10 Places To Visit In Europe In January

1. La Grande Parade in Paris

Every year, Paris, one of the most romantic cities in Europe, stages La Grande Parade, an event aimed at promoting different forms of art, including circus performances, horseback riding, trick cycling, music, and dance, to name but a few. During the event, thousands of Europeans and American tourists parade the streets of Paris to enjoy a series of exhilarating performances by talented acrobats, clowns, bands, and trick cyclists. La Grande Parade is a great idea for a family fun day. The kids will be entertained and, in addition, they will be inspired to test their limits by the different forms of art found on the picturesque Champs-Élysées.

2. Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Another spectacular New Year celebration you should consider is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. The event has been around for decades and was recognized in 1996-97 by the Guinness Book of Records as the greatest New Year’s party in the world. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay takes place in the beautiful streets of Edinburgh, whereby thousands of Scottish and foreign visitors come out to party, partake in the spectacular street processions, and have fun with fireworks.

Interacting with other families during Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the best New Year’s gifts you can give to your family. Mark your calendar early in advance because the event starts around the 28th of December and lasts until the 2nd of January.

3. Monte Carlo Car Rally

If you love cars, the Automobile Club de Monaco organizes a rally event each year in January on the French Riviera to demonstrate the advancements and great innovations in the automobile sector. The event attracts countless observers, car manufacturers, and expert drivers who come to entertain people with their outstanding skills on the road.

The Monte Carlo Car Rally offers you a unique opportunity to enjoy special moments with legendary drivers who are usually more than willing to take selfies with fans and share a few tips about rally racing. Besides the entertaining aspect of the event, it is also a great motivation for young minds inspiring to be professional drivers, technicians, engineers, and other automotive experts.

4. Snow Bike Festival in Gstaad

The Snow Bike Festival in Gstaad, Switzerland, offers you the perfect opportunity for recreation this winter. The Snow Bike Festival is a 3-day affair in which cyclists from all around the globe compete in the beautiful Swiss Alps with the aim of growing cycling as a sport in Switzerland. Everyone, including amateur mountain bikers, is welcome to take part in the noble cause.

An important point to note here is that there is no particular route as new destinations are introduced each year. All the same, the trails are beautiful and in excellent condition, thereby guaranteeing the utmost outdoor fun for the whole family.

5. Up Helly Aa in Shetland Islands

This hidden gem of the Shetland Islands has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor fun and family recreation. For starters, the Shetland Islands is recognized globally as having the largest fireworks festival in Europe. This event pays homage to Viking culture and its heritage. The best part of the Up Helly Aa is when thousands of men march the streets of Scalloway, Northmavine, Lerwick, and other 8 locations in torch-lit processions that includes plenty of street partying, chanting and lighting bonfires in commemoration of their culture.

This event is a great way for fathers to bond with their sons and, although women may be sidelined in the processions, they can still enjoy the after parties in the local halls.

6. The Arctic Light Festival in Tromso

The Arctic Light Festival started as a small music event in the late 1980s, but over the years, it has grown into an international affair that lights up the streets of Tromso every year in January with its series of dance and music events graced by enthusiasts from different parts of the world. The event allows participants to interact with top artists, bands, highly skilled dancers, and entertainers from a variety of genres, including jazz, opera, orchestra, chamber, and modern music.

The Arctic Light Festival is a family event and there is no reason good enough to disclude your kids from attending, especially considering students and minors are usually given special discounts on performances.

7. The Valletta International Baroque Festival in Malta

In January, the temperature of Malta rises to 16°C, making the island one of the warmest places in Europe and a perfect getaway destination for a winter holiday. For almost a decade, the streets of Malta have seen electrifying performances from top-notch artists, both local and foreign, in the famous Valletta International Baroque Festival.

Since its launch seven years ago, the event always delivers with great entertainment from world-class soloists and renowned ensembles in baroque. This is just a snippet of what Malta has to offer in January. So, plan your trip to this destination to enjoy this slice of paradise.

8. Vienna’s Glorious Ball Season

After Christmas, Vienna offers a blissful time of year filled with the best of European waltz during its Glorious Ball Season. Each year, Vienna holds more than 400 balls that bring together couples, friends, and other ball-goers in beautiful nights of wining, chatting, dancing, and bonding in the tranquility of Vienna.

The dress code for the Glorious Ball Season is usually formal. In this regard, men are generally advised to put on their best suits, tuxedos, and comfortable shoes. Women will be wearing pretty gowns and dresses, so take note of this to avoid looking odd during these events.

9. Venice Carnival (from USD 75.0)

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The Venice Carnival is another great event to look out for in January. The festival is usually held every year to commemorate the 1162 grand victory of the then Republic of Venice against the Patriarch of Aquileia. An essential feature of this event is its masks, which are believed to have been introduced as a form of inner expression of the challenges that faced society at that time.

The Venice Carnival allows visitors to learn the painting, construction, and decoration of these masks. If you are enthusiastic about carnival costumes, the event also provides an excellent platform for interacting with other designers and showcasing your work to thousands of participants.

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10. La Tamborrada Festival in San Sebastian

La Tamborrada Festival in San Sebastian is a well-rounded event that allows families to have fun, bond, and enjoy the city’s ancient tradition of drumming. The event kicks off at midnight with everyone dressed up as traditional soldiers and cooks, who congregate at the Plaza de la Constitución to sing the city’s song. Afterward, the troops of over 15,000 people start drumming and singing in colorful processions, which later advances into the streets to entertain other enthusiasts.

The best part of this event is that it free of charge, but those visiting from abroad are advised to book accommodation in advance because they tend to fill up fast.

Excellent winter getaway destinations in Europe

Not many can endure the extremely low temperatures in Europe in January. Nonetheless, our research shows that many exciting places in Europe hold a lot of fun and action. So, as we head towards January, take a look at this list of top places to visit in Europe. Take a trip to any of these destinations and you will live to tell a different story about winter holidays.