GLOW Eindhoven Light Art Festival 2024 | All You Need to Know Before You Go | Tips for Your Visit
Every year in November, the otherwise industrial city of Eindhoven transforms into a magical fairy tale of light, known as GLOW Eindhoven. This annual light art festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come together to enjoy the breathtaking open-air exhibition of innovative light artworks created by international artists using new media technologies, such as computers, sensors, animations, and projections. The fusion of art, technology, and architecture creates a bewitching experience for visitors of all ages.
Complete Guide to Kali Puja 2024 in the Netherlands | All Kali Puja Celebrations in 2024 by Bengali Communities of the Netherlands | Locations, Dates, Opening Hours, and Latest Updates
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is a major annual Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the neighboring nations of Bangladesh and Nepal on the new moon night (Dipannita Amavasya) of the month of Kartik on the Indian calendar (which falls between October and November on the Gregorian calendar) to commemorate the victory of Hindu Goddess Kali (the fiercest form of Goddess Durga who is regarded as ‘Adi Shakti,’ the primordial cosmic energy) against the demons Chand, Munda, and Raktabija as a part of a greater war between Goddess Ambika (Durga) and the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Holland 2025 | Flower Parade of the Bulb Region Netherlands 2025 | Information, Route, Tips, and Tricks
Being the largest exporter of flowers globally and accounting for two-thirds of the world's total floral sales, the Netherlands is aptly dubbed as the ‘Land of Flowers.’ Therefore, it goes without saying, that spring is the most beautiful time in the Netherlands. When the bulbs start blooming in the endless array of flower fields, the entire country transforms into a vast ocean of flowers. It starts in mid-March with cherry blossoms, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths. And as the famous tulips blossom in mid-April, the whole country gets ready for the biggest spring festival named ‘Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)!’
8 Best Christmas Markets in France | 8 Top Destinations to Visit in France at Christmas | 8 Must See French Towns to Spend a Magical Christmas
With an age-old tradition dating back to the 14th century, France is one of those countries in Europe, where celebrating Christmas with zest and fervor is deeply rooted within its national culture. And since the concept of the world's first ever Christmas Tree originated from here, France has as much right to the title of ‘The Home of Christmas’ as the North Pole. Owing to the diverse geography running from the French Alps to the Mediterranean, France follows different Christmas customs in different regions. But there is one thing in common - the Christmas Markets!
Complete Guide to Durga Puja 2024 in the Netherlands | All Durga Puja Celebrations in 2024 by Bengali Communities of the Netherlands | Locations, Dates, Opening Hours, and Latest Updates
Durga Puja, also known by the names Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a major annual ten-day Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the nation of Bangladesh during the month of Ashwin on the Indian calendar (which falls between September and October on the Gregorian calendar), to commemorate the victory of the Hindu Goddess Durga (who is regarded as ‘Adi Shakti,’ the primordial cosmic energy) against the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura after a ten-day war.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025 | 13th Edition | Dates, Opening Hours, and Free Walking Route Map
The annual Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) fills the Dutch capital's canals with magnificent works of light art every winter. Designers, architects, and artists from all around the world submit hundreds of concepts each year, out of which 20 to 30 artworks are chosen for display in the festival by a selection committee.
Valkenburg Christmas Market | Kerststad Valkenburg | Christmas Town Valkenburg | The Unique Christmas Cave Markets of Valkenburg, the Netherlands
If you plan to stroll incessantly through gorgeous winter landscapes and enchanting Christmas decors, you need to be at Kerststad Valkenburg. Having seen a lot of Christmas Markets around the globe, I can safely proclaim that Valkenburg Christmas Market is hands down the best Christmas Market in the Netherlands and one of the most unique Christmas Markets on the planet. After all, it's not every day that you get to a Christmas Market within a marlstone cave!
The Dutch Christmas Markets | 9 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in the Netherlands | Top 9 Things to See and Do in the Netherlands during Christmas
While the whole world is already busy shopping in Advent Markets from mid-November, the Dutch have yet to set up a Christmas Tree! Strange but true, the country starts brimming with Christmas joy only from the second week of December when the town squares convert into grand markets selling food, trinkets, glühwein, oliebollen, and all kinds of gifts that bring smiles to the faces of your friends, family, and folks you care about.
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) | Celebrating the Advent of Spring at Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in Amstelveen, the Netherlands
Literally meaning 'Flower Viewing,' the Hanami Festival is a Japanese tradition of celebrating the advent of spring. Flowers and nature, in general, have a symbolic meaning in Japan. To the Japanese, the cherry blossom represents a new beginning and hence the festival of Hanami Matsuri, most often referring to Sakura Matsuri ('Cherry Blossom Viewing') is a means of appreciating the transience of life.
The Christmas Markets of Stockholm | Top 5 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Stockholm | 5 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Stockholm, Sweden
Christmas in Stockholm is a time of coziness, shimmering lighting, copious amounts of food and drink, and a few unique traditions ranging from solemn to hilarious. Stockholm's Christmas markets await exploration, with a million Christmas lights adorning the streets and a chill in the air filled with seasonal cheer.
