With 2023 fast closing in a few weeks and before we contemplate a New Year, there are still a whole host of global festivals that travellers will want to catch. Here’s the pick of the bunch:
Chichibu Yomatsuri, Japan: December 2-3
The Chichibu Yomatsuri event on the outskirts of Tokyo is a nighttime affair with lights, floats and fireworks. Located in the town of Chichibu, the festival celebrates a local shrine's history. Thousands come to watch the beautifully decorated floats, carried by teams of Japanese men uphill.
Krampusnacht Festival, Austria: December 5-6
While Santa Claus may reward us for the good we have done over the year, the Krampus is the darker side of December. From Germanic legend, Krampus is a kind of demon that punishes those 'bad' people. In Vienna, locals dress up like him and parade around the area.
Djakarta Warehouse Project, Indonesia: December 8-10
In Jakarta, travellers will have their senses overwhelmed by the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) – one of Asia's largest and leading electronic dance music festivals. It attracts thousands worldwide with a penchant for dance music and has cemented its place on the dance music calendar for the past 15 years.
Fête des Lumières, France: December 8-11
A four-day festival dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this festival based in Lyon is based on the city's populous belief that she saved the city from destruction. In her honour, between December 8 and 11, residents dedicate Lyon to colour and light. While thousands light candles in their homes, most travellers catch the colourful lighting of the Basilica of Fourvière and the Place des Terreaux light show to experience the festival at its best.
Dickens Festival, Netherlands: December 16–17
The Bergkwartie, or medieval part of Deventer, a city in the East of the Netherlands, is transformed into an English town of the 1800s from the Dickensian era. Here, nearly 1000 actors and residents get into the character of Dickensian characters, such as Oliver Twist and Scrooge, as well as Dickens and Queen Victoria, to act out sketches and performances.
Feria de Cali, Colombia: December 25-30
One of South America's biggest Salsa festivals is in Cali, Colombia. Now in its 76th year, Feria de Cali can attract over 2 million visitors worldwide. There are several events over the six-day event, including the Salsadrome, which offers some of the liveliest dancers and colourful scenes. It is also an ideal showcase of the closeness of the Afro-Colombian culture, including food, music, salsa and other free events.
Junkanoo Parade, Bahamas: December 26-January 1
For a party to remember, hop on a plane and head to the Bahamas, where the locals do it in style at the Junkanoo Parade. It is definitely colourful and raucous for all the right reasons as residents mark the Garifuna culture in costumes, on floats and take part in lively dances.
St Kitts-Nevis Carnival: December 15-January 2
One of the Caribbean's biggest festivals of note, Sugar Mas, as it is also called, offers guests a two-week blast of celebrations full of colour and calypso. It’s sure to help visitors see 2024 in with a bang!
Andy Probert is an experienced freelance business travel journalist and PR specialist.
