Culture Calendar: January 2026

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Kick off 2026 with a handpicked mix of concerts, festivals, design fairs and sporty events across the DACH region. From iconic New Year’s traditions to spectacles in the snow, we have gathered the most exciting ways to dive into January’s momentum and inspiration.

NEW YEAR’S CONCERT, VIENNA (1 JANUARY)

The New Year’s Concert, one of Austria’s most beloved traditions, returns with the Wiener Philharmoniker at its heart. Reaching more than 150 countries via broadcast and an audience of over 50 million, it remains a true global highlight. This year, Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the orchestra from the opulent Golden Hall of Vienna’s Musikv- erein, an exquisite backdrop for this annual musical celebration.

www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/en

53RD NEW YEAR’S MARATHON, BERLIN (1 JANUARY)

Start the year on the move with the SCC New Year’s Run at the Brandenburg Gate. This relaxed, four-kilometre loop down Unter den Linden and around Berlin Cathedral is open to everyone, with no registration or timing needed. Participation is free, and donations collected on the day support UNICEF.

www.berlin.de

OUCH THE MOUNTAINS, Interlaken. Photo: JWE GmbH

TOUCH THE MOUNTAINS, INTERLAKEN (1 JANUARY)

Start the New Year at Touch the Mountains in Interlaken, a free open-air celebration set against a breathtaking alpine backdrop. Enjoy live concerts from Swiss artists such as Halunke and Bligg, and a vibrant crowd atmosphere, followed by a spectacular artistic fireworks display. A vibrant, uplifting start to 2026.

www.touchthemountains.ch

TOUCH THE MOUNTAINS, Interlaken. Photo: JWE GmbH

TRENDSET WINTER, MUNICH (4 – 6 JANUARY)

TrendSet is one of Germany’s key interiors and lifestyle fairs, bringing together over 2,500 brands and thousands of industry professionals in Munich. Held twice a year, it showcases new collections, emerging styles and innovative products across home, design and décor. A major meeting point for buyers, retailers and hospitality professionals, this is the place to spot trends shaping the coming season.

www.trendset.de

TrendSet. Photo: TRENDSET GMBH

FOUR HILLS TOURNAMENT, BISCHOFSHOFEN (6 JANUARY)

Each year on Epiphany, more than 25,000 fans gather at the Paul-Außerleitner-Schanze in Bischofshofen for the grand finale of the Four Hills Tournament. Set against the dramatic Hochkönig mountains, this celebrated ski-jumping event delivers world-class performances and an atmosphere unlike anything else on the winter sports calendar.

www.vierschanzentournee.com/en

DAYS OF DANCE, BERLIN (8 – 24 JANUARY)

Since 1996, the Tanztage festival has brought contemporary dance to the Sophiensaele,highlighting bold new voices and fresh perspectives on everything from politics to the musical genre. With works at the crossroads of dance, visual art, music and performance, it’s a showcase of emerging choreographers from international training centres and not to be missed.

www.berlin.de/events

Photo: Pixabay

TOURISMA & CARAVANING, MAGDEBURG (9 – 11 JANUARY)

Tourisma & Caravaning brings travel inspiration to Messe Magdeburg, with more than 100 exhibitors presenting holiday ideas from wellness escapes to caravan adventures. Across three halls, visitors can explore destinations, enjoy multimedia presentations and pick up fresh ideas for their next trip. The perfect place to spark your travel plans for the year ahead.

www.tc-magdeburg.com

Dolomitenlauf. Photo: EXPA, Andreas Pranter

56TH INTERNATIONAL DOLOMITENLAUF, LIENZ / OBERTILLIACH (16 – 18 JANUARY)

The Dolomitenlauf is Austria’s most prominent public cross-country skiing event and a fixture of the international Worldloppet series. Held in Obertilliach amid the Lienz Dolomites, it pairs reliable snow conditions with stunning alpine scenery. With more than 50 years of history, the race brings together athletes from around the world for an unforgettable winter experience.

www.dolomitensport.at

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