January festivals and traditions around the world: what to see this month

January is a month of fresh starts, stocktaking and holidays that bring people together across the globe. In many countries, this winter stretch brims with time‑honored events that mirror local culture, history and character. From grand New Year celebrations to ancient rituals and contemporary festivals, traditions take center stage and feel especially meaningful.

Here, we look at some of the most popular annual January traditions around the world—how different nations greet the year, which customs they keep, and the kinds of events that draw both travelers and locals.

• Festival of Lights in Lyon, France
• Vienna Opera Ball, Austria
• Winter Carnival in Bulgaria (Surva)
• La Tamborrada, San Sebastián, Spain
• Snow Festival in Quebec, Canada
• Rose Parade in Pasadena, USA
• Sydney Festival, Australia
• Christmas and Epiphany festivities (Russia)
• Snow Village Festival, Karelia
• Carnival in Brazil
• Paris Fashion Week

Festival of Lights in Lyon, France

Lyon’s Festival of Lights is an annual celebration that turns the city into a brilliant open‑air stage and welcomes millions of visitors from around the world.

Its roots go back to the 17th century, when residents first placed candles in their windows in honor of the Virgin Mary, the city’s patron. The custom was born after a miracle associated with a plague outbreak: people believed their salvation came through the intercession of the Mother of God, and families lit candles in gratitude.

Today, the celebration has grown into a vast light show that spills across streets, squares and building facades. Artists, designers and engineers from many countries create large‑scale installations using cutting‑edge tech and bold artistic concepts. Landmarks like Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Opera and City Hall become dramatic backdrops for luminous spectacles.

The city center turns pedestrian‑only, inviting unhurried strolls through glowing scenes. Parks, bridges and the riverbanks of the Saône and Rhône are transformed into striking canvases for projections and art objects.

Many locals still place candles in their windows, keeping that intimate, home‑lit thread of the tradition alive.

The program spans concerts, theater, food markets and workshops celebrating Lyon’s heritage, with organizers paying close attention to sustainability. Energy‑saving technology is used, and part of the proceeds supports charitable causes. The result is more than a feast for the eyes—it’s a living blend of history, culture and modern ingenuity, and the sense of togetherness in these January nights is hard to miss.

Vienna Opera Ball, Austria

The Vienna Opera Ball is one of the world’s most storied and lavish events, held every January at the Vienna State Opera. A symbol of Austrian cultural tradition, it is a highlight of the social season.

Vienna’s ball culture flourished in the 18th century, when music and dance became integral to the city’s aristocratic and bourgeois life. The first official Opera Ball in its modern form was held in 1935.

For one night, the opera house becomes an opulent ballroom: the orchestra pit turns into a dance floor and the venue blooms with extravagant floral displays.

The evening opens with debutantes—young women in white gowns and tiaras—and their partners in tails, performing the polonaise, mazurka and, of course, the Viennese waltz. The program features leading musicians and opera singers, with works by Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven, and live music for dancing. The waltz remains the night’s heartbeat, and the elegance in motion is unmistakable.

Socialites, politicians, celebrities and guests from around the globe gather here. Dress codes are strict—floor‑length evening gowns for women and tails or tuxedos for men—down to the details of jewelry and accessories.

Guests enjoy a refined dinner with Austrian delicacies and champagne. Bars and buffets in the foyers offer classics like Wiener Schnitzel, strudel and desserts.

Far more than a dance, the Opera Ball stands as a living emblem of tradition and heritage, inviting every generation into an atmosphere of glamour, romance and old‑world ritual.

Winter Carnival in Bulgaria (Surva)

Surva, the Winter Carnival in Pernik, is a vivid, noisy and colorful January tradition and a pillar of Bulgarian culture. It is recognized on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage for its deep symbolism.

The festival springs from ancient pagan rites tied to nature, fertility and warding off evil spirits, held in winter as communities prepared for spring and a new agricultural cycle.

Participants—survakari or kukeri—wear striking costumes of wool, feathers and hide, with massive horned masks and great bells strapped at the waist. These symbolize the forces of nature and are meant to scare off evil.

Survakari perform traditional dances to the thunder of bells and drums, aiming to banish misfortune and bring health, luck and prosperity in the new year. Fire rituals—bonfires for purification and renewal—are a dramatic centerpiece.

Troupes from across Bulgaria and abroad join in, each with distinctive costumes and steps, creating a kaleidoscope of traditions accompanied by gaidas, drums and other folk instruments.

The carnival pairs with a bustling fair showcasing Bulgarian dishes—banitsa, shopska salad, lyutenitsa and warming rakia—as well as crafts from ceramics and textiles to masks and jewelry.

Year after year, Surva draws thousands of visitors. It’s a striking example of how ancient customs can pulse with life in the present.

La Tamborrada, San Sebastián, Spain

La Tamborrada is the city‑wide drum celebration held every year on January 20 in San Sebastián (Donostia), honoring Saint Sebastian, the city’s patron. It’s loud, joyful and driven by a powerful sense of community.

