2026 Holiday Calendar: Travel Destinations to Visit from October-December

From October to December, the travel mood improves exponentially. It's a season of magic and celebration, of discovery and indulgence. The time is perfect for embracing the allure of Europe’s illustrious castles and wine tours, savouring the pristine serenity of Japan’s temples and hot springs, or losing in the affluence of the Middle East. Regions like North America turn golden from the autumn foliage. Wine regions like Tuscany and Napa Valley also celebrate their harvest seasons with festivals and tastings. As December approaches, these areas transition into early winter, offering opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding in the Alps, Rockies, and other mountainous regions. 

Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere enjoys spring and early summer, perfect for visiting popular destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America. Additionally, tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and the Caribbean offer warm weather suitable for beach vacations and water activities.

Go For… Oktoberfest! Experience the world’s largest beer festival with Bavarian culture, parades, and traditional attire.

Munich’s October landscape, from its iconic beer tents to historic festivals, offers an authentic glimpse into Bavarian life. It echoes the hearty phrase “Mia san mia” (We are who we are), underscoring the city’s pride in its heritage and traditions. Munich is the place to be in October for Oktoberfest. This beer festival features Bavarian culture, traditional music, parades, and, of course, a lot of beer. The festival grounds are lively, with rides, games, and food stalls offering local delicacies. At the heart of the city's appeal this month is the legendary Oktoberfest, the world's largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair). Held in Theresienwiese from late September until the first weekend in October, Oktoberfest is steeped in tradition dating back to 1810, when it celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese.

Another culturally significant event is the Munich Lederhosn Rock & Trachtenmarkt, a festival celebrating traditional Bavarian attire, held in the bustling Viktualienmarkt. Dive into the world of Dirndls and Lederhosen, discovering the nuances of these garments while local vendors share tales of their origins and regional variations. These traditional garments symbolise the Bavarian culture's celebration, preservation, and pride. The market buzzes with expressions like "Servus!" (hello/goodbye) as locals warmly greet each other.

The Munich Stadtgründungsfest (City Founding Festival) is pivotal for history fanatics. Celebrated annually since the city’s 850th anniversary in 2008, it takes place in early October at Marienplatz. The festival highlights Munich’s rich history with medieval market stalls, historical reenactments, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. As you listen to the stories of Munich’s rise from a small monastic community to a key European city, locals will often throw in historical colloquialisms like "München mag Dich" (Munich likes you), reflective of the city’s welcoming spirit.

Things to do in Germany
Nature and architecture enthusiasts alike will enjoy the Long Night of Munich Museums (Lange Nacht der Münchner Museen). In this annual event, over 90 museums and galleries open their doors until the early hours. For a quieter yet equally immersive experience, visit the English Garden to watch the leaves turn golden as you sip hot apple wine at a local beer garden. Or stroll along the Isar River, where locals might tell you about past floods and share profoundly ingrained respect for the river—oftentimes with the phrase "In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft" (Strength lies in calm).

Go For… Also, immerse yourself in Windhoek Oktoberfest, held annually in the capital city of Windhoek. Locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy traditional German beers, cuisines, and lively music.

October is also the time for the Mariental Agricultural Show, a cornerstone event highlighting Namibia’s rich agricultural heritage and the life of the rural populace. This gathering in the heart of the Hardap Region provides a deep dive into the local farming community, showcasing livestock, produce, and Namibian craftsmanship. A trip to Namibia in October isn't complete without experiencing the Namibia Tourism Expo in Windhoek. This event, held since 1999, brings together a diverse array of cultural exhibits, eco-friendly tourism initiatives, and local artisanal products.

Beyond the events, October is also prime for wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park, as the dry season draws animals to the watering holes.

Go For… Temple visits, street food adventures, and the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern festivals.

