Balena Festival 2025

Winterland Locarno is Unmissable. Here’s why! Get ready for the ultimate winter celebration at Winterland Locarno 2025!  Back for its 5th edition from November 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026, this festival transforms Locarno, Switzerland, into a magical winter wonderland.  The heart of the experience is its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, filled with dazzling lights, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Visitors can skate on a free ice-skating rink under the stars or take a thrilling ride down the 5-meter-high, 30-meter-long ice slide.  What to expect at Winterland Locarno 2025?  Winterland Locarno 2025-2026 promises an unforgettable winter experience, with various activities and attractions designed for visitors of all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to: Skate and Glide Glide across the beautiful free ice-skating rink under the stars, with skate rentals available on-site. For an extra thrill, try the 5-meter-high, 30-meter-long ice slide, an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike! Magical Light Displays Stroll through the enchanting pathways with stunning light installations that create a magical atmosphere throughout the festival grounds. Festive Markets Explore the Winterland Christmas Market, featuring 25 quaint houses dedicated to handicrafts, Christmas decorations and gift ideas.  Culinary Delights Winterland creates the perfect spot for gathering with friends over drinks or a meal! Savour mulled wine, Christmas tea, and various delicious offerings ranging from burgers and raclette to Thai cuisine and bars serving creative cocktails and warm beverages.   Live Entertainment Attend free concerts featuring international, national, and local artists every evening. The highlight of the event is the audiovisual show "I pescatori di stelle" (The Starfishers), projected daily in the Town Hall starting at 5:00 PM, transforming the square into an open-air theatre. The Best Part Winterland prioritises sustainability throughout the event, making it a fantastic way to celebrate the Advent season with joy and light! Skate, Slide, and Let the Winter Magic Take You for a Ride! About the area Locarno, a picturesque town in southern Switzerland, sits on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, near the Italian border and is renowned for its Mediterranean-like climate. Locarno’s old town is famous for its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and scenic views of the Alps. One of Locarno's most iconic events is the Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals, celebrating international cinema each year. This town is home to attractions like Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary, offering breathtaking panoramic views, and Piazza Grande, a lively central square that hosts events throughout the year. From concerts to festivals, Piazza Grande becomes especially vibrant during the holiday season with Winterland Locarno, transforming the square into a festive wonderland filled with lights, markets, and entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, and boat rides on Lake Maggiore, and explore nearby villages, making Locarno a must-visit destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Event Details  Name of the event: Winterland   Location: Piazza Grande, 6600 Locarno  Date: From November 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026Official Event Website: Winterland Locarno  Whether you're after adrenaline or a cozy winter escape, don’t miss out on the magic of Winterland Locarno 2025! 

Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Lugano.What if Christmas could feel like stepping into a storybook? Each winter, Lugano brings this dream to life with Natale in Piazza, a tradition that has become a highlight of the festive season in Ticino. From 27 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, the city’s squares and streets will transform into a glowing wonderland of lights, wooden chalets, and joyful celebrations. Blending the charm of a classic Christmas market with Lugano’s elegant lakeside setting, it offers visitors the perfect mix of tradition, community, and winter magic.Why Natale in Piazza is Special?What makes Natale in Piazza truly special is the way it turns all of Lugano’s historic centre into a festive stage, blending tradition, elegance, and community spirit. Stroll among wooden chalets filled with handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and local specialities, then pause by the Christmas tree in Piazza della Riforma to savour mulled wine or sweet Swiss treats while live music and DJ sets keep the evenings lively. For a touch of winter magic, head to Parco Ciani, where the ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights offers an enchanting setting for families, couples, and friends to create unforgettable memories.About the AreaLugano is the largest city in southern Switzerland and the gateway to the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Known for its beautiful lakeside setting and surrounding mountains, it blends Swiss precision with Mediterranean charm. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, cultural attractions, fine dining, and outdoor activities year-round, making it a destination that appeals to city lovers and nature enthusiasts.Event DetailsName of the event: Natale in PiazzaLocation: Lugano city centre (Piazza della Riforma & Parco Ciani)Date: November 27, 2025 – January 6, 2026Official Event Website: Lugano EventiGet ready for a magical Christmas in Lugano! 

