The best winter festivals and nightlife events for 2026

Why winter music festivals are unmissable

There’s nothing like sharing the night with music lovers while snow falls around you.

Winter festivals go all out: from wild stage designs to themed costumes and, of course, lineups that make you forget how cold it is.

Plus, with smaller crowds than summer events, you get up-close energy and a real community vibe. And if you’re hunting for those last-minute tickets, TicketSwap has you covered.

Top winter music festivals you can’t miss this season

Here’s our handpicked calendar of the best winter music festivals happening around the world: from underground raves to epic arena shows.

Find your next winter adventure, mark your dates, and get ready to make some amazing memories.

Winter Efteling

📍 Efteling Theme Park, Kaatsheuvel | 📅 Winter season (11 November 2025 – 2nd February 2026)

Efteling’s winter edition is a magical experience for all ages, with enchanting light displays, snowy decorations, and live music throughout the park. Regular winter performances include fairy-tale bands, local choirs, and acoustic sets by Dutch artists.

Winter Efteling

10. 11. 2025 – 31. 1. 2026 • Efteling, NL

Igloofest Montreal 2026

📍 Montréal, Canada | 📅 15 January – 7 February 2026

Dance under the stars and brave the cold at the world’s most iconic outdoor winter rave. Igloofest lights up Montréal’s Old Port with ice-themed stages and line-ups featuring top electronic acts, recent years have hosted Charlotte de Witte, Diplo, and Flume.

Igloofest Montréal 2026

15. 1. – 7. 2. • Igloofest Montréal, CA

Celtic Connections

📍 Glasgow, Scotland, UK | 📅 15 January – 1 February 2026

One of Europe’s biggest winter music festivals, Celtic Connections turns Glasgow into a vibrant hub of folk, roots, and world music across dozens of venues. Artists confirmed include Scottish icons Skerryvore, Malian singer Rokia Koné, roots collective RURA, Cuban jazz stars Buena Vista All Stars, and Americana favourite Lucinda Williams.

Celtic Connections Festival 2026

pi 23. 1., 19:00 • Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox, GB

Soul Power Weekender

📍 Skegness, UK | 📅 16 – 19 January 2026

A brand‑new winter weekend festival celebrating neo‑soul, funk, R&B, and jazz‑influenced sounds in a laid‑back seaside setting. During Soul Power Weekender, expect live performances and DJ sets from The Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Leela James, Trevor Nelson, Lee Fields and more across multiple stages.

Soul Power Weekender

16. 1. – 19. 1. • Skegness, GB

Franky Rizardo presents More to Life

📍 Amsterdam, Netherlands | 📅 16 January 2026

A highlight for house music fans, Franky Rizardo presents More to Life sees Franky Rizardo take over the decks, joined by top artists for a night of uplifting grooves and community celebration.

Franky Rizardo presents More To Life

pi 16. 1., 20:00 • Ziggo Dome, NL

TIJDMASJIEN Winter Festival 2026

📍 Thuishaven, Amsterdam | 📅 24 January 2026

A playful winter festival dedicated to house and disco classics, TIJDMASJIEN transforms Thuishaven into a time-travel dance party with colourful stages and plenty of retro fun. This year’s line-up features legends like Hitmasjien, Invictim, and Lange Frans.

TIJDMASJIEN Winter Festival 2026

so 24. 1., 12:00 • Thuishaven, NL

Sneeuwbal Winterfestival

📍 Utrecht, Netherlands | 📅 31 January 2026

Sneeuwbal Winterfestival outdoor winter festival brings a festive atmosphere to Utrecht with house and techno DJs, ice skating, and plenty of winter fun. Recent line-ups have featured Prunk, Franky Rizardo, and Luuk van Dijk.

Sneeuwbal Winterfestival 2026

so 31. 1., 14:00 • Park Transwijk, NL

Grauzone Festival 2026

📍 The Hague, Netherlands | 📅 6 – 8 February 2026

Grauzone Festival is a celebrated electronic and alternative music festival in The Hague with a mix of techno, house, and cutting‑edge live acts. Recent line‑ups at Grauzone have featured artists like Reinier Zonneveld, HAAi, and Courtesy, bringing a high‑energy winter party vibe to the city.

Grauzone Festival 2026

6. 2. – 8. 2. • PAARD, NL

Karnaval Festival 2026

📍 ’s‑Hertogenbosch, Netherlands | 📅 14 February 2026

This winter‑spring celebration, Karnaval Festival, combines carnival flair with a music festival atmosphere, offering fun beats and crowd‑pleasing DJs. Expect a festive lineup that blends electronic, pop, and dancehall sounds to keep the party going.

Karnaval Festival 2026

so 14. 2., 13:00 • Brabanthallen, NL

Happy Feelings Winterfestival 2026

📍 Thuishaven, Amsterdam | 📅 28 February 2026

Happy Feelings brings sunshine energy to the winter, known for uplifting house and disco in a festive, friendly setting. You’ll catch crowd-favourites such as Morgan Seattle, Bibi Seck, and Dart keeping the dancefloor warm all day.

