Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Festival Travels
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Winter is a season of wonder, where cities and towns across the world come alive with celebrations that light up the darkest nights. From centuries-old Christmas markets in Europe to fiery Viking parades in Shetland and glittering ice palaces in China, winter offers travellers unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re planning a festive weekend in the UK or flying further afield for a unique cultural experience, this guide covers the best winter festivals for 2025 and heading into 2026. We’ll take you through the history, dates, what to expect, and of course, which Tripp luggage will make your travels that little bit easier.
UK Winter Festivals & Markets
The UK offers plenty of winter charm, from lively city markets to ancient traditions that light up the long nights. Each one has its own story, set against historic streets, cathedrals, and castles
Manchester Christmas Markets
First launched in 1999, Manchester’s Christmas Markets have grown into the UK’s largest festive celebration. Stalls stretch across the city centre, filling the air with the scent of roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, and mulled wine.
Dates: 7th November - 22nd December 2025
Where: Across Manchester city centre, with Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens open until 4th January 2026
What To Expect: Over 200 stalls, international food, and unique gifts. All surrounded by twinkling lights and festive cheer.
Tripp Recommendation: Holiday 8 Cabin Case, compact and lightweight, perfect for a weekend city break shopping trip.![]()
York Christmas Market
York’s St Nicholas Fair transforms its medieval streets into a winter wonderland. The timber-framed houses and backdrop of York Minster make it one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the country.
Dates: 13th November - 21st December 2025
Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York
What To Expect: Handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, artisan food, and a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere.
Tripp Recommendation: Our Escape medium suitcase is expandable and practical, with room for festive shopping and winter layers.Bath Christmas Market
Set against Georgian architecture, Bath’s market is one of the UK’s prettiest. Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths provide a spectacular backdrop, and choirs often fill the air with carols.
Dates: 27th November - 14th December 2025
Where: Bath city centre, around Bath Abbey
What To Expect: Around 170 stalls, handmade crafts, festive food, and live music.
Tripp Recommendation: Stand out with a bold Print case, plus have plenty of room for spa essentials and festive shopping.Edinburgh Hogmanay
Scotland’s Hogmanay is legendary, rooted in Norse solstice traditions, now celebrated with a modern twist. From torchlit processions to ceilidh dancing and fireworks, it’s one of the biggest New Year’s parties in the world.
Dates: 31st December 2025 - 1st January 2026
Where: Edinburgh city centre, from Princes Street to Edinburgh Castle
What To Expect: Street parades, live music, fireworks, and a friendly festival spirit that carries through the night.
Tripp Recommendation: Horizon Medium Suitcase, big enough for layered outfits, smart enough for city celebrations, and easy to handle for a 3 - 4 night stay.Up Helly Aa, Shetland Islands
One of Europe’s most dramatic festivals, Up Helly Aa celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage. Each January, a costumed torchlit procession ends with the burning of a replica longship, a spectacular sight against the northern night sky.
Date: 27th January 2026
Where: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
What To Expect: Viking costumes, fiery parades, and a powerful celebration of Norse tradition.
Tripp Recommendation: Retro Large Case, room for heavy layers and thermal gear to face Shetland’s winter winds.Winter Festivals Abroad
If you’re looking for something different, winter festivals abroad deliver unforgettable experiences. From centuries-old European markets to snow and ice spectacles in Asia, these events will leave you in awe
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Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany
Dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the world’s oldest Christmas markets. Opened each year by the Christkind, Nuremberg’s festive stalls fill the Hauptmarkt with light and colour.
Dates: 28th November - 24th December 2025
Where: Hauptmarkt Square, Nuremberg
What To Expect: Gingerbread, handmade ornaments, and bratwurst grilled on open flames.
Tripp Recommendation: Chic Cabin, compact yet stylish, designed for short European weekends when you only need festive essentials.Vienna Christmas Dream, Austria
Vienna has been hosting festive markets for centuries, but Rathausplatz is the jewel. Known as the “Vienna Christmas Dream”, it blends tradition with modern magic.
Dates: 14th November - 26th December 2025 (ice rink open until 6th January 2026)
Where: Rathausplatz, Vienna
What To Expect: Over 150 stalls, ice skating trails weaving through the square, and fairy lights reflecting off the Gothic City Hall.
Tripp Recommendation: Escape Medium Suitcase, space for layered clothing and Viennese keepsakes.Cologne Christmas Markets, Germany
Cologne transforms into a city of markets each winter, with the largest and most famous set beneath the towering cathedral.
Dates: Mid-November - 23rd December 2025
Where: Cologne city centre
What To Expect: Multiple themed markets, riverside stalls, handmade crafts, and hearty German food. Each square offers something different.
Tripp Recommendation: Travel , practical for hopping between Cologne’s multiple themed markets, with room for all your festive goodies..Prague Christmas Markets, Czech Republic
Prague’s markets are set in medieval squares where Gothic architecture meets festive lights. They’re among the most atmospheric in Europe.
Dates: 2nd December 2025 - 6th January 2026
Where: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague
What To Expect: A towering Christmas tree, Czech chimney cakes (trdelník), mulled wine, and live performances that continue into the New Year.
Tripp Recommendation: Horizon Cabin Case, perfect for navigating cobbled streets and short breaks, with enough room for warm layers and a few festive souvenirs.Budapest Christmas Markets, Hungary
Budapest’s festive markets are paired with the city’s unique spa culture, offering both tradition and relaxation.
