Great ideas to fill your calendar this upcoming holiday season

L’Escalade Festival, December 11-13

Warriors, cannons, torch-lit marches… and a five-mile race through Geneva’s Old Town. It’s the annual L’Escalade Festival, which commemorates the city successfully repelling invaders in 1602. Concerts, exhibitions, and plenty of tasty food complement the festivities.

compagniede1602.ch

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The Stuttgart Electronic Music Festival, December 12

With a lineup that includes Monika Kruse, Drumcell, Format B and too many more to name, the Stuttgart Electronic Music Festival is one of the hottest tickets on the dance scene. It may take place in mid-winter, but temperatures soar on the dancefloor.

Messepiazza 1
semf.net

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Hofburg Silvesterball, December 31

Tired of the same old New Years Eve traditions? Put on your finery and head to Vienna’s legendary Hofburg Silvesterball, where you can waltz your way towards midnight before getting down at the disco.

Hofburg Palace
hofburgsilvesterball.com

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Brussels’ annual Christmas market, November 28–January 4, 2016

Brussels’ annual Christmas market is more than just streets filled with charming wooden stalls brimming with holiday fare; you can also ice skate, hop on the Ferris wheel or admire the ice dinosaur. Cultural offerings such as music and ice sculpture round out the program.

visitbrussels.be

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The Peter Pan Cup, December 25

Since 1864, the hardiest Londoners have braved the chilly waters of Hyde Park’s Serpentine each and every Christmas Day in the Peter Pan Cup. Madness, you say? Maybe. But the 100-yard race will make you appreciate that piping hot Christmas lunch even more.

Hyde Park
serpentineswimmingclub.com

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Light Festival, November 27–February 1, 2016

It’s only been four years since Amsterdam launched its annual Light Festival, and already it’s attracting visitors from around the world. The Amsterdam Lights Cruise is a highlight. Be sure to discover the many installations and special exhibitions scattered around the city.

amsterdamlightfestival.com

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