Six celebrations between now and spring that are worth building a journey around, from Día de los Muertos in Mexico to Lunar New Year across Asia.
Most people choose a destination first and discover what is happening there later. Turn that around and you get something more memorable: a journey shaped around a moment.
From November through the beginning of spring, some of the world’s most captivating celebrations return, transforming cities, streets and landscapes for a few unforgettable days. These are six worth travelling for, chosen for the atmosphere, culture and sense of place they bring to a destination.
NOVEMBER
Día de los Muertos · Mexico
1–2 November
Few celebrations capture the spirit of a place quite like Día de los Muertos. Mexico’s Day of the Dead is a vibrant celebration of life, memory and family, with marigolds, candlelit altars, music and elaborate face painting filling the streets.
Mexico City offers the grandest expression of the tradition, while Mérida and Puebla reveal a more intimate side of the celebrations. Wherever you experience it, this is Mexico at its most colourful and deeply rooted in tradition.
Bon Om Touk · Cambodia
Usually November
For a few days each year, Phnom Penh becomes the setting for one of Cambodia’s great celebrations. Bon Om Touk marks the reversal of the Tonlé Sap’s flow, bringing traditional boat races, fireworks and celebrations to the riverfront.
It is a wonderful reason to discover Cambodia beyond its temples, particularly when combined with time in Siem Reap and the extraordinary landscape of Angkor.
DECEMBER
Qatar National Day · Doha
18 December
Doha comes alive for Qatar National Day, with parades, fireworks and cultural celebrations taking place across the city.
At the centre of it all is Katara Cultural Village, while elsewhere the city offers a fascinating mix of contemporary architecture, galleries, museums and traditional souqs. December brings the added pleasure of discovering Doha outdoors, from the Corniche to the desert beyond the city.
Dubai Shopping Festival · UAE
December into January
For more than a month, Dubai becomes a celebration of shopping, entertainment and the city itself.
The Dubai Shopping Festival brings together spectacular fireworks, live performances and events across the city, but the real pleasure is discovering Dubai along the way. Spend the morning between galleries and boutiques, escape to the beach in the afternoon and settle into one of the city’s exceptional restaurants as evening falls.
JANUARY
Sinulog · Cebu
17 January 2027
Every January, Cebu City erupts into colour for Sinulog, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated festivals.
Music, dancing and elaborate costumes fill the streets as the city honours the Santo Niño. It is exuberant, joyful and unmistakably Filipino.
The setting makes the experience even more compelling. Once the celebrations are over, Cebu’s beaches, islands and clear waters offer an entirely different pace, turning a few days of festival into a longer escape.
Browse hotels in the Philippines
FEBRUARY
Lunar New Year · China & Vietnam
6 February 2027
Few moments offer a deeper sense of a destination than Lunar New Year.
In China, streets glow with lanterns as lion and dragon dances, fireworks and family celebrations mark the beginning of a new year. In Vietnam, Tết brings flower markets, decorated streets and long gatherings around the family table.
The traditions are different, but the feeling is shared. It is a time centred on family, renewal and the rituals that connect generations.
Browse hotels in China or browse hotels in Vietnam
TRAVEL FOR THE MOMENT
There are countless reasons to visit a destination. Sometimes the best one is a moment that could only happen there.
A festival can change the way a city feels, reveal traditions that have shaped it for generations and give a familiar destination an entirely different character.
Choose the celebration first. Then discover where it takes you.
FIND YOUR STAY
The celebration is only the beginning. Discover a destination, find somewhere exceptional to stay and make the journey your own.
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