Five fall festivities across the globe to celebrate this autumn

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there are still plenty of wish-list experiences to enjoy throughout the autumnal months.

Summer might be ending, but that’s no reason to put your travel plans on ice. From North America’s famous fall colours to the bright lights of Diwali, there is a lot to love about autumn’s upcoming events, and escorted tours offer the perfect way to experience the festivities at their most authentic. Whether you’re keen on celebrations across the globe or would prefer a cool weather break closer to home, we’ve got the perfect option for you.

Though we’re sad to see the summer sun leave for the year, our team is big fans of all things autumn, from the cosy fireside festivities of Guy Fawkes night to the intriguing events overseas. We’ve been looking ahead to our global favourites and have put together a list of our top five must-see celebrations to enjoy throughout the fall.

Halloween, North America

Though it originated from Europe’s All Hallows’ Eve and Samhain traditions, there is no denying that Halloween has since become a hallmark of the United States. Perhaps it’s the atmospheric fall foliage, or its deep ties to American pop-culture – there’s something special about Halloween in North America. While Halloween is observed across the globe, the American East Coast is a particularly good spot to soak up the festivities. Marvel at the fiery fall colours, explore Maine’s rural towns beset by jack o’ lanterns, and watch trick or treaters giddily fill the streets of the New York suburbs.

Our recommended tour: New England in the Fall

Dia de los Muertos, Latin America

While many around the world think of Dia de los Muertos as a uniquely Mexican tradition, the truth is the festival is celebrated with regional variations across much of Central America. Admittedly, you’re more likely to enjoy a more familiar experience in Mexico, but there are plenty of fascinating, unique traditions to enjoy across the region. Take Ecuador, for instance. While the meaning behind the holiday remains the same, events across Ecuador are generally more subdued than the lively parades further north. While here, be sure to embrace Ecuadorian traditions and tuck into a guaguas de pan (a decorated brioche style) and a fruity colada morada (a thick fruity drink).

Our recommended tour: Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Oktoberfest, Germany

A staple of the autumn period, this German tradition has become a worldwide phenomenon with events marking the occasion from Brazil to Australasia. Though there is nowhere quite like Bavaria for an authentic Oktoberfest experience, you can find celebrations in unlikely places across the world. The Great Lakes city of Canada, for instance, hosts the largest festival outside of Germany with over 700,000 visitors flocking to Kitchener-Waterloo each year. Whether you’re closer to home or further afield, raise a stein to the ceiling and don your best lederhosen for this quintessentially Bavarian celebration.

Our recommended tour: Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail

Chuseok, South Korea

While many cultures across the world hold harvest festivals, few compare to South Korea’s Chuseok rituals, with its seasonal foods, traditional dress, and communal street games. Coinciding with the 12th month of the Korean lunar calendar, this annual holiday celebrates the end of the year’s harvest and pays respect to the country’s dead. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Chuseok, expect to see ganggangsullae (female-only song and dance performances) in the streets, ssireum wrestling events, and authentic songpyeon (moon-shaped rice cakes).

Our recommended tour: South Korea & Japan Discovered

Loy Krathong, Thailand

Those who have visited Thailand throughout the autumn will know that the Loy Krathong festival is sure to make any Southeast Asian itinerary even more special. Generally taking place in November, this picturesque celebration originally gave thanks to the Thai water goddess, Khongkha, but has more recently been adapted to include Buddhist traditions too. Should you visit the country’s major cities during the festivities, you’ll witness hundreds of floating krathong (baskets) being released on the nearby waterways in a truly spectacular show of light. If you’re feeling crafty, why not try your hand at making your own krathong and embrace local spirituality as part of the crowd.

Our recommended tour: Follow the Mekong – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Celebrate autumn in style with Newmarket Holidays

If you’re keen to experience the best of autumn’s activities across the world’s most popular hotspots, our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help you find the right break for you. Give them a call to kick-start your dream getaway, or take a look at our full collection of global destinations for more information on each itinerary.