Throughout the Benelux region, there are many holidays and festivals that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of these nations. During these events, expect parades, celebrations, fireworks, processions and commemorations as well as business closures, more tourists and heavier traffic.

This is the largest film festival in Belgium and welcomes over 100,000 attendees annually. Since 1974, it has aired a variety of shorts and films with a new theme chosen each year.

This is a public holiday in Belgium and Luxembourg, and may also be observed by some in the Netherlands. It honors all of the saints of the Christian faith with some observances beginning on All Saints’ Eve, also called All Hallows’ Eve or Halloween (Oct. 31) and extending through early November.

This holiday recognizes the official end of World War I, which occurred Nov. 11, 1918, throughout Europe. Expect moments of silence, wreath laying and military parades.

With 55,000 sq. meters of wintertime fun, this is the “Netherlands’ largest winter event.” Come out for ice skating, performances, activities, the Balloon Voyage, light displays and much more.

Saint Nicholas Eve (Dec. 5) and Saint Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) are the days that children prepare to receive their gifts from the saint himself. Sometimes they leave out slippers to receive the gifts; naughty children might end up with bundles of sticks.

These days are about family, slowing down, decorating the Christmas tree and celebrating the season. Religious people may choose to attend Midnight Mass and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec. 25. Gift exchanging tends to happen earlier in the month.

Say goodbye to the old year and bring in the new one. In some countries, you may see fireworks. In others, you can participate in cold water plunges.

This Luxembourgish holiday is all about the children. They go door to door holding lanterns and singing songs in exchange for treats. Once you open the door to the children, they begin to sing the traditional song “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen.”

This annual event in Belgium brings over 20 light animations and installations for your viewing pleasure.

All three nations celebrate Carnival. Carnival is a time to take part in parades, masked balls, costume contests and much more fun.

The idea behind Carnival is to let loose before the solemn days of Lent; however, each country varies on how seriously they stop celebrating Carnival season and start the seriousness of Lent.

Beginning with Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday, this religious holiday commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout these countries you can expect traditions such as the flying bells (where the chruch bells go silent from the Thursday before Easter until Easter Sunday), egg hunts, church services and feasts.

While the Keukenhof Gardens’ tulip celebration in Lisse and the Amsterdam Tulip Festival are the most famous tulip-related events, you can see tulips all over the Netherlands during this season.

People of the Netherlands know how to throw a birthday party: dancing, music, fun fairs and flea markets. Celebrating the birthday of Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, make sure to wear bright orange on this day in honor of the royal family’s lineage in the House of Orange.

Also known as May Day this holiday is celebrated throughout Europe. It celebrates a break from work, but also the coming of spring.

All 27 nations of the European Union take part in this holiday that commemorates the May 9, 1950 speech delivered by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman. Known as the Schuman Declaration, it is believed to have set the foundation for the EU as we know it today.

Known colloquially as the Doudou, this annual festival in Mons, Belgium, takes place during Trinity Weekend (scheduled around the first Sunday after Pentecost and honors the Holy Trinity of Christianity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit).

It is free to attend and watch reenactments of St. George slaying a dragon which is roughly 30-feet tall!

Ascension Day (May 6) commemorates Jesus Christ ascending to Heaven. Whit Sunday and Whit Monday (May 16-17), are Christian holidays that commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit and establishment of the Christian church.

Luxembourg celebrates the Grand Duke’s birthday with traditional events such as military parades and a religious service known as Te Deum. Since it was originally set on the duke’s birthday, the date has changed constantly since 1815, as new leaders took over; however, June 23 has been the official date since 1961.

Check out “Belgium’s biggest music festival” featuring music from multiple genres. In 2026, performers included A Perfect Circle, The Cure, Halsey and Mumford and Sons.

Originally celebrated in September to recognize the expulsion of the Dutch from the area,  this holiday was moved to July to commemorate the initiation of Leopold I as the first Belgian king on this day in 1831.

This multi-weekend music festival has grown from a small event to one of the most well-known and iconic EDM musical festivals in the world. It is held in the small town of Boom and welcomes over 400,000 people annually.

Also known as “The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” this holiday is celebrated by Christians throughout Europe. It commemorates the Virgin Mary’s ascension into Heaven at the end of her life.

This annual event is the “largest funfair in Luxembourg and the greater region.” Spread across almost 10 acres in the Luxembourg City center, come out for fair rides, performances, food and fireworks.

Festivals

Holidays

Benelux

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