10 fantastic events you shouldn't miss in 2025

Are you starting to plan next year’s tour and seeking unique experiences worldwide?

2025 promises a series of spectacular events that truly showcase the wild landscapes and rich cultural history of our destinations.

So, whether you’re into unique natural experiences, culinary festivals, or outstanding and innovative music, there are fantastic events for every travel enthusiast in 2025.

1. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Rio Carnival is one of the most iconic celebrations worldwide, and in 2025, it will take place from the 28th of February to the 8th of March. During the carnival, Rio transforms into a riot of colour with costumes, samba, and parades stretching through the city’s streets. The major samba schools compete for the best parade at the Sambadrome arena, and the entire city is filled with revellers.

For those visiting Rio outside the carnival period, it’s possible to take a backstage tour where you can see costumes, props, and hear stories about the carnival’s origins. If you’d like to know more about this experience, you can read about it in the travelogue here, by Charlotte from the TourCompass team.

2. Sakura (Cherry Blossoms), Japan

Nowhere else in spring is quite the same as in Japan, where the Sakura season marks the start of a new era. From late March to early April, cherry trees bloom in full glory, turning the entire country into a landscape of pink and white flowers.

The Japanese celebrate the bloom with hanami picnics in parks, enjoying food and drinks under the trees. Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka are among the most popular places to experience the cherry blossoms, though lesser-known areas also offer unique experiences during Sakura.

3. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, USA

This renowned festival celebrates New Orleans’ unique musical heritage with live performances spanning jazz and blues to gospel and zydeco — a music genre native to southwest Louisiana.

Besides attracting artists from all over the world, the festival offers a broad palette of food from across the globe, ranging from Creole to Cajun cuisine.

It’s held over two weekends at the end of April and beginning of May, a true musical feast that highlights the city’s rich culture and community.

In 2025, the festival will take place from the 24^th of April to the 4^th of May.

4. Vivid Sydney, Australia

Vivid Sydney is one of the world’s most impressive light festivals, held annually from late May to mid-June. Sydney turns into a luminous artwork as its many landmarks, such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, are illuminated by colourful projections and light installations.

The festival also features concerts and discussions with artists and scientists, making it a celebration of creativity, innovation, and technology, and an incredible experience for travellers in Australia.

You can enjoy this Australian festival from the 23^rd of May to the 14^th of June in 2025.

5. Knysna Oyster Festival, South Africa

The Knysna Oyster Festival is a perfect blend of gastronomy and sport in the beautiful town of Knysna, situated on the Garden Route along South Africa’s southern coast. Oysters take centre stage, but the festival also offers activities such as tastings of local dishes, marathon runs, and cycling through Knysna’s forested landscape.

There are activities for the whole family, ranging from cooking competitions to child-friendly events. The festival takes place from the 4th to 13^th of July 2025 and is an unforgettable experience filled with exciting culture and stunning nature.

6. Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), Medellín, Colombia

Each year in August, the city of Medellín in Colombia hosts the Feria de las Flores, celebrating the city’s flower production and cultural heritage. The highlight of the festival is the colourful parade of flower arrangements carried on the backs of flower growers. Additionally, the festival features concerts, exhibitions, and crafts.

Feria de las Flores is an expression of pride in Medellín’s floral industry and a way to preserve the region’s traditions.

7. Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa

The Hermanus Whale Festival is an annual event celebrating the arrival of southern right whales to the Hermanus coast, considered one of the world’s best spots for land-based whale watching. Hermanus is located just over an hour and a half from Cape Town on the southern coast of the Western Cape.

In addition to breathtaking whale sightings, travellers can enjoy musical performances, art exhibitions, and food markets featuring local dishes and crafts.

If you’re interested in sustainability, the festival also places a focus on environmental protection and whale conservation through workshops and talks. The festival takes place from the 26th to the 28th of September 2025.

8. Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), Mexico

The festive and colourful holiday Día de los Muertos is celebrated on the 2nd of November 2025, where families gather to remember their deceased loved ones. Streets are filled with vibrant skulls and parades with music and dancing, while altars are adorned with flowers, candles, and pictures.

The tradition of Día de los Muertos is deeply rooted in Mexico’s culture and is considered more of a celebration of the cycle of life than a mournful occasion. The holiday’s unique blend of festivity and spirituality is a remarkable and unforgettable experience for travellers.

9. Yi Peng Festival, Thailand

The Yi Peng Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, is one of Thailand’s most spectacular cultural events. During the festival, primarily held in Chiang Mai, thousands of lanterns are released, floating up into the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere symbolising wishes for happiness and fortune for the coming year.

The festival typically takes place in November and coincides with Loy Krathong, another light festival where small rafts decorated with flowers and candles are set afloat on rivers. Participating in the Yi Peng Festival offers the opportunity to experience Thailand’s traditions and immerse oneself in a spiritual journey.

In 2025, the festival will be held on the 5th and 6th of November.

10. Christmas in New York City, USA

New York during Christmas is a magical experience with iconic sights such as the lit Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre or skating in Central Park. Shops along Fifth Avenue are adorned with lavish Christmas displays, and Christmas markets pop up throughout the city.

Visitors can also enjoy the classic “Radio City Christmas Spectacular”, an annual musical stage show at Radio City Music Hall, or take a stroll to see the impressive Christmas lights in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighbourhood.

Ready for a world of experiences?

This is just a small selection of fantastic events offering unique insights into cultures, traditions, and natural beauty around the globe.

Would you like to experience fantastic events at our destinations in 2025? Then contact our travel specialists, and we can help you embark on our cultural and scenic tours.

TourCompass – from tourist to traveller