Fact checked on 20th September 2025
In this Article
Everyone loves a grand celebration, and there’s nothing quite like a parade to bring people together. Across the globe, parades showcase dazzling costumes, larger-than-life floats, lively music, and traditions that go back centuries. Whether you are chasing colour, culture, or carnival, these are some of the world’s greatest parades to add to your travel list in 2025.
Parades attract huge crowds, so plan ahead, book accommodation early, and consider comprehensive travel insurance to keep your celebrations with added peace of mind.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession – Scotland
Each December, Scotland rings in the New Year with Hogmanay, one of Europe’s most famous celebrations. Hogmanay is the Scottish word for New Year’s, and in Edinburgh, it’s transformed into a multi-day festival of fire, music, and unforgettable moments.
A highlight is the Torchlight Procession on 29th December 2025, where thousands carry blazing torches down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, creating a mesmerising “river of fire” that lights up the historic city. Starting at The Meadows and winding through the Old Town, the procession features street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands, and even Vikings from Shetland, blending ancient tradition with modern spectacle. The night ends with fireworks over Calton Hill.
Next Torchlight Procession: 29th December 2025
On 30th December, the celebrations keep rolling with the Night Afore Hoolie, a lively outdoor concert in Princes Street Gardens, where top Scottish acts get everyone dancing under the winter sky.
Then comes the legendary Hogmanay Street Party on 31st December, with live music, ceilidh dancing, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle, an unforgettable way to welcome the New Year.
And just when you think it’s all over, 1st January 2026 brings the quirky Loony Dook: a New Year’s Day tradition where brave locals and visitors take a chilly dip in the Firth of Forth, starting the year with a splash of Scottish spirit and a lot of laughter.
India’s Holi Festival – India
Known as the Festival of Colours, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, rooted in ancient Hindu mythology.
The streets of India transform into a joyful playground where people smear each other with coloured powders and splash tinted water using squirt guns and water balloons. The air is filled with music, dancing, and the aroma of delicious food shared among communities. Cities such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Mumbai, and Delhi host some of the most spectacular celebrations.
Next parade date: 3-4 March 2026 (Holi is celebrated the day after the full moon in March; dates vary slightly each year)
Travel tip: Wear old clothes and protect your eyes and electronics, because by the end of the day, you'll be covered in a kaleidoscope of colours! For those with respiratory sensitivities, consider using natural, skin-safe powders and wearing a mask in crowded areas.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York City, USA
No list of parades would be complete without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the world’s largest parade and a New York City tradition since 1924. Each year, millions line the streets of Manhattan to watch enormous character balloons, Broadway performances, celebrity appearances, and marching bands.
The route stretches for nearly three miles, beginning at Central Park West and culminating at Macy’s Herald Square. The parade is also broadcast live, making it one of the most-watched holiday events in the world.
Next parade date: 27 November 2025 (held annually on Thanksgiving Day)
The parade also marks the start of the American holiday season, leading straight into Christmas festivities. For visitors, attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a quintessential New York experience, one that combines tradition, creativity, and community spirit on a grand scale.
The parade takes place on 23rd November to celebrate Thanksgiving, a day when Americans give thanks for their good fortune and get together with family to enjoy a turkey dinner feast. The holiday also officially kicks off the Christmas shopping season.
Esala Perahera – Kandy, Sri Lanka
Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, the Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of Asia’s most spiritual and visually striking festivals. Held annually in Kandy, this ten-day event honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, one of the most significant religious artefacts in Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Each evening, the city comes alive with a procession of ornately decorated elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire-breathers, whip-crackers, and drummers. The streets are lined with thousands of spectators as the parade winds through the city, blending spiritual devotion with theatrical spectacle.
The most iconic moment is the appearance of the Maligawa Tusker, the lead elephant who carries the golden casket, said to contain the relic.
Next parade dates: 18–28 August 2026
This centuries-old tradition draws both pilgrims and international visitors seeking deep cultural immersion. Attendance is free, but seating in viewing stands is limited and often ticketed, early booking is recommended.
Mardi Gras – New Orleans, USA
Each year, New Orleans bursts into colour, music, and celebration as Mardi Gras takes over the city. From the French Quarter to Bourbon Street, the atmosphere is electric, filled with parades, masquerade balls, and the joyful chaos of beads flying through the air. Local “krewes” spend months designing elaborate floats that roll through the streets, tossing trinkets, doubloons, and good vibes to the cheering crowds.
Next parade season: 6 January – 17 February 2026
The festivities build up to Fat Tuesday, the grand finale of the season, which falls on 17 February in 2026.
Insider tip: Hotels sell out quickly, so book well in advance if you plan to join the festivities.
St Patrick’s Festival – Dublin, Ireland
No one throws a party quite like the Irish, and Dublin is where the magic truly happens. While cities around the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day, nowhere does it with quite the same heart, humour, and high-energy spirit as Ireland’s capital.
The St Patrick’s Festival stretches across several days in March, filling the city with live music, Celtic dance, street theatre, and family-friendly events. But the main event? The St Patrick’s Day Parade on 17th March 2026, a spectacular, high-energy procession of floats, marching bands, and performers from across the globe. The route winds from Parnell Square to St Patrick’s Cathedral, with thousands lining the streets in a sea of green.
Next parade date: 17 March 2026
Expect outrageous costumes, infectious laughter, and a celebration of Irish culture that’s equal parts tradition and pure fun. Whether you're there for the music, the Guinness, or just the good vibes, Dublin’s parade is a bucket-list experience you won’t want to miss.
Final Travel Tips for Parade-Goers
Attending major parades around the world can be a memorable experience, but it requires careful planning. Here are essential tips to help you prepare:
- Confirm dates early – parade schedules may vary annually, especially those tied to lunar calendars.
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing location, particularly for popular events with limited access.
- Wear appropriate footwear – expect extended periods of walking and standing.
- Pack essentials – include water, snacks, sun protection, and a lightweight rain jacket.
- Book accommodation in advance – hotels near parade routes often sell out months ahead.
- Review local transport options – road closures and crowd control measures may affect access.
- Consider travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or cancellations.
The Bottom Line
Parades offer a unique lens into the cultural identity of a destination, whether it's the spiritual reverence of Sri Lanka’s Esala Perahera, the vibrant chaos of India’s Holi, or the historic grandeur of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. These events are more than spectacles; they are deeply rooted traditions that attract millions of travellers each year.
For those planning to attend a major parade in 2025 or early 2026, preparation is key. From securing accommodation early to understanding local transport and crowd conditions, a well-organised itinerary can make the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless experience.
Given the scale and popularity of these events, travellers are advised to consider comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage can assist with unexpected delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings, adding peace of mind so that your focus remains on the celebration.