Country: Italy

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a fun family event at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake. The festival lasts for a few months and offers plenty of entertaining activities.

The festival honors some of the cuisines and cooking techniques from around the world, and hosts seminars and workshops. Also, there are music shows and delicious dishes, sweet treats, fine wine, craft beer, much more.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an excellent choice for family fall festivals, as it offers fun for the entire family. While parents can taste wine, children can enjoy rides and take part in the games.

If you are traveling to Orlando for the festival, make sure to book a place on time. You can get inspiration on our list of Best family hotels in Orlando. For more information about the city check our Travel guide.

Dates to be confirmed!

Jack-o-Launch at Pumpkinfest is a stunning autumn festival, with pumpkins as the protagonist. The festival takes place in October and features competitions in pumpkin hurdling as the primary event.

Additional activities on the Jack-o-Launch at Pumpkinfest are hayrides, concerts, scarecrow making workshops and plenty of autumn comfort food.

Hurling pumpkins are something your children will remember for sure!

Denver is a beautiful autumn destination. Learn more about this city with our travel guide and find a place to stay in some of the best family hotels in Denver.

Dates to be confirmed!

The Chocolate Fair in Paris or ‘Salon du Chocolat’ how they call it, is an annual event to celebrate the art of chocolate making. Chocolate artists and other professionals come together to show their art to the public.

Every year in October and early November you can visit this delicious fair in Paris, France. At the fair chocolatiers, chefs, designers, and pastry chefs come together to show what they can do with chocolate. The fair is a complete day out because there are over 700 exhibitors at the fair.

This is the place to see and taste what is new in the world of chocolate. There will be a wide variety of tastes, sights, and cocoa beans from all over the world. Every day your children can participate in workshops to make chocolate, bonbons, and pastries.

Besides chocolate tasting, buying chocolate, and workshops there will be various cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs. But the main event of the fair is the Chocolate Fashion show where you can see the most incredible outfits made of chocolate

For more information about the Chocolate Fair in Paris, you can read more on this website. Get the best hotel deals for Paris here.  And check out the best hotels in Paris and the rest of Europe.

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Fires de Saint Narcis in Girona is one of the most thrilling festivals in Spain. Even though this festival is held in Autumn, the city will warm up a notch. This is all thanks to the incredible amount of interesting and activities.

This festival will be held every year in honor of Girona’s Saint Narcis. You can enjoy competitions, concerts, sports activities, theater expositions, games and the spectacular ‘Correfoc’.  This is when people dressed up like demons will run around the city with fireworks attached to their backs. It is terrifying and thrilling at the same time.

The main events will take place in the center of Girona in ‘Parc la Devesa’. Most bars will be located here. The 29th of October is the day of Saint Narcis and therefore the biggest celebrations will be held this day. You might enjoy the Castalleros who try to make the biggest human tower possible, you can feel the tension in the air.

If you want additional information about all the activities of Fires de Saint Narcis in Girona you can take a look at this website. When you are planning your trip to Girona we recommend you to visit the Costa Brava as well and stay at one of these hotels.

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Experience the holiday magic in the famous Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami.

You can expect more than 100 rides, performances, dazzling holiday lights, delicious treats, and some quality Santa time.

The carnival rides for the entire family such as Flying Submarine, Haunted Mansion, Merry Go Round, Monkey Maze Mirrors in the carnival area will make you hungry. Take a break, grab a bite on one of the 50 food vendors offering holiday specialties.

Don’t miss holiday display and interactive kid games in Santa’s Enchanted Forest. Watch the magicians shows and complete the day with some interesting activities!

Find out more about Miami in our Travel guide. If you need a place to stay, our list of Best family hotels in Miami can serve as a starting point.

Dates to be confirmed!

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Across Germany, there are many Christmas markets, but the Christmas market in Stuttgart is one of the biggest and prettiest ones. It features stunning Christmas decoration on the roof of more than 300 stalls, alongside light sculptures and Christmas trees.

