February is the depth of winter in Europe, where many popular destinations are notably cooler and quieter. However, the chillier climate brings with it a wealth of opportunities that aren't on offer during the warm summer months. Be it beer festivals, slippery ski slopes, northern lights, volcanoes, ghost-hunting, or partying like a local at some of Europe's best and wildest cultural festivals, February hosts so many different attractions for every kind of traveler. Due to such diversity, it's no easy feat to select a destination in Europe. However thanks to their February festivities, these fascinating spots have more than earned their place on our wintery list of irresistible European cities.
8 Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is considered to be off Europe's beaten track, yet it has exceeded in popularity in recent years thanks to its diversity and beauty. The capital – Reykjavik – attracts all variations of travelers who come to taste relaxation and adventure. From exciting volcanoes and sumptuous hot springs to lush lagoons and luxurious spas, this Icelandic city offers something for everyone. And because February boasts the coldest annual temperatures, it's the perfect time to go and experience Iceland in its truest form.
Guests visiting in February can also attend the Winter Lights Festival, which marks midwinter with vibrant light installations and free events all across the capital. In this month, the city is also is home to the Rainbows Winter Festival – an LGBTQ+ winter pride celebration involving three days of parties, events, parades, and fun. If that wasn't enough, November to February is the peak Northern Lights season, with Reykjavik being the perfect base from which to seek out this spectacular phenomenon.
7 York, England
Yorkshire's ancient northern city with its renowned gothic cathedral – York Minister – is among England's most famous. Its significant history, medieval attractions, beautiful architecture, and rustic cobblestone streets lined with charming shops, pubs, and restaurants alone are reasons to tick this iconic English destination off your bucket list.
If you can handle the frost and snow, February is a magical time to visit York when the city celebrates its Nordic history in the annual week-long Jorvik Viking festival – Europe's biggest Viking festival. Staged Viking skirmishes, theatrical Norse shows, workshops, and markets are all part of the celebrations. And, those feeling spooky will love York's wintery nighttime ghost tours.
6 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a culturally rich city on the Rhine river in northern Germany. It's world-famous for its historical gothic cathedral that is as stunning as it is huge. The Old Town with its cute, charming, and traditional German shops, cafés, and restaurants is also worth a visit.
But what's special about February in Cologne? Well, it's the awesome time of year when visitors descend for a whole week of partying. Cologne Carnival – which has been running for over 200 years – sees festivities and celebrations, including huge street parties, parades, and non-stop German beer-laden bars and pubs – which are open for all-nighters throughout this crazy, action-packed event.
5 Barcelona, Spain
Many view Barcelona as a summer hotspot. But truth be known, it's a vibrant location year-round, which is made more attractive by the fact that it doesn't suffer the icy temperatures seen in other parts of Mediterranean Europe. Whilst February is a little chillier here, Barcelona Carnival will definitely warm up your stay. It's an entire week of costumes, music, dancing, parades, traditions, and fun Spanish shenanigans that kicks off on the famous central strip of Las Ramblas. This flamboyant annual event is dependant on the lunar calendar and normally takes place in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
Sitges Carnival is also held simultaneously in the nearby coastal town of Sitges. Another week of wild parties and festivities, this explosive event sees around 250,000 people engulfed in a cultural show of parades, dancing music, and loud partying in true Spanish style!
4 Venice, Italy
Italy's famous floating city is on every culture-craving traveler's itinerary in summer. However, head to Venice in February when it's a little bit cooler, and you can leave reality behind. February in Venice means tourists can experience a fortnight of breathtaking Italian festivities during one of the city’s best yearly events – the Venice Carnival.
Visitors see people showcasing beautiful traditional Venetian masks and stunningly colorful costumes all around Venice, and can enjoy energetic, exciting energy that flows through the whole city during this enchanting carnival. There are also plenty of special activities going on aside from the parades, shows, and parties, including fascinating masquerade balls!
3 Bruges, Belgium
Utterly charming with its cobblestone roads, decorative architecture, and beautiful canals, the medieval city of Bruges – nicknamed "the Venice of the North" – may be chilly in February, but the flow of Belgium beer never freezes. In an authentic Belgian spirit, Bruges Beer Festival invites international beer-lovers to savor 400 beers from 80 breweries for a fun-filled boozy weekend every February.
2 St Moritz, Switzerland
The svelt snowy slopes of St Moritz are the home of a luxurious winter wonderland – that is an especially popular playground for the rich and famous during the peak winter months. Widely considered one of Europe's best and prestigious winter vacation hubs, the cool climate here means that February is peak ski season.
But it's not all about skis and snowboards – there's the world-famous White Turf & Night Turf – a top-class festivity on a frozen lake amidst the region's snowy mountains that promises music, horse racing, gourmet food, and outstanding art exhibitions.
And, if clubbing is on the to-do list, the Apline-chic Club Dracula is a must. Despite its intimidating name, this members-only nightclub is amongst the world's most exclusive, and is the one and only place to be if fortunate enough to land a pass or a spot on the guest list!
1 Tenerife, Spain
Even in February, the largest of the Canary Islands sees a temperate climate and is a superb destination for those escaping the cold European winter. Gorgeous beaches and jaw-dropping landscapes aren't the only reasons to visit in February – the Carnaval de Santa Cruz is Tenerife’s largest annual festival commencing at the beginning of Lent, and is in fact one of Europe's biggest celebrations. In recent years, over half a million festival-goers have descended upon the island to enjoy the two-week festivities of music, parades, and enormous parties.