Festivals In December: Celebrate The Most Magical Time Of The Year

December is a magical month filled with vibrant festivals celebrated across the world. From dazzling light displays and grand cultural parades to spiritual gatherings and epic New Year’s parties, every corner of the globe embraces festivities in its own unique way. Whether it’s the mesmerizing Amsterdam Light Festival, the lively Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland, or the enchanting Christmas markets of Europe, Festivals in December offers a perfect mix of tradition, joy, and spectacle. These festivals bring people together, spreading warmth during the winter months.

10 Best Festival In December Around The World

Let’s explore the top 10 festivals in December that make this month one of the most festive times of the year.

1. Harbin International Ice And Snow Sculpture Festival

Photo: Rincewind42 / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Harbin, China, this festival is a breathtaking celebration of ice and snow art. It showcases enormous ice and snow sculptures crafted by skilled artists using ice blocks from the Songhua River. These sculptures, some towering over 20 feet high, are illuminated with colorful lights, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. The festival also features ice slides, snow sports, and even ice castles visitors can explore. Kicking off in late December and running until February, this event attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a magical experience filled with creativity, culture, and the enchanting beauty of winter.

Location: Harbin, China
Highlights: Gigantic ice sculptures, ice lantern park, snow sports

2. Junkanoo Parade

Photo: Rüdiger Stehn / Wikimedia Commons

The Junkanoo Parade is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals in the Bahamas, celebrated on December 26th and January 1st. This high-energy event dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in African traditions. The streets of Nassau come alive before dawn as costumed dancers, musicians, and performers parade to the rhythm of goat-skin drums, cowbells, and brass instruments. Troupes compete in various categories, showcasing extravagant handmade costumes made of crepe paper, cardboard, and feathers. The entire city turns into a massive dance floor as locals and tourists alike join in the revelry, making it a must-see spectacle.

Location: Nassau, Bahamas
Highlights: Colorful costumes, live music, dance competitions

3. Sunburn Festival

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Sunburn Festival, held in Goa, India, is Asia’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festival, drawing thousands of music lovers from around the world. Taking place from December 27th to 30th, this high-energy event features performances by world-famous DJs, immersive stage designs, and a pulsating atmosphere by the beach. The festival isn’t just about music—it also includes adventure sports, art installations, and a variety of food and drink stalls that celebrate Goa’s vibrant culture. Sunburn has grown into a global phenomenon, offering a mix of cutting-edge electronic beats, dazzling light shows, and an electrifying party scene that EDM fans shouldn’t miss.

Location: Goa, India
Highlights: International DJ performances, beach parties, cultural stalls

4. Burning The Clocks

Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons

Burning the Clocks is a unique and symbolic winter solstice festival held annually on December 21st in Brighton, UK. This community-driven event sees locals creating beautiful lanterns from paper and willow, which they carry through the city streets in a spectacular parade. The festival culminates on Brighton Beach, where the lanterns are burned in a grand bonfire as a symbolic farewell to the past year and a welcome to new beginnings. Accompanied by live music and a mesmerizing fireworks display, this event fosters unity and reflection. It’s a heartwarming, artistic celebration that brings Brighton’s community together under the winter sky.

Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Highlights: Lantern parade, beach bonfire, fireworks display

5. Fiesta De Santo Tomás

Photo: highlights of the year / Wikimedia Commons

The Fiesta de Santo Tomás is an extraordinary festival held in Chichicastenango, Guatemala, from December 13th to 21st. It is a fusion of Mayan and Catholic traditions, celebrated in honor of Saint Thomas, the town’s patron saint. The festival is famous for its colorful processions, traditional folk dances, and elaborate costumes. One of the most thrilling aspects is the “palo volador” ritual, where daring performers climb a towering wooden pole and spin down while attached to ropes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. With vibrant street markets, fireworks, and religious ceremonies, this festival offers a deep insight into Guatemala’s indigenous heritage and traditions.

Location: Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Highlights: Traditional dances, processions, “palo volador” ritual

6. Las Posadas

Photo: Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University / Wikimedia Commons

Las Posadas is a cherished Mexican festival that takes place from December 16th to 24th, commemorating Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Each evening, communities gather to hold candlelight processions, where participants reenact the Holy Couple’s journey while singing traditional carols. The processions conclude with joyous celebrations featuring festive feasts, music, and prayers. A highlight for children is breaking the piñata, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Location: Various towns and cities across Mexico
Highlights: Processions, caroling, festive feasts, piñata-breaking

7. Winter Solstice At Stonehenge

Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons

Every year on December 21st, thousands of visitors gather at Stonehenge in the United Kingdom to witness a breathtaking natural event—the winter solstice sunrise. As the sun rises, its rays align perfectly with the ancient stones, creating a mystical experience that has fascinated people for centuries. This event draws druids, pagans, spiritual seekers, and curious tourists who come to celebrate the change of seasons. The gathering includes ceremonies, chants, and communal festivities, providing a rare opportunity to connect with ancient traditions. Despite the cold, the atmosphere is warm with celebration and reverence for nature’s cycles.

Location: Stonehenge, United Kingdom
Highlights: Sunrise alignment, druid ceremonies, communal gatherings

8. Kwanzaa Celebrations

Photo: Stefan Vladimirov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kwanzaa, celebrated annually from December 26th to January 1st in the United States, is a cultural festival honoring African heritage and values. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is rooted in seven principles, including unity, self-determination, and creativity. Each evening, families light a candle on the kinara and discuss one of these values. The festival is marked by storytelling, poetry, traditional African music and dance, and communal feasts called Karamu.

Location: USA
Highlights: Storytelling, traditional music and dance, communal meals

9. Hogmanay

Photo: FloridaNCgirl / Wikimedia Commons

Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year celebration, transforms Edinburgh into one of the world’s best party destinations. This multi-day festival features massive street parties, live concerts, and spectacular fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. Highlights include the Concert in the Gardens, torchlight processions, and the Loony Dook—a New Year’s Day tradition where participants take a dip in the freezing River Forth. The festival also embraces ancient Scottish customs such as First Footing, where the first visitor to a home after midnight brings good luck.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Highlights: Street parties, concerts, fireworks, traditional Scottish customs

10. Amsterdam Light Festival

Photo: Alf van Beem / Wikimedia Commons

From late November to mid-January, Amsterdam transforms into a glowing wonderland with the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. This artistic event showcases stunning light installations designed by international artists, displayed along the city’s canals. Visitors can explore the breathtaking artworks on foot, by bike, or via scenic canal cruises, which offer the best views of the illuminated cityscape. The festival enhances Amsterdam’s festive spirit, alongside Christmas markets, concerts, and seasonal events. A key highlight is the lighting of De Bijenkorf department store and the grand Christmas tree at Dam Square, making the city a magical winter destination.

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Highlights: Light installations, canal tours, art exhibitions

As the year winds down, festivals in December serve as a reminder of the world’s rich cultural diversity and the universal desire for joy and connection. These global festivities create unforgettable memories, uniting people beyond borders. If you’re looking for the perfect time to travel and experience different cultures, December is the ideal month to immerse yourself in the world’s most spectacular celebrations. Don’t miss out on these fun-filled festivals and book your trip with TripXL without delay.

Cover Photo: Jumzchino / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions