Photo: Peter Iveson

Nanjing Jinling Lantern Festival, China

An important event at Nanjing Confucian Temple, Jinling Lantern Festival is recognized as Intangible Heritage of China. During the period of lunar new Year, the city of Nanjing will turn to be colorful with more than 5,000 dazzling lanterns which forms magical atmosphere along Qinhuai River bank. 

Recommended reading: Top Places to see in China

Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taipei, Taiwan

Lantern Festival in Taipei is a must for those after top Festivals to enjoy at the end of New Year. The celebrations often occur annually in Pingxi district to end the Chinese New Year. While on this event, expect to see thousands of lanterns (with various messages) in all shapes and sizes lit up and released into the sky three times per hour. It starts from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.


Photo: Laettitea P

Fête des Lumieres, Lyon, France

For new visitors to France, Fete des Lumieres is an event you should be part if you wish for some great times in this destination of wonders. Held every year in December, this festival is meant to express gratitude to Mary, the mother of Jesus. During the festive period, every local is dictated to light candles outside the house windows, and this creates a magnificent effect throughout the streets. Fete des Lumieres, with its light installations, is now one of the world’s largest illuminating festivals.


Photo: Hartfried Schmid

Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Aside from adventure, beach life or Wildlife, Thailand is a destination to appreciate for its eminent festivals. One of these festivals to marvel is the globally-known Loy Krathong. It’s held yearly – the month of November in Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong Festival (where flower baskets with candles are let to float on the rivers and canals) is intended to mark the end of the rainy season and thank the Goddess of the Water. Besides floating of baskets, the festival’s traditional dance shows are enchanting.

Other references: Top 10 Thailand Adventures


Photo: Photocheck2

Vivid, Sydney, Australia

Vivid, inclusive of the World’s great light festivals draw several fun-loving travellers from different parts of the World. It takes place in Sydney – Australia and lasts for 23 days from 24 May to 15 June per year. This winter event is a blend of light, music and public talks ( very good ). During the festival, the city’s major landmarks like Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge exhibit sparkling light arts you can’t stop admiring. More than lighting, the festival is lively with a plethora of music performances from local and international musicians.



Photo: Michel K

Amsterdam Light Festival, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Do you prefer Netherland’s vibrant cityscapes rather than its natural beauty? If that’s the case, you should time your visit in the Dutch winter to be part of the breath-taking Amsterdam Light Festival. In the course of the festival, you will cherish the gorgeous light installations and the showcased artworks by varied international artists. You can do walking tours around the city, but a boat ride along Amsterdam’s famous canals is unmatched with scenic views of twinkling lights.

Birgu Fest, Malta

With certainty, Malta is a destination that can be perfect for any holidaymaker who seeks for a charming place to spend time during autumn. Malta is spellbinding during this season, and one of the cities not to miss is Birgu that hosts Birgu Fest, the arts and culture festival. For the time of this seasonal event, the city’s winding streets are active with performers entertaining the street audience and hawkers vending traditional Maltese treats.


Photo: Stijn Van De Veire

Light Festival – Ghent, Belgium

A highlight that is unmissable when visiting Belgium is the Light Festival – Ghent. It takes place in the city of Ghent. During that time, the city is engulfed by brilliant hues of shimmering colours. Other than the great light installations presented by international light artists, the festival consists of spectacular music performances and street buzz. To take in more panoramic views of illuminated monuments and historic sites, attend the guided two hour light walk. This walk starts at Kouter.

Christmas – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its sandy beaches and numerous water sports, but Christmas celebration is another secret to marvel. It occurs each year since 1995. During the occasion, Rio de Janeiro’s residents congregate at the Rodrigo de Frietas Lagoon to behold the lighting of the largest water-floating Christmas tree in the World. Standing at 280 feet high, this tree floats in the middle of the lagoon and is illuminated with over 3.1 million lights. Visitors are fascinated by the elegant colour patterns that change every minute. If you wish not to miss the next festival, time your trip to Brazil starting from December up to the middle of January.


Photographer : Frank

Festival of Lights – Berlin, Germany

On top of its historic and religious monuments as well as architecture, Germany entices trippers with its vivacious festivals. To list some of these carnivals, the Festival of Lights in Berlin can’t miss the list. It welcomes a large number of travellers worldwide in October. In the time of the festival, the city’s vital landmarks such as Siegessaule, Reichstag and Berliner Dom are awash with bright colours. To add on that, Artists dressed as monks in neon-lighted costumes wander through the city. All exhibitions are worth to see, especially at night.

Thadingyut Festival, Myanmar

This festival does not happen in only 1 place, it is celebrated national wide. The festival is a good reason to make a Burma Tour in October. The Thadingyut starts at the full moon day to mark the end of the Buddhist lent. 
During the festive time, visitors have chance to behold sparkling temples, pagodas with full of candles.