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When festivals stretch beyond fleeting weekends and evolve into months-long celebrations, they become more than just events – they become destinations. Across the globe, certain cities transform entirely, embracing art, music, food, and performance for weeks on end. These seasonal spectacles redefine what it means to celebrate, turning urban landscapes into immersive worlds of creativity and culture. From Riyadh’s record-breaking entertainment season to Harbin’s frozen wonderland, here are some of the world’s longest-running seasonal events worth planning your travels around. Riyadh Season 2025–26, Saudi Arabia: A Cultural And Entertainment Extravaganza Every year, Riyadh transforms into one of the world’s biggest entertainment playgrounds for over three months, and the energy is simply unmatched. From October 2025 to early 2026, Riyadh Season will once again turn the city into a vibrant hub of entertainment, sports, and culture. This edition features headline attractions like the Riyadh Comedy Festival, Six Kings Slam, WTA Finals Riyadh, MDLBEAST Soundstorm 25, and Saudi Arabia’s first-ever WWE Royal Rumble. Spread across immersive zones, the festival brings together concerts, cultural showcases, family attractions, and luxury experiences, all connected by a citywide cable car system. With a special focus on Saudi, Khaleeji, and Syrian music and theatre, Riyadh Season blends regional artistry with global talent, making it one of the most ambitious cultural spectacles on the planet. When: October 2025–January 2026 | Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Dubai Shopping Festival, UAE: Retail Therapy At Its Most Extravagant Since its launch in 1996, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has redefined what it means to shop, celebrate, and indulge. Spanning over a month each winter, DSF turns the city into a glittering paradise of retail, entertainment, and culture. Beyond unbeatable discounts and mega raffles, the festival curates immersive experiences. Whether you’re exploring The Dubai Mall, wandering through Global Village, or catching a street performance under a sparkling skyline, DSF is a sensory feast that combines glamour, excitement, and sheer spectacle. When: December–January | Where: Dubai, UAE Edinburgh Festivals, Scotland: A Season Of Art, Theatre, And Ideas Every summer, Edinburgh becomes the creative capital of the world. What began as the Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 has blossomed into a two-month cultural explosion celebrating art, theatre, comedy, books, and film. The Edinburgh Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, draws thousands of performers – from global stars to first-timers – who turn pubs, gardens, and streets into makeshift stages. Alongside it, the Book Festival, Film Festival, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo make the city pulse with energy, intellect, and artistry. For two months, creativity truly takes over every corner of Edinburgh. When: July–September | Where: Edinburgh, Scotland Harbin International Ice And Snow Festival, China: A Frozen Fantasy Come Alive Each winter, Harbin in northern China transforms into a glittering wonderland of ice and light. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, the world’s largest winter event, stretches for more than a month and draws millions of visitors. Picture life-sized castles and cathedrals carved entirely from ice, illuminated by neon lights that turn the city into a glowing dreamscape. From intricate sculptures and snow mazes to international ice-carving competitions and snow-themed sports, this festival is a breathtaking fusion of art, engineering, and winter magic. Bundle up – temperatures dip well below freezing, but the experience is truly unforgettable. When: January–February | Where: Harbin, China