November marks the start of the cool, dry season in Bangkok, with ideal weather for exploring temples, floating markets, and street food stalls. One of the most enchanting events to experience is Loy Krathong, celebrated on the night of the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, which falls in November. This festival, known as the "Festival of Lights," sees the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries aglow with thousands of floating baskets, or krathongs, made from banana leaves and adorned with flowers, candles, and incense. Locals release these krathongs into the water to honour the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha, and to wash away their past sins and misfortunes.

Simultaneously, Bangkok hosts the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, which originated in the northern region but is celebrated fervently in the capital. Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, their ascent symbolising the release of worries and the wish for good fortune.

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The month also hosts the River Kwai Bridge Week, and though centred in Kanchanaburi, its importance reverberates in Bangkok. This week-long event commemorates the history of the Death Railway and the hardships endured during World War II.

Visiting the Bangkok Street Food Festival in November is a must for an "Arroi maak kap!" (Very delicious!) experience. Street vendors from all over the city come together to offer their best dishes, from pad thai to mango sticky rice.

Go For… Venice Biennale, which ends its run for the year during this month.

November 2026 is an incredibly magical time to visit Venice, Italy, a city steeped in romance, history, and cultural richness. One of the most anticipated events in November is the Venice Biennale. This renowned art exhibition, referred to by locals as "La Biennale," showcases the world's most avant-garde contemporary artists in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. Wandering through the lush Giardini or the historic Arsenale, you'll hear local art enthusiasts murmuring, "Che meraviglia!" (How wonderful!), as they admire installations that blend seamlessly with Venice's elegant decaying grandeur.

Another unique event in Venice during this month is the Venice Marathon, which traditionally takes place at the end of October but often spills into the first week of November due to high tides.

Don't miss the chance to explore Venice's quieter, less tourist-filled streets and hidden corners in November. The Mercatino dei Miracoli, or the market of miracles, is located near the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. This artisan market is cherished by Venetians who might greet each other with "Ciao Bella!" (Hello, beautiful!), showcases handcrafted goods, from Murano glass to intricate lace, allowing you to take home a piece of Venice's artisanal heritage.

Amidst all the festivities, don't miss Venice's local culinary delights. November is the season for Cicchetti, which is small plates enjoyed with a spritz or wine at local bacari (wine bars). After savouring dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamed cod) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), Venetians toast with a hearty "Cin cin!" (Cheers!).

Go For… Skiing and snowboarding, with the breathtaking Matterhorn as a backdrop. The festive Christmas markets and cosy chalets make for a magical holiday season in the Alps.

December transforms Zermatt into a festive haven with rich cultural experiences and historical significance. One of the standout events is the Zermatt Unplugged Winter Edition. This intimate music festival brings together artists for acoustic performances in cosy, scenic venues throughout the village.

Things to do in Switzerland.

The Midnight Mass at St. Mauritius Church draws the local community together on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The serene glow of candlelight and the harmonious echoes of Christmas carols, such as "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night), envelope the congregation. As the congregation greets each other with "Frohe Weihnachten!" (Merry Christmas!), a palpable sense of unity and peace permeates the village, connecting everyone through faith and festivity.

For an authentic local experience, enjoy a fondue evening at a rustic alpine hut. Share a pot of molten cheese around a communal table to hear Swiss stories.

Go For… While the UAE is renowned for its scorching summers, the arrival of winter transforms the landscape into a haven for cold yet warming adventures. 

January is a festive month in Dubai, with the city hosting many events. One of the highlights is the Dubai Shopping Festival, a month-long celebration featuring discounts, fireworks, fashion shows, and entertainment activities that attract shoppers from around the globe. Besides DSF, the Dubai International Film Festival, usually held in January, showcases regional and international films, providing a platform for cinematic artistry and cultural exchange. After tiring out physically, take your tongue on a culinary adventure. You must try "Al Harees," a slow-cooked dish made with wheat and meat, and "Machbous," a fragrant rice dish with meat or seafood. For dessert, "Luqaimat" and sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup.

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Don’t stop here. We have kept this one short for better readability and experience. For other quarters of 2026, check out these different places to visit in 2026. We wish you a happy reading!