Why Visit A World Cultural Festival?

Have you ever considered planning a trip around family friendly festivals? When traveling, some of the most memorable moments for our family have been times when we have stumbled upon cultural events.

Most of the time these haven’t been a planned part of the trip while other times we planned the visiting surrounding the festival. There have been parades, concerts, and other celebrations.

When we were young, we partied at Carnaval in Panama. In the last couple of years, we have celebrated King’s Night and King’s Day in the Netherlands.

When we were in the Galapagos, the town put on a little Halloween party with a haunted house and everything. We then meandered down the street and joined locals out having a pig roast and enjoying each other’s company. It made the evening even more special to share it with the people that lived there!

The following list of family friendly festivals are all culturally significant for the communities where they are located. It’s a great opportunity to learn first hand about another culture. What better way is there than kick starting a family vacation at a fun world cultural festival? 

Important Considerations When Booking Your Trip

Because all of the family friendly festivals and events are popular, there are a few things you need to consider.

Book Your Flight And Hotel Early

All of these family friendly festivals are fun but that also means they are going to be busy! Booking your lodging and flight early will give you more options and hopefully save you a little money. Search for a flight using Kiwi.com or Skyscanner to find a great deal!

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Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. When clicking on the links and booking travel, I receive a small commission with no extra costs for you. Please note, I only recommend brands I actually use and trust. Please see full disclosure here.

Purchase Event Tickets

Do research on the event and find out if you need to get a ticket or not. If so, buy your tickets well in advance. Also look at popular attractions in the area that you want to visit.

Trips to family friendly festivals should be planned out so that you can go to the events and other tourist attractions in the area without problems. It is one of the few times I don’t mind visiting a location when there’s a crowd.

I like tours through Viator or Get Your Guide or buying tickets to specific attractions or city passes through Tiqets.

Make Dinner Reservations

Whenever you travel, making dinner reservations is advised. It is harder and harder these days to just stumble into a great restaurant and get a table.

When there is a festival in town, there most likely will be some street food that you can eat, so you won’t starve. However, if you are looking for a high quality sit down restaurant, booking that reservation in advance is essential. 

Another option is to look into EatWith where you can dine with locals that love to cook in the community. They only have dining options in certain cities, so check out if there’s an option where you are visiting.

Familiarize Yourself With Local Culture And Customs

Many festivals revolve around religious ceremonies and traditions. Even if they aren’t religious, being aware of a country’s customs and culture before arriving is always a good practice.

Make sure you know what is frowned upon is important so that you don’t offend the culture. Remember that you are participating in THEIR festival and that you should always be respectful. 

Stay Safe And Healthy

There will be crowds at these family friendly festivals. Be sure to keep your valuables close to the front of your body and not in your back pocket, preferably in a pocket with a zipper. 

Follow all local regulations. For example, some places you can’t drink in the streets and others you can. Also, stay hydrated and have fun!

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Now Onto The Family Friendly Festivals! (Updated For 2025)

These family friendly festivals are in order by date. I updated this post which originally posted in 2024 and added a few more kid friendly festivals in 2025!

Tapati Rapa Nui

When: February 1 – 14, 2025

Where: Easter Island, Chile

What is the festival all about?

The Tapati Rapa Nui Festival is a vibrant and unique cultural celebration held annually on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It honors the island’s rich Polynesian heritage, combining traditional customs, athletic competitions, music, and dance.

Two family clans compete and, at the end of the 2 weeks, crown a queen. The competitive activities include sports, crafts and skills that reflect the island’s history and culture.

Some examples are Haka Pei, where young men slide down steep hills on banana tree trunks (so fun to watch!), canoe races on traditional-style boats and a body painting competition.

Why is it good for kids?

The Tapati Rapa Nui festival is inclusive of all ages! Children can participate in events like storytelling, craft-making and some of the competitions. It also provides a rare opportunity to experience the traditions, energy, and creativity of one of the world’s most remote and culturally rich communities.

Combining a once in a lifetime trip to Easter Island with this festival would be an incredible experience for all.

Snow Festival Japan

When: February 4-11, 2025

Where: Sapporo, Japan

What is the festival all about?

The Snow Festival Japan started in 1950 when a small group of students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park and has now grown to 3 locations around the city of Sapporo.

