Happy 2026! 🎉
Time to kick off the year by looking at the bright side. Yes, it’s cold across Europe, but we’re definitely not hibernating this January. From jazz nights and glowing canals to fashion runways and experimental festivals, the start of 2026 is packed with reasons to go out (or book a last-minute trip).
MICE INSIGHTS has handpicked this season’s standout cultural moments across Europe’s coolest cities (and there’s plenty more to explore in our next feature).
🇧🇪 Brussels
Brussels kicks off the year in style—and sound. The Brussels Jazz Festival (15–24 Jan) fills Flagey with smooth, bold and unexpected performances, perfect for warming up cold winter nights.
Art lovers are spoiled for choice: Ceramic Brussels (21–25 Jan) at Tour & Taxis proves that clay is anything but traditional, while BRAFA Art Fair (25 Jan–1 Feb) brings world-class art, antiques and design to Brussels Expo. Add in PhotoBrussels Festival (22 Jan–22 Feb), spreading photography across galleries all over the city, and Brussels becomes one big creative playground.
Film fans can wander through neighbourhood cinemas during En Ville! Film Festival (26 Jan–1 Feb), and for something lighter, the English Comedy Club presents Puss in Boots (30 Jan–1 Feb)—perfect for families and theatre lovers alike.
🇫🇷 Paris
In January, Paris doesn’t just do fashion—it becomes fashion. Paris Fashion Week – Men’s FW 26/27 (20–25 Jan) sets the mood, followed straight away by the magic of Haute Couture Week (26–29 Jan). Expect packed cafés, stylish crowds, and a city buzzing with creativity from runway to sidewalk.
🇬🇧 London
The London Art Fair (21–25 Jan) is back at the Business Design Centre, mixing big names with exciting new artists. Whether you’re a serious collector or just love discovering fresh ideas, it’s one of the best ways to catch the pulse of contemporary art in the UK.
🇩🇪 Berlin
Berlin does January differently. Fashion Week keeps things edgy and forward-thinking, while CTM Festival and Ultraschall Festival turn the city into a playground for experimental music and sound.
If you like your culture with a side of big questions, Transmediale (late Jan–early Feb) dives into art, tech and digital culture at Haus der Kulturen der Welt. And for a greener perspective, International Green Week (17–26 Jan) brings global conversations on food, sustainability and the future to Messe Berlin.
🇳🇱 Amsterdam
Amsterdam glows through the winter with the Amsterdam Light Festival, running until around 20 January—perfect for evening strolls along the canals. On 17 January, National Tulip Day turns Dam Square into a burst of colour (yes, even in winter).
Music lovers have a full agenda: André Rieu (10 Jan) brings classical spectacle to Ziggo Dome, while P1Harmony, DeWolff, and Halsey light up venues across the city. Theatre fans can catch Sting’s The Last Ship from 29 January, and Wereldkerstcircus continues its festive run at Carré. Wrap it up with the Femmazing Winterfestival (31 Jan) or dance your way through the month with Raving Charlie popping up all over town.
Still looking for an excuse to stay home? Try again! 😉
| City | Event Name | Dates | Venue / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | Brussels Jazz Festival 🎷 | 15–24 Jan 2026 | Flagey |
| Brussels | Ceramic Brussels 🎨 | 21–25 Jan 2026 | Tour & Taxis |
| Brussels | BRAFA Art Fair 🖼️ | 25 Jan–1 Feb 2026 | Brussels Expo |
| Brussels | PhotoBrussels Festival 📸 | 22 Jan–22 Feb 2026 | City-wide |
| Brussels | En Ville! Film Festival 🎬 | 26 Jan–1 Feb 2026 | Multiple venues |
| Brussels | Puss in Boots (ECC) 🎭 | 30 Jan–1 Feb 2026 | English Comedy Club |
| Paris | Paris Fashion Week – Men’s FW 26/27 👔 | 20–25 Jan 2026 | City-wide |
| Paris | Paris Haute Couture Week ✨ | 26–29 Jan 2026 | City-wide |
| London | London Art Fair 🖼️ | 21–25 Jan 2026 | Business Design Centre |
| Berlin | Berlin Fashion Week 👗 | Mid–late Jan 2026 | City-wide |
| Berlin | CTM Festival 🎧 | Mid–late Jan 2026 | Multiple venues |
| Berlin | Transmediale 💻 | Late Jan–Early Feb 2026 | Haus der Kulturen der Welt |
| Berlin | International Green Week 🌱 | 17–26 Jan 2026 | Messe Berlin |
| Berlin | Ultraschall Festival 🔊 | Mid-Jan 2026 | Various venues |
| Amsterdam | Amsterdam Light Festival 💡 | Until ~20 Jan 2026 | City-wide |
| Amsterdam | National Tulip Day 🌷 | 17 Jan 2026 | Dam Square |
| Amsterdam | Wereldkerstcircus 🎪 | From 4 Jan 2026 | Royal Theater Carré |
| Amsterdam | Femmazing Winterfestival ❄️ | 31 Jan 2026 | IJland |
| Amsterdam | André Rieu 🎻 | 10 Jan 2026 | Ziggo Dome |
| Amsterdam | P1Harmony 🎤 | 15 Jan 2026 | AFAS Live |
| Amsterdam | DeWolff 🎸 | 21 Jan 2026 | Paradiso |
| Amsterdam | Halsey 🎶 | 22 Jan 2026 | AFAS Live |
| Amsterdam | Sting – The Last Ship 🎭 | From 29 Jan 2026 | Carré Terras op de Amstel |
| Amsterdam | Raving Charlie 🔊 | From 3 Jan 2026 | Multiple venues |
Mice Insights 
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