Happy Feelings Winterfestival 2026

so 28. 2., 13:00 • Thuishaven, NL

Tomorrowland Winter 2026

📍 Alpe d’Huez, France | 📅 24 – 28 March 2026

Take your festival season to the French Alps for an epic mix of electronic music, mountain views, and snow-filled fun. Tomorrowland Winter features superstars like Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, and Afrojack, making it the ultimate snowy festival escape.

Tomorrowland Winter 2026

ut 24. 3., 15:00 • Alpe d’Huez, FR

Can’t commit to a festival? Try these winter nightlife highlights

Not every winter celebration needs a weekend pass or a snow-covered field, sometimes you just want an epic night out.

Whether you’re chasing a legendary DJ set, discovering live music in the city, or just looking for a little winter fun with friends, these events turn cold nights into unforgettable memories.

VISSA – Gladde Paling Presenteert

📍 Melkweg, Amsterdam | 📅 9 January 2026

Start your winter off with a wild night of Dutch dance, viral hits, and over-the-top party energy at VISSA. Expect a stacked local line-up, headlined by Gladde Paling and special guests bringing fun beats and big crowd singalongs.

gladde paling presenteert: VISSA

pi 9. 1., 22:00 • Melkweg, NL

SOBER

📍 Parallel, Amsterdam | 📅 11 January 2026

Want to enter a realm of proper tunes and pure connection? Parallel’s SOBER is all about high vibes: Mattikk hold it down in the club with bass-driven sounds, while the ambient room features dreamy sets by Fenna Fiction.

Sober

ne 11. 1., 15:00 • Parallel, NL

Thuishaven w/ Nic Fanciulli / Menesix / Joëlla Jackson & more

📍 Thuishaven, Amsterdam | 📅 18 January 2026

At Thuishaven w/ Nic Fanciulli / Menesix / Joëlla Jackson & more, experience a winter night of non-stop house and techno at one of Amsterdam’s favourite open-air venues. The line-up features UK house legend Nic Fanciulli, groove-master Menesix, and rising star Joëlla Jackson, setting the tone for an epic winter celebration.

Thuishaven w/ Nic Fanciulli / Menesix / Joëlla Jackson & more

ne 18. 1., 13:00 • Thuishaven, NL

Distant

📍 Paradiso, Amsterdam | 📅 23 January 2026

Get swept away by forward-thinking electronic sounds at Paradiso’s Distant night, where the focus is on immersive beats and boundary-pushing artists. This edition features DJ sets from Distant’s resident selectors alongside surprise international guests, making for an atmospheric winter club experience.

Distant

pi 23. 1., 23:59 • Paradiso, NL

Colyn [5HRS]

📍 Amsterdam | 📅 23 January 2026

Lose yourself in a five-hour set as Colyn brings his signature melodic techno and deep, atmospheric grooves to the Amsterdam winter night. Past editions have featured guests like VNTM and Aalson, making it a night for true electronic music lovers.

Colyn [5HRS]

pi 23. 1., 22:00 • Lofi, NL

Alfa Mist

📍 Paradiso, Amsterdam | 📅 28 January 2026

London’s genre-blurring maestro Alfa Mist brings his jazz-meets-hip-hop magic to Paradiso. At Alfa Mist, expect piano, beats, and storytelling that shift from introspective to uplifting in a heartbeat, with improvisation at the heart of every set.

Alfa Mist

st 28. 1., 20:30 • Paradiso, NL

Thuishaven w/ Obskür 5HRS & more

📍 Thuishaven, Amsterdam | 📅 1 February 2026

This winter party brings the raw energy of Obskür to Thuishaven for a five-hour set, backed by a selection of standout local DJs. Expect a blend of house, techno, and infectious beats to keep you moving all afternoon.

Thuishaven w/ Obskür 5HRS & more

ne 1. 2., 13:00 • Thuishaven, NL

Mau P – All Night Long

📍 Lofi, Amsterdam | 📅 6–7 February 2026

Get ready for a marathon winter night as Mau P takes over Lofi with an extended all-night set, blending house, techno, and his signature club anthems. At May P - All Night Long, expect a packed dancefloor and non-stop energy from start to sunrise.

Mau P - all night long

6. 2. – 7. 2. • Lofi, NL

VERKNIPT HAMBURG

📍 Hamburg, Germany | 📅 13–14 February 2026

Verknipt takes their signature high-energy rave across the border for two nights in Hamburg, bringing a hard-hitting techno line-up to the city. The line-up features techno legends like KRUELTY, 6EJOU, and Raxeller.

Verknipt Hamburg 2026

13. 2. – 14. 2. • Edelfettwerk, DE

Thuishaven w/ Kolter 3HRS / bullet tooth B2B M-High

📍 Thuishaven, Amsterdam | 📅 14 February 2026

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with extended house sets and back-to-back grooves at Thuishaven. Enjoy Kolter’s signature rolling rhythms plus bullet tooth B2B M-High bringing the heat for a night of pure winter dancefloor fun.