The Christmas Markets of Helsinki | Top 6 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Helsinki | 6 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Helsinki, Finland
While the sun may be reluctant to rise as winter settles in on Helsinki, the aroma of mulled wine, or glögi, and shop window decorations warm the heart as the holiday season approaches. People take advantage of pikkujoulu, or "little Christmas," when they celebrate in pubs and restaurants, because Christmas is normally a quiet family affair. Despite the fact that the temperature drops below minus 10 degrees Celsius at this time of the year, the atmosphere still remains one of warm conviviality. Even when the temperature drops, shops and restaurants gleam with a warm glow, and Finnish structures are known for their ability to withstand the worst frost. When you add carol concerts in churches to the mix, it's hard to believe Helsinki wasn't built for the sole purpose of celebrating Christmas.
The Christmas Markets of Tallinn | Top 7 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Tallinn | 7 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn's medieval Old Town takes on a particularly romantic look in the winter, when a new dusting of snow covers its rooftops and candles cast a flickering glow across its cobblestone alleyways. Tallinn is at its most enchanting during the winter, despite the dark nights. From ice skating on the Old Town's outdoor rink to sipping mulled wine on the ancient Town Hall square at one of Europe's best Christmas Markets, it's a true winter wonderland!
The Christmas Markets of Riga | Top 8 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Riga | 8 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Riga, Latvia
With a strong pagan and Christian streak, Latvians commemorate Christmas (or the Winter Solstice) with zest and fervor. And since the world's very first ever Christmas Tree was put up in Riga back in 1510, Latvia has as much right to the title of ‘The Home of Christmas’ as the North Pole. At Riga, even if it's not a white Christmas, you can easily enter the seasonal spirit by simply following the aroma of gingerbread and mulled red wine and charming stalls selling hand-knitted shawls, mittens, socks, fragrant candle lights, artisanal spoons, and other woodwork in the Christmas Markets in the center of the Old Town. And don't forget to give yourself some rest from shopping with authentic delicacies like grey peas and bacon, best on a chilling winter day.
The Christmas Markets of Vilnius | Top 7 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Vilnius | 7 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania
December in Vilnius is a unique time as Christmas and New Year draw closer and bring the associated festivities. Vilnius got extremely popular when ‘The Guardian’ listed Vilnius’ Christmas Tree amongst the most gorgeous ones globally in 2015. Its appeal increased with the Christmas Trees of 2016 and 2017. In 2019 when we visited, Vilnius set up a 27 meters (around 90 feet) high metal Christmas Tree made with 600+ branches and over 5 km of lighting themed on the Queen of Chess (ranked as finest Christmas Tree in Europe that year), surrounded by stalls offering well-crafted distinct handmade products, a wide variety of dining establishments open till midnight and youth choirs shouting Christmas carols all around. Certainly, Vilnius is a must-visit Christmas location.
A Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas | A 7000 km Cruise and Road Trip across Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden from the Netherlands | Travel Itinerary, Tips, and Tricks
Today I’m going to tell you a Christmas story. An epic Christmas story of a 7000 km cruise and road run across Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden from the Netherlands.
The Christmas Markets of Salzburg | Top 7 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Salzburg | 7 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Salzburg, Austria
As you gaze out over the city's snow-covered rooftops, domes, and towers, the pealing of innumerable church bells will remind you that Christmas is approaching, and the Salzburg Christmas markets will warm you up. It's the perfect time of year for a romantic stroll through the city's hilltops, which provide a spectacular perspective of the city and the cheerful buzz of the Salzburg Christmas Markets will strike you as you return to the town. The aromas of toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts, freshly baked apples, and gingerbread hearts, along with nativity figures, Christmas Tree ornaments, toys, and warm knitwear create a one-of-a-kind ambiance.
The Christmas Markets of Hallstatt | Top 7 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Hallstatt | 7 Best Places to Visit during Winter in Hallstatt, Austria
The UNESCO World Heritage town's Market Square is undoubtedly one of Hallstatt's most beautiful spots. Every year, visitors from all over the world congregate in the ancient square, which is flanked by charming, tiny cottages. Visitors will find quaint cafes, restaurants, a popular bar for both young and old, motels, and, of course, souvenirs.
The Christmas Markets of Innsbruck | Top 14 Things to See and Do during Christmas in Innsbruck | 14 Best Places to Visit during Christmas in Innsbruck, Austria
The Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Austria, provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for creating wonderful memories. The Innsbruck Christmas market experience is genuinely authentic, with the snow-capped Alps and old cobblestone roads combined with local Christmas traditions. From the Golden Roof to 300 meters above the town at Hungerburg, there are six Christmas Markets, 200 stalls, and a 14-meter tall Christmas tree full of brilliant and glittering crystals. Innsbruck, the city of Tyrol, comes alive with a frenetic Christmas spirit throughout the Advent season.