With the new year just around the corner, you may already be making holiday plans for 2026.
If you’re struggling for inspiration, here are five fabulous worldwide events you might want to plan a trip around. From sports and music to arts and culture – there’s something for everyone.
1. The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Italy, 6 – 22 February
The Winter Olympics are held every four years for sports practised on snow and ice. This year, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy will host the games, with events taking place across multiple venues in northern Italy.
There will be 116 medal events in 16 disciplines, including alpine skiing, bobsleighing, ski jumping, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, and more.
The Winter Olympics offer a unique opportunity to see world-class athletes compete in sports not widely available or televised elsewhere.
You might want to time your visit to include the opening ceremony, which will take place on 6 February. As well as the traditional parade of nations and lighting of the Olympic cauldron, there will be spectacular displays of light, sound, and colour to enjoy.
2. Holi Festival, India, 3 – 4 March
Holi, the “Festival of Colours, Love and Spring” is a traditional Hindu celebration of the eternal love between the deities Radha and Krishna, and the triumph of good over evil. It also marks the arrival of spring and new life.
The night before Holi (3 March) is known as “Holika Dahan”, when people light large bonfires to symbolise the burning of evil and negativity.
On the main day (4 March) – “Rangwali Holi” – the streets are filled with people covering each other in brightly coloured powder and water. The celebrations include vibrant music, traditional folk songs, dancing, and feasting.
Mathura and Vrindavan in northern India are considered the birthplace of Holi, but events take place throughout India. From large-scale city festivals in Delhi and Mumbai, to smaller communal gatherings along the river in the villages around Hampi, there are plenty of options to choose from.
3. The French Open, France, 24 May – 7 June
The French Open is one of the highlights of the tennis calendar. It is the second of four annual “Grand Slams”, following the Australian Open in January/February, and preceding Wimbledon and the US Open.
These are the most prestigious tournaments in professional tennis, which attract the best players in the world.
The French Open is held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, which is home to multiple clay courts. Tennis fans enjoy watching play on this surface because it typically produces longer rallies than faster surfaces such as grass.
You can get tickets for this event by entering a draw on the official website, through general public sales, or by purchasing hospitality packages.
4. The Rainforest World Music Festival, Malaysia, 26 – 28 June
The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is an annual three-day event that celebrates the diversity of world music. It includes performances from traditional and contemporary artists from the local area and all over the world.
Having started in 1998 with just a few hundred attendees, RWMF is now an internationally recognised festival that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
In 2026, you can expect daytime music workshops, cultural and craft displays, delicious street food, and evening concerts set in a stunning rainforest setting. There is a strong focus on cultural exchange and environmental sustainability.
The festival takes place in the Sarawak Cultural Village, which organisers describe as “a kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals.”
5. WOMAD Festival, England, 23 – 26 July and worldwide locations on various dates
The World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) was founded by the British musician, Peter Gabriel in 1982. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2002 and has since expanded into a global event, producing over 150 festivals in 27 countries.
After a year’s hiatus, the 2026 UK event will be held at the new location of Neston Park in North Wiltshire.
WOMAD is known for its diverse lineup and family-friendly atmosphere. In other words, there’s likely to be something to suit all ages and tastes.
Beyond the music stages, there are activities for children, talks and debates, wellbeing treatments, and plenty of global food to enjoy.
This year, there will be a reduced number of tickets available, so grab yours now! Choose from three-day and four-day tickets for adults, teenagers, children, and those with accessibility needs. The price includes entry to the festival, access to over 100 free workshops, and camping on site.
Get in touch
Our financial planners in Bristol can help you make the most of your wealth so that you can enjoy more time doing things you love with family and friends.
To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at helpme@aspirellp.co.uk or calling 0117 9303510.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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