It traces back to the 19th century. According to legend, locals began beating on barrels and buckets to the rhythm of military marches, a habit that gradually took root. The custom is also linked to the city’s spirit of resistance and cultural identity in trying times.

Festivities begin at midnight in Plaza de la Constitución, where the city flag is raised to the strains of the anthem—setting off 24 hours of celebrations.

The hallmark is the drum parade: participants in traditional costumes march through the streets beating drums and barrels. Outfits include Napoleonic‑era soldiers, cooks and other figures from the city’s past. The processions feature music attributed to 19th‑century composer Rafael Hernández, including the La Tamborrada hymn.

More than a hundred groups of adults and children take part, turning the city into a resonant soundscape that visitors readily join.

On the morning of January 20 there’s a special children’s procession, bringing the next generation into the heart of the tradition.

It’s also a day for good food: many restaurants serve Basque favorites, with pintxos, seafood and the local wine, txakoli, in high demand.

The festival closes 24 hours later at midnight on January 21, when the flag is lowered in the same square and the final anthem sounds—leaving the city anticipating the next edition.

Snow Festival in Quebec, Canada

Quebec’s Snow Festival is one of the world’s largest winter events, held each January in the city’s historic streets. It’s famed for its thrilling snow and ice activities, lively parades and distinctive traditions that draw international crowds.

The celebration’s roots reach back to the 19th century, when residents created midwinter merriment to lift spirits. Its modern form took shape in 1955 and soon became a calling card for the city—an ode to the joy of winter.

Its cheerful mascot is Bonhomme Carnaval, a friendly snowman wearing a red cap and traditional sash. As the festival’s “king,” Bonhomme appears everywhere, setting the tone.

Each year a spectacular ice palace rises as the event’s focal point—an icy architectural showpiece hosting concerts, light shows and meet‑and‑greets with Bonhomme.

The program is packed with all‑ages activities: canoe races across the frozen Saint Lawrence River—among the most extreme and crowd‑pleasing spectacles; snow sculpture competitions where artists carve astonishing works from packed snow; and classic winter fun from tobogganing and snowball battles to dog‑sledding.

Parades sweep through the city with floats, light installations, musicians and acrobats. Themed outdoor parties keep the evenings warm with music, dancing and hot drinks. In the glow of the lights and the laughter, the city feels like a winter fairy tale.

Carnaval de Québec proves that winter can be more than cold—it can be magical, culture‑rich and genuinely exhilarating.

Rose Parade in Pasadena, USA

Held every January 1 in Pasadena, California, the Rose Parade is one of America’s most dazzling holiday traditions, ushering in the new year before massive street and TV audiences.

The first parade took place in 1890, organized by the Valley Hunt Club to showcase Southern California’s gentle winter climate and promote the region. Flower‑adorned carriages launched a tradition that quickly bloomed.

Its signature floats are entirely covered with flowers, leaves and other natural materials, crafted with astonishing detail. Millions of fresh roses join orchids, chrysanthemums, carnations and more. Themes range from cultural and historical to modern flights of fancy.

Marching bands from across the country—and beyond—set a festive rhythm.

Equestrian units are another staple, riding in costume to represent different eras and cultures. Each year, a Parade Marshal—often a notable figure from the worlds of culture, sport or public life—leads the procession.

The parade is closely linked to the Rose Bowl game, one of the oldest and most prestigious college football matchups, which kicks off right after the last float passes.

Pasadena turns into a living garden, and spectators stake out their spots hours in advance. Bright blooms, music and California sunshine make it hard to stay indifferent.

Sydney Festival, Australia

The Sydney Festival is an annual January fixture, one of Australia’s largest cultural events spanning music, theater, dance, visual art and installations. The city becomes a live stage for locals and visitors alike.

Founded in 1977 as a summer celebration of the arts, it now presents more than a hundred events over three weeks.

The lineup offers something for everyone: theater from classics to experimental work; concerts ranging from global stars to homegrown talent across genres from classical to electronic; dance that embraces both tradition and the contemporary, including performances by First Nations artists; and visual art from exhibitions to interactive installations and sculpture.

Many shows unfold outdoors along the harborfront, in the Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park, while landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Museum of Contemporary Art host major performances.

Street shows, parades, gigs and open‑air parties animate the city, with a strong focus on the culture and art of Australia’s First Peoples—storytelling, dance, music and exhibitions. Food zones spotlight standout Australian and international flavors, with seafood and fine wines among the draws.

January in Sydney during the festival radiates energy and creativity, and the city’s public spaces turn into places where discovery feels effortless.

Christmas and Epiphany festivities (Russia)

Russia’s annual winter celebrations weave together Orthodox Christmas (January 7) and the Feast of Epiphany (January 19). The mood is distinct: liturgy and family tables meet folk customs and public festivities.

Christmas traditions draw on ancient Rus’ customs around the Nativity—church services, family meals, and practices such as caroling and fortune‑telling.