Experience a festive wonderland filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer in the heart of Croatia’s capital.Every winter, Zagreb transforms into one of Europe’s most magical Christmas destinations. Christmas Market in Zagreb is a month-long celebration where the city sparkles with lights, music, and festive stalls offering local delicacies and crafts. From ice skating to cultural performances, this event is perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.The Christmas Market in Zagreb has been celebrated for over a decade and is recognised as one of the top Christmas markets in Europe. The event blends Croatian traditions with modern entertainment, drawing visitors from all over the world. It lasts from late November to early January, turning the city into a winter wonderland loved by both locals and tourists.Advent Christmas market, Zagreb, 2024.About the AreaZagreb’s city centre, where most festivities happen, is easily walkable and full of charm. In addition to Christmas attractions, visitors can explore historic streets, museums, and nearby parks. Ban Jelačić Square is a hub of activity, and the city’s cafes and restaurants offer warm spots to relax between sightseeing.Event DetailsName of the Event: Christmas Market in Zagreb 2025Location: Zagreb, CroatiaDate: 29th November 2025 – 7th January 2026Official Event Website: Advent ZagrebCelebrate the holidays in Zagreb’s festive heart!

Want to know the future trends of the shoe and leather industry in Italy? Walk this way!The annual Expo Riva Schuh is here! Now in its 104th edition, this renowned trade fair gathers over 1,400 exhibitors from 40+ countries, spotlighting the very best in mid-range shoes, leather goods, bags, and fashion accessories.What is the Riva Schuh Expo about?Hosted in beautiful Riva del Garda, the 3-day event enjoys a firm footing on the global shoe stage. Strategically geared at global distributors, suppliers and buyers of high-volume shoe production, the Expo helps to define upcoming trends, showcasing diverse products including shoes, sneakers, sandals, boots, and more.  With its international attendance, the trade fair provides invaluable networking opportunities, enabling manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, designers, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore new business prospects.Who should attend the Riva Schuh expo?Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags are not just about commerce; they also serve as hubs for identifying emerging trends, exploring innovations, and staying abreast of developments in the footwear and accessories market. Through seminars, workshops, and presentations, participants gain insights into fashion trends, sustainability practices, technological advancements, and market analysis.Is the Expo Riva Schuh an annual event?Scheduled biannually, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags are eagerly anticipated events that play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global footwear and accessories industry. From forging new partnerships to discovering the latest products and trends, attendees experience the dynamic and vibrant landscape of the fashion world against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Garda.Exhibitors networking at one of the earlier editions of the Expo Riva SchuhAbout the areaRiva del Garda is a picturesque town nestled on the northern shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy. Known for its stunning natural scenery, historic charm, and outdoor activities, Riva del Garda attracts visitors with its medieval fortress, Rocca di Riva, charming streets, and vibrant waterfront. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing, and sailing against the backdrop of the majestic Alps. The town also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking culture, history, and adventure in one breathtaking location.Event DetailsName of the event: Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, 2026Location: Exhibition Centre, Via Baltera, 20 - 38066 - Riva del Garda (Italy)Date: 10-13 January 2026Event Website: Expo RivaSchuh & GardabagsJoin industry leaders and trendsetters at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags 2026

Ride on the Edge!The FIS Freeride World Championships 2026 will be taking place on the terrain of Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, from 1st to 6th February. Launched as part of the global freeride calendar, this championship event brings the world’s best freeriders to one of Europe’s most iconic ski destinations.What to expect? The first edition of the FIS Freeride Championship will be taking place on the legendary Ordino Arcalís, known for its challenging terrain and famous for being a premium skiing and snowboarding destination. The Championship will bring together 66 top athletes competing in the following categories: Snowboard Women, Ski Women, Snowboard Men and Ski Men. Riders can pick their line down the face, and judges score them on factors like difficulty of route, control, fluidity, technique, style, and the size of their jumps.Experience the thrill at the Free Ride World Tour About the areaOrdino Arcalís is surrounded by rugged Pyrenean peaks and is known for its steep faces, natural couloirs, rocky features, and reliable snowpack. Arcalís has earned a reputation as Andorra’s ultimate freeride terrain. Its untouched routes, diverse off-piste zones, and consistent winter conditions attract advanced skiers and snowboarders from across Europe who come specifically for its wild, technical slopes.The wider area adds to the appeal. Andorra blends dramatic mountain scenery with a welcoming alpine culture, offering everything from scenic villages to modern ski facilities and well-connected resorts. Visitors can explore peaceful high-altitude valleys, enjoy extensive ski areas, or unwind in Andorra’s famous thermal spas. The principality is also known for its duty-free shopping, cosy local eateries, and easy access to outdoor activities throughout the year.Event Details Name of the event:  FIS Freeride World ChampionshipsLocation: Ordino Arcalís, AndorraDate: 1-6 February 2026Official Event Website: Free Ride World Tour Ready to visit Andorra?