International Events Calendar: January 2025

As the clock nears midnight, a symphony of chimes fills the Parisian air as the newly restored bells of Notre Dame resound through the illuminated towers of Île de la Cité. After a five-year restoration following the devastating fire, the iconic cathedral opens its doors once again, reigniting the hearts of countless visitors eager to witness its renewed splendor.

Later in the month, the Lunar New Year welcomes the graceful arrival of the Year of the Snake on January 29th—a celebration filled with symbolism, tradition, and vibrant festivity.

But these moments are just the beginning of an extraordinary calendar of events. From the elegant streets of Paris to the rolling vineyards of California, January 2025 is teeming with opportunities to immerse yourself in culture and cuisine.

Take, for example, San Francisco Ballet, which begins its 91st season with a glittering fundraiser—the pinnacle of the city’s social scene and a testament to its rich artistic tradition.

For those craving inspiration and cultural connection, there’s so much to explore this month. Stay tuned for February 2025’s curated events—we’ll guide you toward more unforgettable experiences.

January 2025

Jan. 22
San Francisco Ballet | Opening Night Gala
The ultimate convergence of ballet, fashion, music, and visual art. In support of the ballet’s artistic initiatives and scholarships for SF Ballet School, with Honorary Gala Chair Ayesha Curry. City Hall and War Memorial Opera House. sfballet.org

Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography

Jan. 24 – Feb. 1
San Francisco Ballet | Manon
Manon’s struggle to escape poverty makes this a dramatic and devastating story, showcasing the juxtaposition between her impoverished origins and the lavish world she longs to inhabit, ultimately paying the price for true love and freedom. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org


Dec. 24, 2024 – Jan. 6, 2026
Jubilee (Holy Year), Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica

Once every 25 years, Roman Catholics commemorate their faith in a yearlong Jubilee, or Holy Year. On Dec. 24, 2024, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to an anticipated 25 million pilgrims. The Jubilee ends with the Epiphany more than one year later, in January 2026. vatican.va 

Jan. 1, 2025
136th Tournament of Roses, Pasadena, California

Bright and early at 8 a.m., some 800,000 spectators are on hand as “The Best Day Ever” kicks off the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade. Along the 5 1/2-mile route, marching bands, equestrian units, and intricate floral floats are presented to the world as America’s New Year Celebration®. At 1 p.m., there’s another exciting kickoff inside Rose Bowl Stadium. tournamentofroses.com

Throughout 2025
Museum Island, Berlin

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Berlin’s historic center displays valuable treasures covering 6.000 years of human history. Among the many treasures at Museum Island, the world famous 3,000-year-old bust of Nefertiti can be viewed. In 2025, Berlin celebrates the 200th anniversary since construction of the Altes Museum, the first of the city’s five world famous museums. visitberlin.de

Jan. 15 – 20, 2025
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman | Cayman Cookout

At a distinctive five-star resort set in tropical splendor, one of the world’s most celebrated food events takes place once again. The 2025 lineup promises an extraordinary weekend of sensory indulgence, featuring world-renowned chefs, exceptional wines, and unforgettable experiences—all set against the stunning backdrop of Grand Cayman’s captivating shores. caymancookout.com

Though Jan. 26, 2025
Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC | Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350

La Maestà by Duccio

At the dawn of the 14th century, the Italian Renaissance had a moment to take hold prior to the devasting onset of the plague. Siena, rather than Florence, was the epicenter of the movement led by artists including Duccio, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini. Their impact on Western painting was profound, although none of them survived the plague. The exhibition is organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The National Gallery, London. metmuseum.org

Jan. 24 – Feb. 3, 2025
Sundance Film Festival, Utah

The nation’s largest international film festival attracts nearly half-a-million annually, both in-person and online. Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, the pre-eminent gathering of storytellers and audiences has launched hundreds of films, with many gaining critical acclaim. festival.sundance.org

Jan. 24 – July 21, 2025
Musée du Louvre, Paris | Fashion Exhibition

The Louvre makes history with its first-ever haute couture fashion-focused exhibition. In the grandest of settings, 65 outfits and 30 accessories from 40 iconic designers are displayed alongside ancient armor and Renaissance masterpieces. Recent fashions are mingled with precious objects from the Middle Ages to the Second French Empire. louvre.fr/en

Photo credits: Cover—Ball Drop in Times Square, NYC (Julienne Schaer, NYC Tourism + Conventions); Notre Dame (Sebastien, unsplash); St. Peter’s ( Ezgi Deliklitas on unsplash); Rose Parade (Visit Pasadena); Cayman Cookout video screenshot; Berlin (Michael Heise-unsplash); Sundance Film Festival (Travis Wise flickr.com/photos/photographingtravis/18118961764); The Maestà del Duomo by Duccio (Visit Siena); Musée du Louvre (Satvik-unsplash)

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