If you’re wondering where to travel in Europe in February, make the most of carnival season! Europe is home to several huge carnivals that rival the Carnival of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Whether you want to experience a carnival during a coastal stay in Nice or add some festivities to your Cologne city break, we’ve put together a list of some of the best carnivals in Europe.
Nice Carnival, France
When: 15th February – 2nd March 2025
Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals in Europe and the most popular carnival in the country. Thousands of visitors head to the South of France each year to experience the true colours of the Cote d’Azur.
For two weeks every February, Nice comes alive with floats and parades, including the Corsi and the Flower Parades. The Carnival Village is open day and night for a non-stop party packed with a fun calendar of events. Plan a winter trip to Nice to make the most of France’s premier carnival.
Paris Carnival, France
When: 2nd February 2025
Paris is home to one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the world. La Promenade du Boeuf Gras is among Europe’s most famous carnivals due to its huge procession, elaborate costumes and intricate masks. More than 5,000 participants pour into the streets to fill Paris with music and dancing.
The Mardi Gras parade begins in the 20th arrondissement and ends at Place de la Republique. It’s free to attend, so inject some fun into a winter trip to Paris with a visit to the carnival!
Cologne Carnival, Germany
When: 27th February – 4th March 2025
Cologne hosts one of Europe’s most vibrant carnivals, offering five days of carnival mayhem! Discover a magical atmosphere on Cologne’s historic streets, as well as in local pubs, restaurants and venues. The carnival begins on Weiberfastnacht with the Women’s Carnival, and the calendar unfolds over the weekend with several processions, performances and celebrations, including parades from local schools.
On Rose Monday, the Rosenmontag parade takes place in the city centre. Floats, foot groups, musicians and dancers flood the streets as the procession moves through the streets – don’t miss this, as it’s one of the biggest parades in Germany. Violet Tuesday is the last day of the parade and marks the end of the celebrations.
Dusseldorf Carnival, Germany
When: 27th February – 3rd March 2025
At the end of February each year, Dusseldorf comes alive with colour for the Dusseldorf Carnival. The entire city centre transforms into a four-day party, attracting revellers of all ages who partake in the fun. From themed, home-made costumes to a grand procession of floats on the final day, Dusseldorf Carnival is one of Europe’s most spectacular carnivals.
It features a full calendar of events that reflect rich traditions, including Altweiberfastnacht, or Women’s Carnival Day, when the women of the city storm the Rathaus, and the Rosenmontagszug, or the Rose Monday Parade, where a parade of famous satirical floats winds through the streets.
Maastricht Carnival, The Netherlands
When: 2nd – 4th March 2025
By tradition, the Maastricht Carnival season begins on de-elfde-van-de-elfde, or the eleventh of the eleventh (November 11), and culminates in a three-day weekend of fun six weeks before Easter Sunday. Over carnival weekend, crowds of tourists and locals congregate in the historic streets to enjoy Zete Hermeniekes, or brass bands, and themed floats that form the carnival parade.
Locals famously dress up for the carnival, donning pekske (costume) that fully embraces the fun and whimsy of the carnival season. Complete with a designated family day and a Carnival Prince, Maastricht Carnival is the best carnival in Europe if you’re looking for a fun-filled experience for the whole family.
Binche Carnival, Belgium
When: 2nd – 4th March 2025
Binche Carnival originated in the 14th century and is now one of the most famous carnivals in Europe. Steeped in history and local traditions, it’s a raucous event filled with traditional costumes, clowns, jugglers and musicians that march through the streets as part of the impressive Mardi Gras parade.
Visit Binche to experience the magic of the carnival, and be prepared to catch an orange that more than a thousand Gilles throw into the crowd during the parade – it’s a sign of good luck!
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