As we enter the last few months of 2024, now is the time to look at your 2025 travel plans. You may like to tie in your travel plans with one of these incredible festivals and events to experience in 2025.
Ryder Cup, New York
2025 marks the 45th Ryder Cup, one of the world’s most anticipated golf tournaments. Europe and the United States contest this cup every two years alternating playing between continents – with 2025 being held at Bethpage State Park in New York from 24 – 28 September. The Ryder Cup tournament doesn’t pay, or have a prize for, its players. Instead, it is well-known that members of the US team receive a substantial amount to donate to a charity of their choice.
Day of the Dead, Mexico
Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is always held on the 1st and 2nd of November of each year. While skulls and skeletons are usually associated with horror, the spirits of the dead are celebrated across Mexico. Mexicans look forward to this time to remember those who have passed. If you’re in Mexico for this thrilling festival, make sure you experience a vibrant street parade with flower crown and pan de muertos (traditional Day of the Dead bread) in hand.
Formula 1 Grand Prix, Singapore
Got the need for speed? Started in 2008, Singapore is proud to host the original Formula 1 Night Race. The 2025 event will be held from 3 – 5 October, taking Singapore’s bustling vibes to a new level. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most difficult F1 tracks with drivers having to contend with a ton of corners and high humidity and temperatures, so this is a thrilling event to attend! Once the F1 race has concluded, Singapore puts on a show with musicians and an epic fireworks display.
Wimbledon, London
Fancy a pitcher of Pimms in the sunshine, with a side of Royal family spotting? Wimbledon is the event for you. Wimbledon will run from 30 June – 13 July 2025, with tickets available through overseas public ballots or you can purchase on the day of. The atmosphere is second-to-none at the oldest tennis tournament in the world.
Lunar New Year, Beijing
Photo by whatsoeva on Instagram
January 29th is the 2025 date for Lunar New Year. While celebrated across Asia, China’s capital city is one of the most epic places to experience this event. Beijing holds parades and events with performances galore, and the traditional Lunar New Year food is to die for! Lucky foods include longevity noodles (said to bring happiness and longevity), fish (said to increase your prosperity) and sweet rice balls (said to bring family togetherness).
La Tomatina, Spain
La Tomatina is one of Spain’s most famous festivals, known as the world’s biggest food fight. This tradition began around 1944/45 in Buñol, a small city near Valencia, and will be held on 27 August in 2025. You can watch but if you want to participate, you must buy a ticket well in advance as numbers are capped at 20,000 participants. Trucks bring in tomatoes from the nearby town of Extremadura and dump them in the main square. Water cannons then blast to signal the start of an hour-long tomato throwing fight.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh
Founded in 1947, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the gold standard event for those in the performing arts. As the world’s largest festival of its kind, you’ll be able to pick and choose from an incredible variety of comedians, musicians, dancers and actors showcasing their talents. This festival returns each year in August with over 30 stages ready to ‘wow’ you.
Midsummer’s Day, Sweden
Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most revered events of the year. Swedish friends and family gather to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere). Midsummer’s Day will be on 21 June 2025. There are some lovely traditions like dancing around a maypole, creating and wearing flower wreaths, and a feast comprised of pickled herrings, potatoes, salmon, breads and accompaniments.
We hope this list of incredible festivals and events to experience in 2025 inspires you to start making travel plans! Join an Avalon Waterways river cruise, or a Globus or Cosmos tour in 2025.