This family friendly festival is great for adults and children alike by combining artistic beauty through the snow sculptures, cultural immersion and winter fun.

Why is it good for kids?

Families can explore massive snow sculptures, enjoy snow slides, and participate in snow-themed activities like ice skating and snow tubing.

The Tsu Dome Site is the best for families with snow slides, snow rafting and more snow sculptures. There’s even a playground and food stands.

For more information on the various events and to plan your trip, visit the Sapporo Snow Festival website.

St. Patrick’s Festival

When: March 15 – 17th, 2025

Where: Dublin, Ireland

What is the festival all about?

Saint Patrick’s Festival in Ireland is a jubilant and spirited celebration commemorating the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. The day is marked by countless festivities, with vibrant parades winding through the streets of cities and towns, showcasing Irish culture and heritage.

Iconic landmarks, such as the River Liffey in Dublin, become a sea of green as locals and visitors alike wear the color in various forms. Traditional Irish music and dance fill the air, creating a lively and contagious energy.

Many people attend church services to honor Saint Patrick. Others partake in more secular celebrations, enjoying lively pub gatherings and feasting on traditional Irish dishes.

The warm and merry atmosphere makes Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland an unforgettable experience. 

Why is it good for kids?

There are numerous positive aspects to Saint Patrick’s festival for kids. The cheerful spirit fosters a sense of community, providing opportunities for families to come together and create lasting memories.

The colorful parades, filled with lively music and captivating performances, create an entertaining and visually stimulating experience for children. The emphasis on wearing green and the playful incorporation of symbols like leprechauns and shamrocks can spark children’s interest.

Many communities organize family-oriented events, ensuring a safe and inclusive atmosphere for children to participate in the celebrations in addition to learning about Irish history and traditions. 

For grandstand tickets to the parade and additional information, check out the St. Patrick’s Day Festival website. 

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Holi – The Festival of Colors

When: March 14, 2025

Where:  Various locations in India 

Mathura and Vrindavan for an authentic experience or Jaipur offers a well organized and family-friendly atmosphere  

What is the festival all about?

Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant and joyous celebration deeply rooted in Hindu tradition but embraced by people of various cultures and communities worldwide.

Holi marks the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of the season of renewal. The highlight of this cheery festival is the playful throwing and smearing of brightly colored powders, known as “gulal,” on friends, family, and even strangers.

Participants gather in open spaces, streets, and public squares, creating a kaleidoscope of hues. In addition, they chase each other with water balloons and engage in spirited water fights.

Traditional music and dance, along with the consumption of festive sweets and drinks, add to the infectious energy of Holi. 

This joyous occasion fosters a sense of unity, breaking down barriers as they celebrate life and the beauty of diversity. Don’t we all need a little more good in our lives?

Why is it good for kids? 

Holi is particularly beneficial for kids as it offers a unique and enjoyable way for them to experience cultural traditions and foster a sense of unity and joy. The festival’s emphasis on colors and playfulness makes it an ideal occasion for children to participate.

The fun activities involved, such as water fights and games, provide a healthy outlet for energy. Additionally, the cultural significance of Holi introduces children to diverse customs, promoting an understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

This festival encourages a spirit of sharing, kindness, and promoting positive social values among children.

For more information on Holi, read this article from Travel and Leisure. The article also includes various locations where Holi is celebrated in the U.S. 

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Keukenhof Tulip Festival

When: March 20 – May 11, 2025

Where: Lisse, The Netherlands

What is the festival all about?

The Keukenhof Tulip Festival is one of the most popular spots to see spring flowers in Holland. This breathtaking garden displays over 7 million flower bulbs with more than 800 varieties of tulips and other flowers mixed in as well.

All of the flowers are displayed in beautiful patterns and create a multi-colored carpet of spring blooms. The tulip is a symbol of Dutch culture and the festival mixes in other traditions such as wooden shoes, apple pie and even a windmill you can explore.

Why is it good for kids?

The Keukenhof Tulip Festival is great for kids. They will love exploring the gardens and seeing the different colored blooms that are on display.

There are stepping stones in the pond that you can walk on, which my son especially enjoyed. My older son enjoyed taking pictures of all the different colored blooms!

In addition, families can take a whisper boat ride through the tulip fields and there is even a maze, playground and petting zoo! All of the paths are stroller friendly too, making it really nice for parents with young kids.