Dates: 17th November - 31st December 2025
Where: Vörösmarty Square, BudapestWhat To Expect: Handcrafted gifts, Hungarian delicacies, concerts, and the chance to warm up in thermal baths.
Tripp Recommendation: Superlite Large Suitcase, thermal layers and spa essentials both fit with ease, ideal for longer winter stays.Stockholm Christmas Market, Sweden
One of Scandinavia’s oldest markets, dating back to the 1830s, set in the cobbled heart of Gamla Stan.
Dates: 18th November - 23rd December 2025
Where: Stortorget Square, Gamla Stan, Stockholm
What to Expect: Nordic crafts, glögg (mulled wine), gingerbread, and cosy festive cheer.
Tripp Recommendation: Style Lite wheel duffle combines the flexibility of a duffle with the convenience of a trolley bag. Roomy enough for Nordic layers and comfy warm clothes, yet flexible to carry in snow or on public transport.![]()
Copenhagen Christmas Markets, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe’s oldest amusement parks, becomes a glowing winter wonderland each December.
Dates: 17th November - 31st December 2025
Where: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
What To Expect: Fairground rides, stalls selling festive treats, and thousands of fairy lights. Pure hygge in the Danish capital.
Tripp Recommendation: Escape Cabin Case, sleek and sturdy for a short Scandinavian getaway, with space for winter clothing and souvenirs.Krampusnacht, Austria & Germany
A darker side of Christmas, rooted in Alpine folklore, where the Krampus punishes naughty children alongside St Nicholas.
Date: 5th December 2025
Where: Alpine towns in Austria and southern Germany
What To Expect: Night parades with eerie costumes, fire shows, and plenty of noise. A unique twist on festive tradition.
Tripp Recommendation: Our Ultra Lite duffle is easier to store, is lightweight, and practical whilst still looking stylish.La Befana, Italy
Italy’s Epiphany tradition sees La Befana, a witch-like figure on a broomstick, delivering sweets to children.
Date: 6th January 2026
Where: Celebrated across Italy, especially in Rome
What to Expect: Family parades, stocking gifts, and traditional sweets in piazzas
Tripp Recommendation: The Holiday 8 cabin case is just right for a short Italian escape, with its integrated TSA lock and iconic design.Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
What began in 1950 with a handful of sculptures is now a world-famous festival attracting millions.
Dates: 4th - 11th February 2026
Where: Odori Park, Sapporo, Japan
What to Expect: Gigantic snow and ice sculptures, illuminated displays, snow slides, and steaming bowls of ramen to warm up
Tripp Recommendation: Horizon large case, is an essential for insulated clothing and winter clothing![]()
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, China
The largest snow and ice festival in the world, turning Harbin into a glowing frozen city.
Dates: Opens late December 2025, official opening 5th January 2026
Where: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
What to Expect: Towering illuminated palaces and sculptures, some as tall as 40 metres. A frozen fairytale
Tripp Recommendation: Holiday 8 large suitcase, has plenty of space for heavy winter clothing and souvenirsFiesta de San Sebastián, Spain
Known as the Tamborrada, this vibrant Basque celebration lasts 24 hours, filling the streets with the sound of drums.
Date: 20th January 2026
Where: San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain
What to Expect: Thousands of drummers in costume, parades, and a city alive with rhythm and tradition
Tripp Recommendation: Style Lite medium suitcase with a matching backpack are the perfect duo for a winter festival trip. The suitcase provides ample space for clothing and souvenirs, while the backpack keeps essentials close at hand when navigating busy streets.Lunar New Year, Worldwide
Celebrated globally, Lunar New Year 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse.
Date: 17th February 2026 (festivities last up to two weeks)
Where: Major cities including London, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York
What to Expect: Lantern festivals, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and colourful cultural parades
Tripp Recommendation: Escape medium suitcase is perfect for multi-city celebrations with multiple colour choices and internal packing solutions.![Tripp Horizon Forest Cabin Suitcase 55x37x20cm]( "Tripp Horizon Forest Cabin Suitcase 55x37x20cm")
Tripp Horizon Forest Cabin Suitcase 55x37x20cm4 Wheel Carry On Suitcase€62.00 €105.00 Save 40%
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- Book Early: Flights and hotels for major markets sell out months ahead. Booking early ensures the best prices and availability.
- Travel Midweek: Markets are quieter midweek. Perfect if you prefer browsing without the crowds.
- Pack Layers: Thermals, waterproofs, and a warm coat are essential. Accessories like gloves and hats are a must.
- Carry Both Cash & Card: Most stalls accept cards, but some smaller vendors prefer cash.
- Use Cabin Luggage For Short Breaks: A Cabin Case is ideal for two to three nights. It’s lightweight, compact, and avoids hold luggage fees.
- Take A Foldable Bag: Markets are full of irresistible gifts. A foldable / lightweight holdall or backpack gives you extra room for souvenirs.
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Embrace The Magic of Winter
From fairy-lit markets in York to ice palaces in Harbin and fiery Viking parades in Shetland, winter brings with it some of the world’s most magical celebrations. Wherever you go, travelling with Tripp luggage makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
- 29th October 2025
HOT OFFER! Take An Extra 10% Off Almost Everything Ends In:2025-10-21T23:59:00+01:00
