Carnival in Europe 2027: Venice, Cologne, Nice and Tenerife

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It is a Tuesday in February and St Mark's Square is full of masked figures who say nothing at all. The same week in Cologne, crowds line the streets shouting «Alaaf» as sweets rain down from the floats. Carnival means very different things across Europe, which is why choosing well matters.

We have picked four carnivals that suit very different travellers. Dates for 2027 are checked against official sources where they have been published. Carnival follows Easter, and with Easter Sunday on 28 March 2027, Shrove Tuesday falls on 9 February.

Short answer: which carnival should you choose?

Choose Venice for masks and atmosphere, Cologne for the biggest street party, Nice for parades and flowers in mild weather, and Tenerife for carnival with sunshine. Venice and Cologne peak on 8 and 9 February 2027, while the street carnival in Santa Cruz has moved to 19 to 28 February.

• Best for atmosphere: Venice

• Best for partying: Cologne

• Best for families: Nice

• Best for sunshine: Tenerife

Venice: masks, costumes and quiet mornings

The Carnevale di Venezia runs for a little over two weeks and ends on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February in 2027. The city fills with people in baroque costumes and handmade masks, and the best moments often come early in the morning, when costumed figures pose on empty quays.

Buy your mask from a small workshop rather than a stall by the Rialto, and only book a costume ball if you want to spend serious money. The streets are free, and that is where carnival happens.

The catch: weekends are packed and hotel rates soar. Come midweek if you can. Read our Venice guide.

Hotel Ai Reali: a palazzo between Rialto and St Mark's

Hotel Ai Reali occupies an old palazzo in Castello, a few minutes on foot from both the Rialto and St Mark's Square, with a small spa and a roof terrace. During carnival it helps to stay central enough to walk back and change costume at midday. The canal-facing rooms are the ones to ask for.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Hotel Ai Reali

Cologne: Alaaf and the biggest street party

Cologne's carnival season opens on 11 November at 11.11, but the big days come in the week before Ash Wednesday. Weiberfastnacht is on 4 February 2027, when women take over the city and snip off men's ties. The high point is Rosenmontag on 8 February, when the parade winds through the centre for hours.

Dress up, because everyone does. Learn to shout «Alaaf» and to drink Kölsch from the small glasses, which keep being refilled until you place your beer mat on top.

The catch: this is a party for people who enjoy crowds, loud music and beer from mid-morning. Central hotels sell out early, so book now or stay in Düsseldorf or Bonn and take the train in.

Nice: flower battles on the Promenade des Anglais

The Carnaval de Nice runs for about two weeks in February, with illuminated night parades and daytime flower battles, when flowers are thrown from the floats to the crowds along the Promenade des Anglais. It is calmer and more family-friendly than Cologne, and the weather is often mild enough to sit outside.

Buy a grandstand seat if you have children with you. Between parades, walk the old town and take the coastal train to Menton, which holds its lemon festival around the same time.

The catch: the official 2027 programme is published late. Check the dates before you book flights. Read our Nice guide.

Hyatt Regency Palais de la Méditerranée: a grandstand from your room

The hotel sits behind the old art deco facade halfway along the Promenade des Anglais, exactly where the parades pass. Sea-facing rooms let you watch the flower battles without joining the crush. It is expensive during carnival, but hard to beat for location.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée

Tenerife: carnival in shorts

The carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is counted among the largest in the world, with floats, samba troupes and street parties that run late into the night. In 2027 the street carnival has been moved two weeks later than usual, to 19 to 28 February, following a council decision.

It is the only carnival on this list where you can swim the same day. Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast holds its own carnival too, smaller and more local.

The catch: most hotels are in the south, an hour's drive from Santa Cruz. Hire a car or take the bus, and do not count on a taxi home after midnight. Read our Tenerife guide.

Baobab Suites: a southern base with sea views

Baobab Suites is in Costa Adeje, with large suites and terraces facing the sea. It works if you want one night in Santa Cruz and beach days for the rest of the week. The distance to the carnival is real, so plan your journey home in advance.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Baobab Suites

Good to know before you book

• Dates follow Easter: in 2027 Shrove Tuesday is 9 February, Rosenmontag 8 February and Ash Wednesday 10 February.

• Tenerife has moved: the Santa Cruz street carnival runs from 19 to 28 February 2027, two weeks later than usual.

• Hotels fill first: central Venice and Cologne sell out months ahead. Book the hotel before the flight.

• Mild, not warm: Venice, Cologne and Nice are winter cities in February. Only Tenerife offers beach weather.

Carnival in Europe: frequently asked questions

When is Venice Carnival 2027?

Venice Carnival runs for a little over two weeks and ends on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027. The final weekend is the busiest.

When is Cologne Carnival 2027?

Weiberfastnacht is on 4 February and Rosenmontag on 8 February 2027. The season officially opens on 11 November at 11.11.

Which European carnival is best for children?

Nice is the most family-friendly, with flower battles and grandstand seats. Tenerife's daytime parades also suit children.

When is Tenerife Carnival 2027?

The street carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife runs from 19 to 28 February 2027, two weeks later than usual.

Read next

• Best places to travel in February

• Where is hot in February?

• Best places to visit in winter

• February half term: sun or snow