Spectacular January Destinations
Start the year with spectacular winter festivals, cultural celebrations, and summer adventures across the globe
Tournament of Roses Parade
Pasadena, California, USA
Premium grandstand seats await at Southern California's Rose Parade celebration. Marvel at Floatfest's incredible floral displays, walk through Mission San Juan Capistrano's historic grounds, and wander Balboa Park's cultural attractions.
January 1
January 1, 2026
Planning Tips:
Book grandstand seats early; secure Pasadena accommodations; plan for Floatfest and cultural tours.
15–25°C winter
Low $300–$500 • Mid $500–$800 • High $1200+
Vibes:
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
Harbin, China
Massive illuminated ice buildings and snow sculptures open from late December through February.
Late Dec – Feb
Jan–Feb 2026 (TBC)
Planning Tips:
See ice palaces at night; thermal layers; book 3–5 months ahead.
~−20°C (−4°F) lows; very dry.
Low $80–$120 • Mid $120–$200 • High $220+
Vibes:
Hogmanay (New Year's)
Edinburgh, Scotland
One of the world's greatest New Year's Eve celebrations with street parties, concerts, and torchlight processions.
Dec 31 – Jan 1
Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 (TBC)
Planning Tips:
Street party tickets; warm/waterproof layers; central hotels book out early.
~5°C/41°F highs; drizzle common.
Low $120–$180 • Mid $180–$280 • High $300+
Vibes:
Quebec Winter Carnival
Québec City, Canada
Fun with ice canoe races, snow sculptures, Bonhomme Carnaval, masquerade balls, and outdoor festivities.
Late Jan–Feb
Late Jan–Feb 2026 (TBC)
Planning Tips:
Effigy pass; night parades; ice canoe race days.
−12 to −5°C (10–23°F)
Low $110–$160 • Mid $160–$230 • High $250+
Vibes:
Summer Festivals
Cape Town, South Africa
Summer season filled with festivals like Kaapse Klopse, a vibrant minstrel parade.
January – February
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book beachfront hotels early; join local festival tours.
18°C to 26°C
Low $80–$150 • Mid $150–$250 • High $300+
Vibes:
Up Helly Aa
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
A Viking torchlit procession ending with the burning of a galley replica.
Last Tuesday of January
Last Tuesday of January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book accommodation early; dress warmly; respect local traditions.
3°C to 7°C
Low $100–$150 • Mid $150–$250 • High $350+
Vibes:
Trujillo Marinera Festival
Trujillo, Peru
Celebrates the traditional dance "marinera" with parades and horse showcases.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book hotels early; join organized tours; respect local customs.
18°C to 25°C
Low $50–$100 • Mid $100–$180 • High $250+
Vibes:
Uruguayan Carnival
Montevideo, Uruguay
The world's longest carnival, running from mid‑January through February, featuring dance parades and street performances.
Mid-January – February
Mid-January – February 2026
Planning Tips:
Book accommodation early; join street parties; experience local culture.
20°C to 28°C
Low $80–$150 • Mid $150–$250 • High $350+
Vibes:
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Tampa, Florida, USA
A flamboyant pirate-themed invasion parade, held late January.
Late January
Late January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book hotels early; arrive early for parade; join street parties.
15°C to 22°C
Low $120–$180 • Mid $180–$280 • High $400+
Vibes:
Mummers Parade
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Colorful New Year's Day parade with elaborate costumes and music.
January 1
January 1, 2026
Planning Tips:
Dress warmly; arrive early for good viewing spots; explore Old City.
-2°C to 5°C
Low $150–$250 • Mid $250–$400 • High $600+
Vibes:
Yamayaki Festival
Nara, Japan
A unique ritual of setting a hill aflame combined with quirky local festivities.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book ryokan early; dress warmly; respect local customs.
2°C to 8°C
Low $100–$200 • Mid $200–$350 • High $500+
Vibes:
Ananda Pagoda Festival
Bagan, Myanmar
Traditional pagoda celebration with dance, theater, and historic charm.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book early; respect temple customs; hire local guides.
18°C to 28°C
Low $40–$80 • Mid $80–$150 • High $250+
Vibes:
Voodoo Festival (Fête du Vaudou)
Benin
A vibrant cultural event with rituals, music, and spiritual ceremonies.
January 10
January 10, 2026
Planning Tips:
Book with local tour operators; respect spiritual customs; dress appropriately.
25°C to 32°C
Low $60–$120 • Mid $120–$200 • High $350+
Vibes:
Feria de Boquete
Panama (Boquete)
A week‑long festival filled with local food, music, and art in a scenic mountain town.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book mountain lodges early; bring layers; join local tours.
18°C to 25°C
Low $80–$150 • Mid $150–$250 • High $400+
Vibes:
Tamborrada Drum Parades
San Sebastián, Spain
Known for Tamborrada drum parades and fireworks throughout January.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book early; join drum groups; experience local cuisine.
8°C to 15°C
Low $120–$200 • Mid $200–$350 • High $500+
Vibes:
Regional Events & Mild Weather
Italy (Sicily)
Enjoy regional events and mild winter weather; January brings fewer crowds and immersive local celebrations.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book early; explore multiple cities; enjoy local festivals.
8°C to 16°C
Low $100–$180 • Mid $180–$300 • High $450+
Vibes:
Northern Lights & Winter Adventures
Scandinavia
Prime time for Northern Lights and winter adventures.
January - February
January - February 2026
Planning Tips:
Book northern hotels early; check aurora forecasts; dress for extreme cold.
-20°C to 0°C
Low $150–$250 • Mid $250–$400 • High $600+
Vibes:
Affordable Caribbean Escape
Belize
Affordable Caribbean escape with sunny warmth and vibrant local rhythms.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book beach resorts early; explore both islands and mainland; join local tours.
22°C to 28°C
Low $80–$150 • Mid $150–$250 • High $400+
Vibes:
Food Lovers Paradise
Colombia
Food lovers' paradise with warm weather and cultural events throughout January.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book food tours early; explore multiple cities; learn local cooking.
20°C to 30°C
Low $60–$120 • Mid $120–$200 • High $350+
Vibes:
Summer Festivals & Outdoor Markets
Australia
Summer in full swing with festivals, outdoor markets, and sunny vibes across the continent.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book early for popular events; explore multiple cities; enjoy outdoor activities.
20°C to 35°C
Low $120–$200 • Mid $200–$350 • High $500+
Vibes:
Dry Weather & Early Tet Festivities
Vietnam
January sees dry weather perfect for exploring Ho Chi Minh City, beaches, and even early Lunar New Year (Tet) festivities.
January
January 2026
Planning Tips:
Book early; respect local customs; explore both cities and countryside.
18°C to 28°C
Low $50–$100 • Mid $100–$180 • High $300+
Vibes:
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