Top 10 Festivals Around the World That Bring People Together

If anything is capable of uniting human beings in this world, then that would be sheer celebration joy. Festivals are not extravaganzas; they are vibrant tales of tradition, belonging, and collective happiness. Whether fireworks illuminate the darkness of night or parades roar through the streets with noise and music, festivals give us grounds to halt, stay with others, and make memories.

Whatever you wish to mail, warmest wishes, festival greetings to send to your friends and family, or even just the concepts of the festival itself, we have arranged the world's top 10 festivals that you may be seeking.

And look—look for yourself. Sendwishonline.com lets you create beautiful, free online greeting cards for anyone and everyone them so that your wishes reach as far as the world in an instant.

1. New Year's Day & New Year's Eve

When: Jan 1 – Dec 31

Where: Everywhere in the world

Atmosphere: Midnight countdown, fireworks, champagne toasting, and promises

New Year's Eve is a global celebration of rebirth. The world capitals—Sydney Harbour to New York's Times Square—shone with fireworks, music, and revelry. Couples share a kiss at midnight, families throw parties, and millions soak up the collective optimism for a better year ahead.

Top New Year Messages & Wishes

"Wishing you a healthy future, good health, and prosperity."

"Here's hoping next year is sunny, with love, joy, and adventure."

"To a happy and lovely new year, with love and blessings."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Send a Christmas online card to wish the best to loved ones near and far around the world. No delay in post or time lag—just plain bliss.

2. Christmas 

When: December 25

Where: More than 160 countries celebrate

Vibe: Twinkling lights, decorating the tree, family lunches al fresco

Christmas is everybody's holiday, if not in the rest of the world, then at least in America and Europe. It is not only the presents and the twinkle lights; it is hoping for a better thing, giving, and being grateful. Caroling, baking Christmas cookies, and sending merry Christmas greetings are such things that even the black cold winter nights do not feel so cold and lonely.

Traditional Christmas Messages & Greetings

"Wishing you peace, love, and happiness at this time of year."

"May your Christmas as sweet and beautiful as you are be wrapped in joy and bound with love."

"Merry Christmas. Fill your home with friendship and your heart with cheer."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: You can also personalize your Christmas eCards using our editable holiday greeting, and include photos, words, and even signatures from multiple senders—a nice way to spread a little holiday cheer to friends and loved ones very, very far away.

3. Diwali – Festival of Lights 

When: October or November (dates vary)

Where: Mostly India, Nepal, and Indian expats elsewhere

Vibe: Lights, rangoli designs, fireworks, sweets

Diwali, or the Festival of Light, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Oil lamps are ignited at home, rangoli patterns are created, and sweets are shared with the next-door neighbor. It is also a time to exchange warm Diwali greetings and good luck wishes.

Popular Diwali Wishes & Messages

"May the glow of Diwali illuminate your house and heart with happiness and joy."

"Wishing you good luck, good health, and unlimited happiness for the festive season."

"Happy Diwali! To triumph over darkness, radiate love, and fill hearts with friendship."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Spread the joy with our festive Diwali eCards from Mumbai to London to New York.

4. Chinese New Year – Lunar New Year 

When: January or February (depending on lunar cycle)

Where: Vietnam, Singapore, China, and the Chinese diaspora worldwide

Vibe: Red packets, lion dances, reunions, and red lanterns

Chinese New Year is when the lunar calendar starts, and there are vibrant parades, reunion feasts, and celebratory food galore. The year is also assigned a zodiac animal, another highlight of play and portent.

Best Chinese New Year Wishes & Messages

"Gong Xi Fa Cai! Good luck and prosperity to you."

"Happy New Year! Prosperity, happiness, and success wishes to you."

"Good luck, good fortune, and prosperity to us this year."

"Happy Lunar New Year! Celebrate!"

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Send a red-colored eCard to convey a festive greeting even though you are on the other continent. Best to send good luck and prosperity greetings to friends.

5. Thanksgiving 

When: Fourth Thursday of November (USA) | Second Monday in October (Canada)

Where: North America

Vibe: Family reunions, giving thanks, and generosity

Thanksgiving is all about expressing thanks for the nice things in life. Families come together to sit around tables laden with pumpkin pie, stuffing, and turkey, and then express what they are thankful for. It's also a great time to send nice Thanksgiving messages.

