As the weather cools and the days get shorter, the world comes alive with some of the most exciting celebrations of the year. Fall brings festivals of light, harvest feasts, beer tents, and skies full of hot air balloons. From ancient traditions to modern art nights, here are 10 of the best fall festivals around the world and how to enjoy them.
1. Diwali, India
What it is: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes and streets are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and colorful rangoli patterns.
When: October or November. The date changes each year with the Hindu lunar calendar.
Where: All over India, especially in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mumbai. It's also widely celebrated in Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK, where Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India.
How to celebrate: Light diyas, watch fireworks, browse the busy markets, and try sweets like laddoo and barfi. Learn more about when Diwali is celebrated and read our India travel guide.
2. Día de los Muertos, Mexico
What it is: The Day of the Dead is a joyful Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. Families build colorful altars (ofrendas) with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, photos, and the favorite foods of the dead.
When: November 1 and 2.
Where: Mexico City hosts a huge parade, while Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro in Michoacán offer some of the most traditional celebrations.
How to celebrate: Visit candlelit cemeteries respectfully, admire the altars, watch the parades, and try pan de muerto (bread of the dead). See our list of things to do in Mexico City.
3. Oktoberfest, Germany
What it is: The world's largest beer festival celebrates Bavarian culture with giant beer tents, brass bands, and hearty food.
When: From mid- or late September to the first weekend in October.
Where: The Theresienwiese in Munich. Cities around the world, from Cincinnati to Denver, hold their own versions.
How to celebrate: Raise a one-liter mug in a beer tent, eat giant pretzels and roast chicken, and enjoy the fairground rides. Wear a traditional dirndl or lederhosen to fit right in. Read our Oktoberfest guide.
4. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
What it is: The largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with hundreds of balloons of all shapes and sizes.
When: Nine days in early October.
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How to celebrate: Wake up early for the dawn mass ascensions, watch the evening "balloon glows," when tethered balloons light up the night, and take a balloon ride over the desert. Discover more hot air balloon festivals.
5. Loy Krathong, Thailand
What it is: One of Thailand's most beautiful festivals, when people float candlelit baskets (krathongs) made of banana leaves and flowers on rivers to thank the water goddess.
When: The full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, usually in November.
Where: Across Thailand. Chiang Mai combines it with the Yi Peng lantern festival, and Sukhothai and Bangkok also hold big celebrations.
How to celebrate: Release a krathong on the river, watch the lanterns, and enjoy traditional performances. Read our Thailand lantern festival guide.
6. Mid-Autumn Festival, China
What it is: Also called the Moon Festival, it celebrates family, the harvest, and the full moon. People gather to admire the moon and share mooncakes, sweet or savory pastries.
When: The 15th day of the 8th lunar month, in September or early October.
Where: Across China and in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam, where it's a favorite festival for children.
How to celebrate: Eat mooncakes, join lantern displays, and enjoy tea under the full moon. See our China travel guide.
7. Nuit Blanche, Paris and Beyond
What it is: An all-night art event that turns a city into an open-air gallery, with installations, light shows, and performances.
When: Usually in early October in Paris, though dates vary by city.
Where: Paris started the event in 2002, and cities such as Toronto, Brussels, and others now hold their own versions.
How to celebrate: Walk the streets after dark, explore free art installations, and see the city in a new light. See the best things to do in Paris.
8. Alba White Truffle Fair, Italy
What it is: A food lover's dream that celebrates the prized white truffle of Piedmont, with markets, tastings, and fine wines.
When: Weekends from early October to early December.
Where: Alba, in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, northern Italy.
How to celebrate: Taste fresh pasta topped with shaved truffle, browse the truffle market, join a truffle hunt with a local dog, and sip Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Read our Italy travel guide.
9. MassKara Festival, Philippines
What it is: The "Festival of Smiles" fills the streets with smiling masks, colorful costumes, music, and dancing. It began in 1980 to lift people's spirits during a difficult time.
When: October, with the biggest events on the weekend closest to October 19.
Where: Bacolod City, on the island of Negros.
How to celebrate: Watch the street dance competitions and parades and join the night parties. See our Philippines travel guide.
10. La Mercè, Spain
What it is: Barcelona's biggest street festival honors the city's patron saint with Catalan traditions and free concerts.
When: Around September 24.
Where: Barcelona.
How to celebrate: Watch the human towers (castells), the parade of giant figures, and the fiery correfoc (fire run), then enjoy the fireworks and free concerts. See the best things to do in Barcelona.
Tips for Traveling to Fall Festivals
- Book early: Hotels near Oktoberfest, the Balloon Fiesta, and Día de los Muertos fill up months ahead.
- Check the dates: Diwali, Loy Krathong, and the Mid-Autumn Festival follow lunar calendars and change every year.
- Be respectful: Many fall festivals have religious or family meaning, so follow local customs and ask before taking photos of people.
- Pack layers: Fall mornings and evenings can be cool, especially at sunrise balloon launches.
Stay Connected at Fall Festivals
With an egoViet eSIM, you can navigate busy festival crowds, check schedules, and share your photos as soon as you land. Choose a plan such as the India eSIM, Mexico eSIM, Thailand eSIM, USA eSIM, or China eSIM. A Europe eSIM covers Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Check out the eSIM installation guide before you go.
FAQs: Fall Festivals Around the World
What are the biggest fall festivals in the world?
Oktoberfest, Diwali, Día de los Muertos, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and the Mid-Autumn Festival are among the biggest and most famous.
When is Diwali?
Diwali falls in October or November each year, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Where is the best place to celebrate Día de los Muertos?
Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro offer the most traditional celebrations, while Mexico City hosts a huge parade.
When does Oktoberfest take place?
Oktoberfest starts in mid- or late September and ends on the first Sunday of October, or on October 3 if that's later.