Events and Festivals Around the World You Can Attend in January

As we begin a new year, January presents a unique opportunity for travel enthusiasts. Why, you ask? Because the entire world seems to have planned to welcome the new year with colorful festivals. If discovering new cultures and creating extraordinary memories is a must for you, you’ll definitely want to attend at least one of these festivals.

1. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (China)

One of the world’s most famous festivals is held in January in Harbin, China. Spanning an area of 600,000 square meters, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is like a massive art gallery where you can admire magnificent sculptures made from ice blocks by artists from around the globe.

In Harbin, where temperatures often drop to -20°C, details like ice slides, ice skating rinks, and even ice-made restaurants will turn your winter holiday into an entirely different experience.

2. Sydney Festival (Australia)

“Snow and ice aren’t for me; I want to experience summer in January!” If that’s your preference, the Sydney Festival is worth checking out.  As one of Australia’s largest cultural events, this festival also offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Sydney’s vibrant atmosphere and warm summer days.

Stretching from Circular Quay to Hyde Park, the festival features delightful experiences, including music, theater, dance performances, open-air exhibitions, free outdoor cinemas, and lively picnics. For art and entertainment enthusiasts, the Sydney Festival is a true carnival of the arts.

3. Up Helly Aa (Scotland)

Would you like to meet Vikings and even join them in a celebration? The Up Helly Aa Festival, held in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, can make this dream come true. Paying homage to Viking history and culture, this festival sees the Shetland locals don traditional attire and organize parades through the streets, culminating in vibrant evening parties. However, the most spectacular moment of the festival is undoubtedly the ceremonial “launching” of a massive Viking ship, set ablaze with torches.

4. International Kite Festival (India)

Every January, the skies of India’s Gujarat state are filled with colorful kites. The International Kite Festival is not just a celebration but also a community event that honors Indian culture and traditions. In Ahmedabad, the festival's central location, the sky transforms into a masterpiece of vibrant and varied kites.

Participants from all over the world fly their kites and engage in friendly competitions, while dance performances, traditional foods, and handicrafts turn the festival into a true spectacle.

5. Sundance Film Festival (USA)

The Sundance Film Festival, eagerly anticipated by film lovers, takes place in January in Utah, USA. A hub for independent films, this festival serves as a meeting point for world-renowned directors and emerging talents. Throughout the festival, you can watch films spanning drama, documentaries, comedy, and animation.

The festival isn’t just about movie screenings; there are opportunities to meet directors, attend discussions, and participate in workshops. Against the backdrop of Utah’s mesmerizing snowy landscapes, this inspiring festival offers an unforgettable week for cinema enthusiasts.

6. Ati-Atihan Festival (Philippines)

If dancing and joyfully parading through the streets in colorful costumes are essential for a festival in your book, then the Ati-Atihan Festival is perfect for you! Held during the third week of January in the town of Kalibo, Philippines, this festival is a celebration in honor of the Holy Infant Jesus. It derives its name from the Ati tribe, the region’s first settlers, and participants keep this culture alive by painting their faces and donning traditional outfits. At the heart of the celebration are parades and street dances.

7. Chinese New Year (China)

Chinese New Year is not just a calendar change but also a cultural rebirth filled with hope and celebration! Starting in late January or early February, this festival lasts about two weeks and is the most significant celebration in China. Streets are lit with red lanterns, fireworks displays are organized, and families gather at tables laden with traditional dishes, exchanging gifts with one another.

One of the festival’s most spectacular moments is the Dragon Dance. Watching the enormous dragons dance to the rhythm of drums is truly a mesmerizing experience.

8. Amsterdam Light Festival (Netherlands)

Would you like to warm up cold winter evenings with art? The Amsterdam Light Festival is a captivating event that runs from December to the end of January. The city’s canals and streets are transformed into a fairy tale world with light installations created by artists from around the world.

The best way to enjoy this festival is through canal tours, where you can admire the reflections of colorful lights as you glide along the waterways. Each year, the festival adopts a different theme, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. Wandering through the streets, you’ll encounter modern art while rediscovering Amsterdam’s historical charm in a new light. A paradise for photography enthusiasts, this event will add unforgettable hues to your winter journey.