Jet Set Go

1. HOGMANAY

Where: Edinburgh - Scotland

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When: 30th December 2017 – 1st January 2018

Imagine bringing in the New Year with 3 continuous days of partying, with a series of spectacular events. Acclaimed as one of the ‘Top 100 things to do before you die’ and recently making its way to Discover Channel as ‘Top 25 World Travel Experiences, is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival. It’s your one stop shop to joining thousands of marchers bearing firelit torches, whirling to traditional Scottish music beneath the striking edifice of Edinburgh Castle, and watching top stars and incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens! If that wasn’t enough, get ready to spend the first day of the New Year diving into the River Forth or taking a journey through Edinburgh to discover its fantastic cultural heritage.

2. MEVLANA WHIRLING DERVISHES

Where: Konya - Turkey

When: 7th – 17th December 2017

Tick off paying homage to the teachings and practices of the 13th century poet Rumi with the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes; a series of men dressed in white robes and tall hats spinning in circles. Nothing beats watching the Spinning Dervishes, if you’re looking to reflect on your spiritual self. From making you dizzy with all the spinning, to exposing you to the power devotion, this 10 day festival is everything.

3. BIENNIAL BUTTERFLY BEAUTY FESTIVAL

Where- Maolin District, Taiwan

When- 11th December 2017-31st March 2018

Take a time travel to the Maolin National Scientific Area becomes a home to millions of Euploea butterflies, having crossed the ocean to arrive. The Area is one of the only two butterfly gorges in the world to have the rare purple Euploea. Tourists from all over the world gather at Maolin to experience this breath-taking sight. If you’re lucky, you can catch an early butterfly stopping to display his ensemble of magical colour then soar high and low as he shuttles around the valley.

4. AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL

Where- Amsterdam

When- 30th November 2017- 21st January 2018

Lights will literally guide you home at the Amsterdam Light Festival, with a series of contemporary artists creating magnificent light art. The best way to enjoy the darkest months of the year is the Water Colours Cruise with light works and sculptures. If the water body doesn’t work, you can stroll down memory lane on a beautifully illuminated free walking route around Amsterdam’s Weesper and Plantage districts. Being in its 6th edition, the theme for 2017-2018 is Existential.

5. KRAMPUSNACHT

Where- Tyrol - Austria

When- 5th December 2017

The demon in your dream comes to life in the heart of Austria with the mythical Krampus; a half goat-half demon adorned with horns, long hair and fangs. Its not only men taking your sleep for a ride, the women wear masks and represent Frau Perchta, a Nordic figure that may have been an aspect of Freyja, the fertility and war goddess. Embellished with chains and bells that they lash about, along with a bundle of birch sticks, the Krampus is on a constant look out for naughty children, who he kidnaps in his sack; or so the old wives tale goes. Krampusnacht isn’t for the heart of the weak with an entire parade of demons walking through streets covered in snow, carrying torches of fire, lashing unexpected passerby’s.

6. TANGO TRAIN

Where- Amsterdam

When- 27th December, 2017-1st January, 2018

Contrary to popular belief, it does not take two to tango; be a participant or a spectator to the Tango Train Festival. Promising not to dull your week between Christmas and New Year is the fourth edition of this festival, which has something to offer to everyone! This Latina inspired festival incorporates both old and new styles of tango at locations around Amsterdam. Get ready for seven days of over 100 hours of dancing with the world’s best tango and milonga dancing.

7. DUTCH OPERA & BALLET

Where- Netherlands

When- 5th-19th December 2017

Be sure to carry your grace of the Victorian age. Characterised by a culmination of high quality, innovation, craftsmanship and creativity, the Dutch Opera and Ballet is a steal deal. Offering a free lunchtime concert performed by the members of Opera Studio, you can calm your nerves at the Netherlands Opera or the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra. The latest season has Pierre Audi as the creative director. The team also puts up a Christmas Carol special on the last day.

8. FESTIVAL D'AUTOMNE

Where- Paris

When- 15th September 2017-31st December 2017

The Festival d’Automne à Paris (Paris Autumn Festival) is a culmination of different art forms - theatre, music, dance, the visual arts and film. It essentially deals with modern day art, and exhibits works of artists all over the world. The festival has extended itself to leading arts institutions in Paris such as the Pompidou Centre, Théâtre de la Ville, the Louvre, amongst others, and also in the outskirts of Paris. Offering over 40 events, the festival becomes the highlight of the holiday for over 1,00,000 people.

9. MAGNETIC FIELDS FESTIVAL

Where- Rajasthan

When- 15th-17th December 2017

Set within the Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan, join a whimsical wheel of three days of fun. From underground parties, yawning away afternoons, dancing on the rooftops, or flying kites and more-take your pick! Gear up to witness a line-up of a lifetime in a Mahal which will be ‘lit’ to a higher frequency. This year, the audience will have three stages to enjoy- the Redbull Music Academy North Stage, Bira 91 South Stage & Desert Oasis disco.

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

Where: Utah

When: 18th-28th January 2018

Acclaimed as America’s largest independent film festival, the Sundance Film Festival is a program of the Sundance Institute. Narrowing down its audience, this festival is home to low life glamour and film directors breaking the rules of Hollywood, curating a dissentient cinematic experience. Despite that, there is a different kind of experience- clenching your hands in an old theatre located in a relatively small town (Park City), sitting beside an indie actor. If impactful, edgy films keep you anticipating for more, then Sundance is your go to.