“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”

An authentically Canadian experience that combines the world’s largest rodeo with live music, arts, a carnival, and an extensive food festival.

Since its debut in 1912, it has become an internationally renowned showcase of western heritage and culture, attracting visitors from around the globe.

When: Held annually for 10 days in July

9th - 18th July 2027

7th - 16th July 2028

6th - 15th July 2029

How to experience the Calgary Stampede: Calgary Stampede Extravaganza

Where to stay: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

A lively celebration for loved ones who have passed away with colourful parades, vibrant costumes, music, and dancing. This is not a time of mourning but a joyful celebration of life, memory, and connection.

A cherished Mexican tradition, Día de los Muertos, blends ancient Aztec customs with Catholic observances. Celebrations are held across the country, offering a beautiful opportunity to experience Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

When: Held annually 1st - 2nd November

How to experience Day of the Dead: Journeys: Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

The world’s largest carnival, famous for its spectacular samba parades, flamboyant costumes, and nonstop street parties.

Dating back to the 18th Century, Rio Carnival blends Portuguese traditions with Afro-Brazilian culture, creating an unforgettable celebration of music, dance and community. The celebration attracts millions of visitors each year looking to experience Brazil’s unique energy and spirit.

When: Held annually in the week leading up to Lent

5th - 13th February 2027

25th February - 1st March 2028

9th - 14th February 2029

How to experience Rio Carnival: Rio de Janeiro Carnival Experience

Hanami, which translates to flower viewing, is a beloved Japanese tradition that welcomes spring and celebrates the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom season.

Often described as Japan at its prettiest, Hanami is so much more than the blossoms themselves. During the day, families and friends gather beneath the sakura trees to share food and drink. As night falls, paper lanterns illuminate the blossoms, creating an enchanting atmosphere. It’s a busy but wonderful time to experience Japan and its unique culture.

When: Annually from the end of March to early May, although exact dates will vary.

How to experience Hanami: See our Japan Holidays pages

Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is best known for its massive country-wide water fights. Rooted in Buddhist traditions of renewal and cleansing, these iconic water celebrations symbolise the washing away of the previous year’s misfortune and welcoming a fresh start.

Beyond the splash-filled festivities, the streets come alive with music, colourful parades, and bustling markets. Combined with Thailand’s renowned warm hospitality Songkran offers a fun and immersive way to experience the Thai culture.

When: Held annually from the 13th - 15th April

How to experience Songkran: See our Thailand Holidays pages

One of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles, the Great Migration is the largest and longest overland migration on the planet.

Following roughly the same clockwise route each year, over two million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra traverse the plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. A true bucket list experience for any nature enthusiast, promising your very own David Attenborough moment.

When: The Great Migration can be seen year round, as long as you pick the right spot! See our How to See the Great Migration guide for more details.

How to experience the Great Migration: See our Safari Holidays pages

India’s Festival of Colour is a joyful Hindu festival celebrating spring, love and new beginnings.

Celebrated across India, with some of the most famous festivities taking place in the country’s northern regions, Holi transforms towns and cities into a riot of colour. Streets come alive with people dancing to traditional music and throwing brightly coloured powders. Bursting with energy, Holi offers an unforgettable way to experience the vibrancy of Indian culture.

When: Held annually, the exact date will change each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

22nd March 2027

11th March 2028

28th February 2029

How to experience Holi Festival: Essential India

Th American term “leaf peeping” refers to the tradition of travelling to admire autumn’s striking colours, as trees transform from green to shades of red, orange and gold. The season is one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles and few places showcase it better than New England.

Beyond its vivid forests New England also offers plenty of wonderful autumnal experiences with farmers’ markets, pumpkin patches and harvest festivals, taking place across the region. Cosy Inns and historic towns add to the magic, creating a wholesome autumnal escape not to be missed.

When: Annually from the middle of September to late October, although exact dates will vary.

How to experience falls colours: New England's Autumn Colours

With a history stretching back more than 850 years, Venice Carnival is one of Europe’s most iconic celebrations, welcoming visitors from around the world.

The festivities see Venice’s streets come alive with colourful parades, music and street performers, while behind closed doors, elaborate feasts and masquerade balls take place across the city. It’s an extravagant celebration with a stunning backdrop, where masked costumes make the occasion even more captivating.

When: Held annually in the two weeks leading up to Lent.

30th January - 9th February 2027

19th - 29th February 2028

3rd - 13th February 2029

How to experience Venice Carnival: See our Venice Holidays pages

At the heart of Mongolian culture for over 2000 years.

Mongolia’s largest celebration, dating back to the era of Genghis Khan himself. The festival honours the nation’s nomadic heritage through wrestling, archery and horse racing - the three skills once considered essential for Mongol warriors.

Beyond the contest, celebrations continue with traditional food, music and crafts creating one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the country and centuries of tradition.

When: Held annually from the 11th July - 13th July

How to experience Naadam Festival: Mongolia Encompassed: Naadam Festival