Keukenhof Tulip Festival is a magical place for children to connect with nature while having fun in a safe environment.

For more information and to get tickets, visit the Keukenhof website.

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Songkran

When: April 13-15th, 2025

Where: Various Locations in Thailand

Chiang Mai is supposed to be the best place to celebrate and also the largest, but this  also means it can be very rowdy.

Phuket is another great location to join in the water fight!

What is the festival all about?

Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that takes place annually in mid-April. Spanning several days, Songkran is renowned for its exuberant water fights, symbolizing the cleansing of the past year’s misfortunes and the welcoming of a fresh start.

The streets come alive with laughter as participants, armed with water guns and buckets, playfully drench each other in a communal outpouring of joy.

Traditional rituals, such as the pouring of scented water on Buddha statues and the hands of elders as a gesture of respect, add a cultural depth to the festivities.

Amidst the water festivities, lively parades, cultural performances, and vibrant processions take place, showcasing Thailand’s rich heritage.

Songkran is not only a time for renewal and spiritual reflection but also a joyous expression of community spirit and togetherness.

Why is it good for kids?

Songkran Festival is a delightful and family-friendly celebration. First, the water-based activities during Songkran, such as water fights and playful splashing, provide a refreshing and enjoyable way for children to cool off in the warm April weather. Who doesn’t love a good water fight in the sweltering heat?

The traditional aspects of Songkran offer valuable opportunities for children to learn about Thai customs and traditions. Moreover, the festival’s emphasis on renewal and starting anew can impart positive values to children.

Read this article on Lonely Planet for a complete guide.

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Vivid Sydney

When: May 23 – June 14, 2025

Where: Sydney, Australia

What is the festival all about?

Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of stunning light displays, live music and thought provoking ideas.

This family friendly festival is unique due to its dazzling displays which are scattered throughout the city on or near iconic locations. See creative projections illuminating the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Museum of Contemporary Art; walk through interactive light installations; and visit neighborhoods such as The Rocks and Darling Harbour that come alive with artistic light displays.

In addition to the creative and amazing light displays, enjoy award winning music artists across all genres perform in unique venues from the famous Sydney Opera house to warehouses in the city or catch a talk or workshop from creative innovators from around the world.

Why is it good for kids?

Vivid Sydney is great for kids because of interactive, visually stunning displays and the variety of kid-friendly activities.

One of the activities that is good for families includes exploring the interactive light installations that consist of tunnels of light, glowing pathways and large-scale sculptures. Some special light sculptures that are especially great for kids are at the Taronga Zoo.

Be sure to watch the Darling Harbour Light Show where the dazzling light and water shows will captivate kids and adults alike with synchronized musics, projections and special effects.

You kids will also enjoy the interactive storytelling sessions, kid-friendly music, and the child-friendly talks that introduce kids to art, science and technology in engaging ways.

Visit the Vivid Sydney website for more information on this magical festival down under.

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San Fermin Festival – Running Of The Bulls

When: July 6 – July 14, 2025

Where: Pamplona, Spain

What is the festival all about?

You may not think child friendly when thinking about a stampeding bull run, but the San Fermin Festival is more than the running of the bulls. The festival honors Saint Fermin, Pamplona’s patron saint and features a mix of religious ceremonies, traditional music, parades, fireworks and cultural events.

Locals and visitors dress in white with red scarves creating a sea of color that brings an electric energy to the city.

Why is it good for kids?

San Fermin is especially good for kids due to its cultural traditions. The highlight is the parade of the giants (Gigantes y Cabezudos), where towering, colorful figures dance through the streets.

The family friendly festival also offers various workshops, games and cultural activities designed specifically for kids. Families can additionally enjoy festive music, fireworks displays and delicious local Basque cuisine.

Get more information on the Running of the Bulls and San Fermin Festival here.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

When: October 4 – October 12, 2025

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

What is the festival all about?

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned annual event held each October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the sky comes alive with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. This breathtaking spectacle attracts visitors from around the globe, offering a unique blend of visual beauty, family-friendly activities, and cultural celebrations.

Highlights include the Mass Ascension, where balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off in unison, and the enchanting Balloon Glow events, where tethered balloons illuminate the night sky. The Mass Ascension happens in the early morning on the weekends and the Balloon glows are also during the weekend.