Epiphany marks the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, with the blessing of water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing.

During Svyatki—the period from Christmas to Epiphany—carolers don costumes, sing ritual songs and visit neighbors who reward them with treats for good wishes of happiness and prosperity. Many cities host markets featuring crafts, sweets, hot drinks and sleigh rides; central squares glow with holiday lights and towering trees. It’s also a traditional time for young people to seek glimpses of the future through fortune‑telling with candles, mirrors and other time‑honored tools.

A classic Christmas Eve meal features 12 meatless dishes, symbolizing the apostles, and begins after the first star appears, recalling the Star of Bethlehem.

On the night of January 18–19, the Great Blessing of Waters takes place in churches and at lakes and rivers. People believe all water is holy that day. One of the most striking customs is immersion in ice holes, known as “Iordani,” with participants submerging three times in prayer—a ritual of renewal for body and soul.

Villages and cities hold mass festivities with sleighs, ice slides, dancing, songs and hearty fare. Hot tea, sbiten and blini are ever‑present companions to the cold.

Together, these days blend spiritual rites, folk ritual and winter merrymaking, creating warmth in the frost and a shared celebration of heritage.

Snow Village Festival, Karelia

Held every January in Karelia, the Snow Village Festival is a singular winter event that pairs art, nature and local traditions into a true cold‑season fairy tale.

Conceived to promote winter tourism and showcase the region’s cultural and natural riches, it quickly became a marquee event that attracts visitors from across Russia and abroad.

The star attraction is the snow‑and‑ice village itself. Expect fantastical ice sculptures—castles, folk characters and animals; themed pavilions inspired by Karelian mythology and landscapes; and snow mazes with interactive zones for all ages.

Some structures are fashioned as fully fitted ice rooms, complete with icy furniture—an atmospheric nod to the North that’s hard to forget. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting with guidance from seasoned artists. Dog‑sled rides, snowmobiles and sleighs add a dash of northern adventure, while exhibitions by painters and photographers celebrate winter and Karelia. After dark, light installations make the ice glow even more dramatically.

Music and dance from local ensembles fill the air, and staged performances bring characters from Karelian epics to life.

Markets brim with Karelian crafts, woolens and keepsakes, along with regional treats: kalitki pies with assorted fillings, fish from nearby lakes, herbal teas, and lingonberry and cranberry desserts.

The festival distills winter’s magic—shimmering sculptures, open‑air fun and warm hospitality in a crisp white landscape.

Carnival in Brazil

Brazil’s Carnival is one of the planet’s most spectacular celebrations. While the main festivities fall in February or March, many cities stage warm‑up events in January—brimming with the same energy, samba rhythms and pageantry.

Born of European traditions brought by Portuguese colonizers, Carnival was originally the pre‑Lent Catholic celebration. Over time it became a distinctly Brazilian phenomenon, blending African, Indigenous and Portuguese cultural elements.

In major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador, January brings rehearsals and local samba parades as schools fine‑tune costumes and choreography. Street parties known as blocos draw thousands with live music, dancing and costumed revelry—especially beloved in Salvador, Recife and Olinda.

Bars and clubs host costume parties with samba, bossa nova and Afro‑Brazilian beats, while live shows by popular artists and DJs keep crowds on their feet. Open rehearsals by samba schools often feel like mini‑carnivals, inviting visitors to join in.

Colorful costumes and masks symbolize joy, freedom and imagination, and workshops teach the craft of making them. Events spotlight Afro‑Brazilian heritage—from dance and music to spiritual practices such as capoeira and candomblé.

January’s Carnival moments offer a flavorful preview—enough to pull anyone into the current before the main celebration arrives.

Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week is a prestigious annual fixture that captures the industry’s attention. January traditionally showcases menswear and haute couture for the spring/summer season, and the city becomes the epicenter of luxury, creativity and technical mastery.

Its history reaches to the mid‑20th century, when Paris shows emerged as a cornerstone of the global fashion calendar. Long synonymous with art and elegance, the city cemented its role as fashion’s capital, and its fashion week set the benchmark for style and innovation.

Haute couture takes the spotlight, with leading houses such as Chanel, Dior, Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier presenting hand‑made collections crafted from the finest fabrics and techniques—works that often read as art. It’s fashion at its most conceptual.

January also brings menswear week, where brands including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Balmain and Dior Homme reveal collections that balance tradition, comfort and avant‑garde ideas.

Shows unfold in Paris’s most beautiful and unexpected settings—from historic palaces to contemporary art spaces—each a theatrical production in its own right.

Stars, journalists, photographers and bloggers converge, and spotting celebrities in the front row is part of the ritual. After the shows, maisons host private parties and gala dinners, underscoring the event’s exclusivity.

Paris Fashion Week sets the tone for the season ahead: details seen on these runways ripple into clothing, accessories and even other creative fields. In January, the city hums with style, ingenuity and momentum—streets become runways, cafés turn into debate halls, and bold ideas feel right at home.