Top Best Thanksgiving Wishes & Messages:

"Thankful for friends like you—Happy Thanksgiving!"

"May your house be filled with laughter, your heart with love, and your table with fine food."

"Wishing you a bountiful blessing this Thanksgiving."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Can't be there in person? A Thanksgiving group card is where all your folks can add their message, so the special someone in your life can surround you with love and warmth.

6. Carnival 

When: February or March (depending)

Where: Brazil, Caribbean islands, and most of Europe

Vibe: Samba party, street parade, costume

Carnival is a burst of music, dance, and culture in a kaleidoscope. Rio streets in Rio de Janeiro are host venues for samba parades, elaborately crafted floats, and millions of followers. It is a time to let loose and soak up happiness, colors, and hospitality.

Top Carnival Messages & Wishes

"Dance to the rhythm of happiness this Carnival!"

"Wish your festivity abounding in light, color, song, and celebration."

"Let the festivals light up your life—Happy Carnival!"

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Design a happy, photo-rich Carnival eCard and invite friends to celebrate from far away.

7. Hanukkah – Festival of Light 

When: November or December (dates vary)

Where: Commemorated by Jewish communities around the globe

Vibe: Lighting menorahs, dreidels, tons of fried treats

Hanukkah is the Temple and oil rededication miracle holiday in Jerusalem. Eight nights of lighting the menorah, gift giving, and consumption of special foods like latkes and sufganiyot are performed.

Traditional Hanukkah Greetings & Messages:

"Eight nights of peace, joy, and blessings to you."

"May your home be blessed with the light of the menorah."

"Merry Hanukkah! Share the miracle of love and light."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Send Oktoberfest greetings with a beautifully designed online greeting card that sets the party mood.

8. Oktoberfest

When: Late Sept to early Oct

Where: Munich, Germany, and enjoyed everywhere around the world globally

Vibe: Beer tents, Bavarian rhythms, and German food

Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world, with millions of people who crowd Munich every year. Beneath the beer, music, dance, and Bavarian dress is the flow.

Top Oktoberfest Messages & Wishes

"Prost! Fill your stein and lighten your heart."

"To friendship, fun, and Bavarian cheer!"

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Can't attend Oktoberfest in Munich? Send a party-filled Oktoberfest eCard to friends who enjoy the celebratory ambiance of this raucous ritual.

9. Holi – Festival of Colors 

When: March (date varies each year)

Where: India, Nepal, and Indian expatriates worldwide

Vibe: Color powders, noise, and water battles

Holi is sheer bliss in the form of colors showering everywhere. Strangers and friends paint each other in colors, announcing the arrival of spring as well as good triumphing over evil.

Best Holi Wishes & Messages:

"May your life be as colorful as the festival of Holi!"

"Wishing you a happy and healthy life with lots of cheerful moments."

"Happy Holi Wishes! Spread sweetness and happiness everywhere."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Our Holi eCards enable you to shower color and joy on friends across the globe—mess-free!

10. Eid al-Fitr (Islamic Festival)

When: End of Ramadan (location-based)

Where: Felt by Muslims worldwide

Vibe: Prayer, feast, and charity

Eid al-Fitr is a festival to rejoice in the breaking of the fast for an entire month during Ramadan. Relatives come together to recite special prayers, lavish feasts, and share Eid wishes.

Top Eid Wishes & Messages

"Eid Mubarak! Keep your heart light and your home happy."

"May this Eid bring you happiness and prosperity."

"May the spirit of Eid unite you to the hearts of people who matter to you."

Sendwishonline.com Tip: Spread the joy of Eid by sending an in-fashion e-greeting to friends and near and dear ones—perfect to send best wishes across miles.

Final Thoughts

Festivals are not tradition but togetherness. Whether lamp lighting, raining colors, or wine glass clinking, these festivals remind you of the festive togetherness.

And don't wait—you don't need to wait for the next postal mail delay or next flight to shower the love. Sendwishonline.com allows you to create beautiful, personalized festival cards within minutes and send them instantly, wherever your near ones are.

Festivalize the world, one festival at a time, one wish at a time, one card at a time.

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