Festivals in Europe
Europe is full of festivals all year round. It’s not just in the summer, festivals in Europe happen across the year, from street parades and seasonal festivals to food and drink festivals there is something for everyone. Learn more about festivals in Europe today and get planning your next trip!
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Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
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Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
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Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
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Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
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Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Discovering the Top Festivals in Europe
European festivals are full of fun and flavour, whatever the season. With P&O Ferries routes offering flexible crossings and fuss-free travel, you can dive straight into the fun with ease and everything you need for an unforgettable adventure.
- Festival of Lights, Lyon, France
In December, Lyon sparkles with four festive nights of Fête des Lumières. Popular with people of all ages, this festival of light fills the city with beauty, floating figures and views and things to visit you don’t want to miss. - Lord Mayor’s Show, London
Every November, London comes alive with parades, music, and celebrations, blending British tradition with lively street festivities. - Sinterklaas Procession, Amsterdam
Every December, Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam with spiced biscuits, festive parades, and balcony speeches. Take the Hull to Rotterdam route for a smooth start to the celebration, where festive scenes bring sweet smiles across the city. - Oktoberfest, Germany
Held annually from mid-September to early October, Oktoberfest is one of Europe’s top beer festivals, offering Bavarian food, live music, and a lively, festive atmosphere. - Alba White Truffle Fair, Italy
From October to December, Alba celebrates its famous white truffles with tastings, markets, and culinary displays, offering a true taste of Italian tradition. Travel down via the Dover to Calais route and treat yourself to Italy’s finest seasonal delicacies.
No matter your style, there’s a festival in Europe for you.
- Food & Drink Festivals
Tuck into tasty treats at the best food festivals in Europe.
- Lille Braderie (France): Shop and snack your way through this giant flea market with local cuisine on every corner.
- Festival TREK (Rotterdam): This festival turns Rotterdam’s Vroesenpark into a feast-filled fair, with plenty of food trucks and family-friendly fun. Its street-side snacks and a carefree crowd, it’s an annual celebration of flavour and festivity.
- Bruges Beer Festival (Belgium): Sip, sample, and learn from master brewers what makes Belgian beer so great.
- Galway International Oyster Festival (Ireland): Celebrate fresh seafood with oyster-shucking contests, feasts, and coastal charm.
- Lille Braderie (France): Shop and snack your way through this giant flea market with local cuisine on every corner.
- Cultural Festivals
Want something more traditional?
- European Heritage Open Days (Northern Ireland): Held mid September every year, this event invites exploration of architectural heritage and historic landmarks, celebrating history.
- European Heritage Open Days (Northern Ireland): Held mid September every year, this event invites exploration of architectural heritage and historic landmarks, celebrating history.
- Family-Friendly festivals vs. Adults-Only
Looking for fun for all ages? Try
- Keukenhof Tulip Festival (Netherlands) offers flower-filled fields to bass-pumping beats, this is one of Europe’s biggest festivals that brings something for everyone
- Adults can head to Sonar Festival (Spain) for edgy beats and electric nights.
- Keukenhof Tulip Festival (Netherlands) offers flower-filled fields to bass-pumping beats, this is one of Europe’s biggest festivals that brings something for everyone
Top Tips for Enjoying Festivals in Europe
Planning ahead helps you make the most of every moment. Here are five fun festival tips to keep your trip smooth and stress-free:
- Book Early
Big-name festivals like Tomorrowland and Oktoberfest sell out fast. Secure your spot early and sail smoothly with P&O Ferries to lock in your dream dates and a comfy cabin. - Pack Smart
Weather in Europe can be unpredictable. So, stash layers and spare chargers. Smart packing keeps you comfy, whatever happens with the weather. - Budget Wisely
Festivals don't have to drain your wallet. Do you research and discover the best places to eat and stay whichever festival you visit. - Stay Synced
Download event apps and maps. They help you find what you are looking for and everything else in between. - Travel Stress-Free
Avoid airport anxiety. Travel with P&O Ferries for scenic sea views, no baggage limits, and a calm, carefree crossing.
Festival season is all about fun, not stress. P&O Ferries gives you a smooth and scenic way to travel.
- Luggage Freedom
Tents, costumes, snacks, and speakers, bring it all. With no baggage limits, you can pack freely, whether you are camping or visiting a day festival, luggage is endless on P&O Ferries. - Comfort at Every Crossing
Stretch out in spacious cabins, sink into soft seating, and sample freshly prepared meals onboard. - Flexible Travel Times
Want to extend your trip? Or shop after the festival? No problem. Travel your way, on your time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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