The Christmas market in Stuttgart takes place in several locations, and you can enjoy a charming Finnish Christmas village on the Karlsplatz with unusual delicacies and antique market offers.

Go shopping for souvenirs, warm up with the hot mulled vine or chocolate while listening to Christmas in some of the most beautiful German cities. There is also an ice rink and interesting rides for children.

Have you checked our list of Top ten family-friendly cities in Europe? Find the best deals on hotels and resorts here.

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If you are ready for a spicy, friendly contest, make sure to get the tickets for Orlando chili cook-off! It is an annual contest for chili lovers and cooks, where people gather to have fun and try some delicious food.

One of the highlights of this family event is the World Chili Eating Challenge. Some competitors finished the spicy challenge in six minutes, but we are impatient to see what will be this year’s record.

If you think you can make hot chili, the Orlando chili cook-off is the place to be to showcase your skills! As for other entertaining activities, you can attend music shows and take your kids to the Kids Zone to play in bounce houses and participate in interactive games.

Going to Orlando? Make sure to check our Travel guide before you head up in this enchanting city. Make sure to book a place on time. You can find useful information on our Best Family Hotels in Orlando list.

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The Spring Fiesta in the Park is an entertaining family event in Orlando Downtown which promotes fun, games, arts, food. It is a pet-friendly event, and it offers outdoor fun for the entire family!

The children’s playground area is huge and every year offers something new – a new game, face painters, rides, bouncing castles.

The event gathers more than 200 crafters and exhibitors for two days of the festival. You can attend jewelry workshops, enjoy photography and paintings exhibits, etc.

The Spring Fiesta in the Park is a much loving family festival, which can be a great idea for a spring family getaway.

Don’t miss our Family Orlando Travel guide. Find a place to stay on our list of Best family hotels in Orlando.

St. Martin’s Day in Maribor, Slovenia is an annual event to celebrate the harvest.

This event is visited by over 20,000 people. And it is a celebration of autumn in the city’s town square. Traditionally, it is a celebration of the harvest. It is accompanied by processions of wine queens, harvesters, and folklorists. Furthermore, you will see representatives of wine orchards and farmers who will treat you to their produce.

This festival is held in honor of Saint Martin. This saint is said to transforms must into wine. So every year the people celebrate the saint did his job again. So, people from Maribor and nearby villagers will come together to attend the ceremonial blessing of the must.

While visiting the festival, you are invited to join the people of Maribor in their festivities. Dance and chant with the villagers to local music ensembles. Also, don’t forget to try the local food and drinks. You’ll find them in the stalls provides by farms, winemakers, vinegrowers, and restaurants. After all, this is a great place to experience local life and culture.

Go to this website to learn more about the St. Martin’s Day Maribor Slovenia. Check out our page with guides and tips about traveling in Europe and check out the best hotel deals for you and your family.

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Made in Hawaii Festival features small Hawaiian small businesses in the industry, showing the authentic Hawaiian products in a fun and entertaining way. You can get to know better the Island specialties, buy natural products, cheese, butter, olive oil with garlic seasoning, delicious coffee, taste sweets, purchase authentic jewelry pieces and much more.

The highlight of the festival is the demonstration of cooking skills by some of the most prominent chefs in Hawaii. The purpose of the Made in Hawaii Festival is to connect like-minded people and promote the sustainability of the people all around the Hawaii Islands.

It is a beautiful and fun-friendly event with lots of exciting things to see, try and experience. The music part of the festival features award-winning music talents.

Going to Hawaii for a family trip? Make sure to check our Travel guide and list of Best family hotels in Hawaii.

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Magical Winter Lights is a lantern festival, the biggest holiday festival in Houston, Texas, and the greatest of its kind in the US. Lantern attractions include the Kingdom, ice, and Houston-themed setups.

There are numerous lantern sets in several themed sections, as well as the Christmas village and entertaining Dyno zone. Christmas village is a place where you can refresh, eat delicious food, and enjoy a delightful holiday atmosphere.

Magical Winter Lights includes carnival rides in Disney theme, a Chinese arts & crafts section as well as entertaining cultural performances.