It is a special experience to walk around the field while balloons are filled and take off. Even the days when you miss the mass ascension from the field, you can still see the amazing balloons flying above the city.

Why is it good for kids?

Our kids loved this festival when we went back in 2016. There are so many fun balloons to watch. It is a very special event.

A favorite event for the kids is the Special Shape Rodeo where the unique shaped balloons take flight. This one is especially fun for the kids where they can spot all the unique shaped balloons like a barn, Yoda, penguins, an elephant and many more.

We were in a stage in life where we didn’t have a lot of extra money to spend, but if we go back we would book a flight up in a hot air balloon to see it all from the sky.

The festival is a magical experience that combines the wonder of flight with the vibrant spirit of New Mexico.

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Día de los Muertos – Day Of The Dead

When: October 31 – November 2, 2025

Where: Various locations in Mexico

Oaxaca City: Oaxaca is renowned for its elaborate Dia de los Muertos festivities. 

Pátzcuaro, Michoacán: Pátzcuaro is considered one of the most authentic places to experience Dia de los Muertos. 

What is the festival all about?

Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican festival that takes place annually from October 31st to November 2nd. Contrary to its name, the celebration is a joyful and colorful tribute to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.

Families create elaborate ofrendas, or altars, adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, and the favorite foods and possessions of the departed. Graveyards come alive with families gathering to clean and decorate the tombstones, creating a festive atmosphere. Sugar skulls, intricately crafted papel picado (paper cutouts), and traditional Catrina costumes add to the visual spectacle.

The happy celebration includes lively parades, music, dance, and feasts reflecting a belief that the spirits of the deceased return to enjoy the offerings made in their honor.

Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful blend of indigenous beliefs and Catholicism, emphasizing the continuity of life and the importance of remembering and celebrating the legacies of those who came before.

Why is it good for kids?

Dia de los Muertos is a culturally rich and inclusive festival. First, it provides an opportunity for kids to learn about and appreciate Mexican traditions and cultural practices.

The vibrant and artistic elements of the celebration, such as decorating sugar skulls and creating colorful ofrendas, encourage creativity and self-expression.

On top of that, the festival’s focus on honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away can facilitate conversations about life, death, and the importance of family bonds.

The festive and communal atmosphere promotes a sense of togetherness, as families come together to participate in activities, share stories, and enjoy traditional foods. 

Dayofthedead.holiday has an excellent website that details the history and traditions.

Culturestraveled.com has a complete guide if you are interested in participating in the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.

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Yipeng Lantern Festival

When: November 5 – November 6, 2025

Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand

What is the festival all about?

Yipeng Lantern Festival, also called Yee Peng, originated from the Lanna culture in Northern Thailand. The purpose of the event is to show devotion to the Buddha.

The highlight of the stunning festival is the lighting and releasing of thousands of glowing lanterns into the night sky. It is believed to carry away all unfortunate things and bring good luck and a bright future.

Why is it good for kids?

Many festival activities are family-friendly, including crafting and decorating lanterns, which allows kids to participate actively in the celebration. The vibrant parades, cultural performances, and colorful decorations introduce children to Thai traditions in an engaging way.

With plenty of open spaces to roam and a serene, festive atmosphere, the Yipeng Lantern Festival is a memorable event that inspires curiosity and joy in young attendees.

For more information and to get tickets, visit the Yipeng Lantern Festival website.

Christmas Lights In Medellin

When: End of November 2025 to Mid-January 2026

Where: Medellin, Colombia

What is the festival all about?

The Christmas lights in Medellín, Colombia, known as the Alumbrados de Navidad, are one of the most spectacular holiday displays in the world. Every year, the city transforms into a glittering wonderland with millions of LED lights adorning parks, streets, and the Medellín River.

The lights form intricate designs, including festive scenes, animals, and colorful patterns, creating a festive atmosphere that stretches across neighborhoods. Each year has a different theme. When we were there in 2022, the theme was Encanto.

Why is it good for kids?

Families, locals, and tourists alike stroll through the illuminated streets at this family friendly festival, enjoying live performances, food stalls, and cultural events, making it a joyful, communal celebration that fills the city with holiday cheer.

The kids will love exploring all the Christmas lights in Medellin. The pathways along the Medellin river and the Parques del Rio area are well made and good for strollers; however, if you go, when we did, on the first day it can get really crowded.

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