Thuishaven w/ Kolter 3HRS / bullet tooth B2B M-High / Locky & more

so 14. 2., 13:00 • Thuishaven, NL

PULSE (Verknipt)

📍Warehouse Elementenstraat, Amsterdam | 📅 14 February 2026

Verknipt’s PULSE event delivers relentless techno and basslines for Valentine’s Day, turning up the winter heat. Expect a packed line-up featuring Verknipt’s resident DJs and up-and-coming names from the hard techno scene, such as Justin Jay, Olive Angus.

PULSE 14.02.2026

so 14. 2., 22:00 • Warehouse Elementenstraat, NL

Thuishaven w/ Prunk 10HRS

📍 Thuishaven, Amsterdam | 📅 21 February 2026

Prunk takes over Thuishaven for an epic ten-hour house marathon, delivering soulful grooves and signature energy all day and night. Expect special guest sets alongside Prunk to keep the winter party rolling.

Thuishaven w/ Prunk 10HRS

so 21. 2., 13:00 • Thuishaven, NL

VERKNIPT X GOTEC

📍 Gotec Club, Karlsruhe, Germany | 📅 21 February 2026

Verknipt brings their signature hard techno party to Karlsruhe, teaming up with Gotec for a night of pounding beats and underground sounds. The line-up spotlights top Verknipt residents and rising German talent.

VERKNIPT x GOTEC

so 21. 2., 22:00 • Gotec Club, DE

ROTTERDAM RAVE 'KICK OFF 2026' BY NIGHT X WONDER

📍 Rotterdam | 📅 21 February 2026

Rotterdam Rave launches the winter season with an all-night party, bringing together techno heavyweights and a devoted crowd. Expect a stacked line-up with artists such as Fantasm, Dyen, Klofama, Winson and high-energy sets in one of the city’s most iconic venues.

Rotterdam Rave 'Kick-Off 2026' By Night - 'WONDER presents'

so 21. 2., 23:59 • Rotterdam Ahoy, NL

Charlotte de Witte Winter Tour

📍 Amsterdam (Jan 31), Madrid (Jan 30), Ghent (Feb 6–7)

Techno icon Charlotte de Witte brings her relentless energy and hypnotic beats to dancefloors across Europe this winter. Catch her signature sets at Lofi (Amsterdam), The Bassement (Madrid), or Flanders Expo (Ghent) for an unforgettable night with one of the world’s most in-demand DJs.

Charlotte de Witte

so 31. 1., 22:00 • Lofi, NL

FAQ about winter festivals

What are the best winter festivals in 2026?

Some of the top winter festivals in 2026 include Igloofest in Montréal, Tomorrowland Winter in Alpe d’Huez, Sneeuwbal Winterfestival in Utrecht, Soul Power Weekender in Skegness, and Grauzone Festival in The Hague. These winter festivals are famous for live music, incredible light shows, and a festive atmosphere, making them must-visit events for anyone looking to celebrate the season with community and fun.

What is the best music festival in Europe 2026?

Europe is home to many iconic music festivals, from Tomorrowland in Belgium and Sziget Festival in Hungary, to Way Out West in Sweden and Primavera Sound in Spain. If you want to find out more about the best music festivals in Europe for 2026, check out our full guide: 45 of the most popular music festivals in Europe 2026.

Where is the best place to go in winter in the world?

If you love snow and winter fun, top spots include the Swiss Alps, Japan, Norway, and Iceland for skiing, Northern Lights, and unique festivals. Prefer the sun? Costa Rica, Thailand, and Cape Town offer warm escapes. For festive city vibes, try Copenhagen or Québec City for their winter celebrations.

Which European country is best to visit during winter?

Countries like the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Norway are top choices for winter fun. The Netherlands is known for its music festivals and ice skating on frozen lakes, while Switzerland offers mountain light festivals and outdoor activities. France is home to legendary festivals like Tomorrowland Winter, and Norway boasts snow sculptures and northern lights celebrations.

Where will Tomorrowland be in 2026?

Tomorrowland Winter 2026 will take place in Alpe d’Huez, France. This winter festival transforms the ski resort into a world-class celebration of electronic music, featuring snow, lights, and top DJs, such as Charlotte de Witte, Dimitri Vegas and Netski.

What is the most famous winter festival?

The Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan and Igloofest in Canada are often cited as the most famous winter festivals in the world. Both attract thousands of visitors with their epic snow and ice sculptures, live music, and winter activities.

Which city has a famous snow festival?

Sapporo, Japan is home to the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring massive snow statues, ice palaces, and live music under twinkling lights. Montréal, Canada also hosts Igloofest, a unique snow-themed music festival.

Which European country is best to visit during winter?

Many travellers love the Netherlands for its vibrant winter festivals and cosy city life, while Switzerland is perfect for snow, mountain scenery, and outdoor celebrations. France and Norway also offer unique winter festivals, festive atmospheres, and beautiful light displays.

What is the biggest ice festival in the world?

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China is the world’s largest ice festival, known for its towering ice palaces, massive snow statues, and spectacular fireworks displays.

Find your next winter adventure on TicketSwap

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Join the celebration, connect with music lovers, and make this winter one for the books.