Luckily, the festival lasts for more than 50 days, so you will have time to explore every inch of it.

For more useful information on Texas, please read our Travel guide. If you need more advice on family trips, check the Travel with kids section, with advice on how to travel with toddlers and older children.

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Are you ready for a family adventure called Christmas in the Tierpark in Berlin, Germany? During the holiday season, Europe’s largest zoo lits up for Christmas lights and sculptures, creating magical wonderland on 160 hectares.

During the walk, you will notice bright stars around the trees, roof installation, and more than 30 light sculptures.

The Christmas in the Tierpark is the second-largest event of its kind in Germany. For the light show, the Friedrichsfelde Palace gets its festive decoration.

The Tierpark light show in nature is a great way to explore the zoo and enjoy the holidays!

Check the list of top ten family-friendly cities in Europe! For more places to visit, check our Destination section.

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If you are in the mood for magical holiday wonderland, don’t miss the Sugar Land Holiday Lights outside of Houston, Texas. The Constellation Field becomes home to more than 3 million lights in marvelous setups, Santa Claus, and many attractions.

The Sugar Land Holiday Lights is the best holiday festival in Houston and further. On eight themed areas, you can find delicious food, enjoy the magical lights shows and holiday movies watch shows.

Of course, Santa will have its appearance and this holiday festival is open every weekend for more than a month.

If you are visiting Texas for the first time, make sure to check our Texas Travel Guide. For more fascinating places to visit, check our Destination section.

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Take a walk through the magical Christmas Garden in Berlin and become a part of the fairytale. From November to January, a Botanical Garden in Berlin lits up with the holiday decor and artistic lights.

The route is two kilometers long with more than a million lights and plenty of light sculptures.

Your children will love the Christmas 3D light figures across the Christmas Garden in Berlin and the 300 meters long ice rink. If you get tired you can heat up with a cup of warm beverage and bites of delicious food.

Learn more about beautiful Berlin or pick a new destination and learn all about it in our Destination section!

Opening dates to be confirmed!

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The Miami International Dragon Boat Festival is a fun and exciting event that mimics the ancient boat races. People can compete in a joyful atmosphere regardless the age, or you can enjoy watching the race with friends and family.

The entire organization of The Miami International Dragon Boat Festival is fun and starts with the list of fun activities. Gather the team, pick the spokesperson, make a poster, and wait for the race day to arrive.

If you choose to observe the races, you will be glad to hear that between the competition part there is plenty of things to do. Those include kids’ games, food vendors, expo area, live music shows, and much more.

Check the Miami Travel Guide for more information about things to see and do in Miami. For places to stay, read our list of Best family hotels in Miami.

Dates to be confirmed!

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The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a wonderful event that features more than 200 trees in the Michigan Avenue in Chicago lit up in a week before Thanksgiving.

The mile-long avenue of stunning trees is not the only attraction within this festival. You can enjoy numerous family-friendly activities such as the free zoo and family parade with Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse.

Additional activities include ice-skating in Millenium Park, Wreathing of the lions at Art Institute of Chicago, Holiday shows and much more.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival symbolizes the beginning of the Holiday season in Chicago.

Chicago is beautiful every season and while you are there don’t forget to go sightseeing and find the most exciting spots in our Travel guide. Make sure to check our list of Best family hotels and book a place on time!

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An annual H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade is an old tradition that includes local celebrities, marching bands, floats, etc. Thousands of trail riders gather for this family event, which you watch live or attend for free.

Some highlights of the H-E-B Houston Thanksgiving Day are Parade dance groups, Bellville Brahmadoras, Carnaval de Barranquilla. Some highlights in the past were Olivia the Pig, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Magical school bus balloons.

Parade-goers can enjoy the theater performances from some of the greatest musicals ever. If you want to experience a great Thanksgiving parade in the US style, Houston is a place to be!

Get the best out of Texas with our Travel guide. For more information and advice on family trips, check our Travel with kids section.

