Year Music Festival runs 26 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 in churches around Gstaad. Classical and opera, some concerts free. Line-up TBA.
Illustrative photo International Chamber Music Festival Utrecht 2026 – Chamber Music between Christmas and New Year
The International Chamber Music Festival Utrecht 2026 runs from 27 to 30 December in Utrecht. Led by Janine Jansen, it offers four days of chamber music with international top musicians – evening concerts at TivoliVredenburg and further events across the city. Tickets from about €14 (under 30) or from about €38 for evening concerts.
Illustrative photo