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The Cologne Christmas Market is one of the iconic holiday markets in Germany. It consists of several markets dotted around the historical city of Cologne. It is a big event attracting visitors from all over Germany other country’s.

The markets will be held in the month leading up to Christmas. Therefore, it is a great place and opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit. And while you are buying your Christmas gifts and decorations you can feast on some local treats. Get yourself some hot roasted nuts or a giant pretzel while you drink some mulled wine.

There are many markets in Germany during the holiday season but the one in Cologne stands out. The market is decorated with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and decoration. And all that with the big cathedral as a backdrop. And even if there isn’t any snow during your visit there is an ice-skating rink to complete the winter wonderland.

We do recommend booking your Cologne hotel in advance. Because the market is incredibly popular.

The Cologne Christmas Market will welcome you with open arms. But there are many more Christmas markets and events in Germany to enjoy. And while you are already in Germany don’t forget to visit the impressive city of Berlin.

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The Munich Christmas Markets (Munich Christkindlmarkt) is famous all over the world. And as you might suggest there is not just one market but many.  There are 24 markets ready for your visit. During the Advent period, you can wander the streets of Munich for days to indulge yourself in the holiday spirit.

Because there are 24 different markets there is something for everybody. You can enjoy music, food, arts and crafts. And for children, there is a lot to see and do as well.  The most famous of them all is the Chriskindlmarkt on Marienplatz. Apart from being the most famous, it is the oldest and most centric market. Dotted all over the square you find over a hundred stalls with food, crafts, and local produce.

Germany is renowned for its hearty comfort food like bratwurst and gingerbread cookies. But you will find many more delicacies in these markets. Adults can warm themselves with a cup of hot wine, and the children can drink hot chocolate milk with a sugared apple.

Here you can find more information about the Munich Christmas Markets. While you are in Germany you can visit Europa Park or other Amusement parks in Europe. And if you have German roots you might like to find your German heritage.

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The Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the largest markets holiday-spirited markets in Germany.  The month-long market is set in the scenic historical center of Leipzig which only adds to the festive atmosphere.

The story says the market has been held in Leipzig since the year 1458. Because the market is set in the photogenic historical center of Leipzig you can imagine how it would look hundreds of years ago. History does not only stay in our minds and imagination. The famous 100-year-old Carousel at the market will literally take you back in the past.

There are six areas with more than 250 stalls where you can find anything from local food to handicrafts and antiques. All six areas have their own theme and appeal. For example, at the Naschmarkt behind the Town Hall, you can find handicrafts. The handicrafts are made with old techniques and craftsmanship which can only be inherited.

The Finnish Village is a world of wonders where adults and children alike will amazed. Let your imagination run and let your mind wander off to sages and legends at the Fairy Tale Forest.

Read more about the Leipzig Christmas Market to learn more about the program. There are plenty of other interesting Christmas markets and events in Germany you can read about. And while you are in Germany we recommend you to visit the sparkling city of Berlin as well. Berlin is a great family destination. Check out more events here.

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The Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France, or the ‘Christkindelsmärik’ how they call it, is one of the oldest in Europe. The name is not French, but an old German dialect called Alsatian, and means ‘Market of the Christ child’. 

Around 2 million people visit the market every year. The market is so famous that hotels are booked up to one year in advance.

This market has everything you wish for in a Christmas market and will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. Once you arrive at the market you will be welcomed with miles of Christmas lights, hundreds of stalls, and one of the biggest Christmas trees in the world.

To complete the winter wonder feeling you can go ice skating and sip some Vin Chaud you might probably know better as Glühwein. But don’t expect red wine like in the rest of France, the hot wine in this region is White.

And while you are there don’t forget to enjoy some French delicacies like crêpes, waffles, and hot chocolate. Or maybe you prefer a more hearty meal like a Tartiflette, Raclette or Fondue.

Read more about the Christmas market in Strasbourg Or, read our blog about other festivals in France you can visit.

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Visit the German Christmas Market in Quebec to get into the Christmas spirit with your family.

If you have ever been to Germany just before Christmas you probably know you don’t want to miss out on this event. Visiting this market is a sure way to get into the Christmas spirit and have a great time with your family. So, make sure to visit Quebec before Christmas.

You’ll find this magical event in Old Quebec, a great setting that adds to the winter wonderland vibe with sparkling lights, wonderful Christmas carols, and the scent of cinnamon and glühwein. It is impossible not to be amazed by this incredible place with its beautiful setting.

You don’t need to pay anything to visit this site, and you’re able to enjoy this enchanting market 24 hours a day. During this event, there will be wooden stalls where you can buy Christmas gifts and treats from Germany, including the famous gingerbread hearts.

If you want to learn more about the German Christmas Market in Quebec you can visit their website. Also, if this event sparks your interest to visit Germany, take a look at our guide to the Christmas markets in Germany and find your hotel here.

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the world’s greatest parade and the most spectacular event of this kind. It is the second-oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade and each year gets more visitors and represents a family show for the entire family and country.

The highlights of the parade are giant balloons, first introduced 90 years ago, to replace real animals. Since then, balloons have grown and gone up in the sky of 2,000 feet.

A few years ago you could see a giant Olaf balloon and a Sponge Bob floating above the streets of Manhattan.  We are eager to find out who will be the star of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

If you are traveling to New York City for Thanksgiving Day, make sure to book the place on time. Find the best hotels on our list of Family hotels, and find out more about the city in our Travel guide.

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The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the most vibrant and oldest markets in Germany. This German market is actually called ‘Christkindlesmarkt’ which means market of the Christmas child.

If you love the holiday season this market has everything you need. The smell of Christmas trees, glühwein, and sweets will instantly get you in the holiday spirit. This famous market is a lust for the eye with nicely decorated stalls and hundreds of Christmas lights.

Once you arrive at the market you will be welcomed by hundreds of vendors in characteristic wooden stalls. They sell a wide variety of goods from local delicacies to wooden toys and Christmas decorations. To make your visit even more memorable you can buy some local souvenirs. For example, you can buy the official ‘Christkind’ cookie-cutter, a cup for mulled wine, or ‘Christkindlesmarkt Punch’. This punch is a tasty treat made of cinnamon and fruits.

You can enjoy this market from the first Sunday of Advent until Christmas Eve.

If you want to know more about the Nuremberg Christmas Market click here. Find the ideal hotel for your stay in Germany here. And when you are visiting Germany you might like these other events as well.

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Blossoms of Light & Zoo Lights is an annual event by Denver Botanic Gardens. The event features a colorful display of street art.

The Blossoms of Light & Zoo Lights will have an interactive LED display to enhance the Christmas festive atmosphere.

During the event, York Street in Denver becomes lit with the Christmas colors and provides a stunning visual experience for all visitors.

Book the tickets as soon as possible, and boost your Christmas mood with this illuminating event!

If you are planning a trip to Denver, learn more about this city in our travel guide. Find where to stay with our best family hotels list!

Get your jingle bells and join the most spectacular parade in Los Angeles – the Holiday Christmas Parade!

Many celebrities have already confirmed their presence alongside the performers who will make this parade a unique holiday event. Giant floating balloons, marching bands, equestrians, and Santa Claus will wait for you on the day parade day. Charity foundations and social-responsible organizations take part in the Holiday Christmas Parade every year.

If you are going to Los Angeles, check our Travel guide to know what to see and what to do in the city. For hotel recommendations, check our list of Best family hotels in LA.

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The Festival of Trees is the most charming exhibit held in this part of the States. During four days you can enjoy beautifully decorated Christmas trees that lift the festive spirits.

The auction as one of the main events on the Festival of Trees is a fundraising event for the Primary Children’s Hospital and therefore, promotes the real spirit of Christmas.

Stunning Christmas decorations with gingerbread houses, wreaths and quilts transform the place into the real holiday Magicland.

Enjoy you are planning to visit this festival, take a short ride to Salt Lake City. You can check our Trave guide to learn more about this city. If you need a place to stay, pick one of the Best family hotels in Salt Lake City.