Unmissable European Cultural Experiences This Week: A Holiday Edition
Happy holidays, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or any other festive occasion with your loved ones! As the year draws to a close, it's time to embrace the festive spirit and indulge in some much-needed relaxation. But don't worry, we've got you covered with a list of exciting cultural experiences to keep you entertained.
Exhibitions
Gerhard Richter: A Retrospective
- When: Now until March 2, 2026
- Where: Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, France
- Immerse yourself in the world of renowned German artist Gerhard Richter, widely regarded as the 'greatest living artist'. This retrospective showcases 275 works spanning 1962 to 2024, offering a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of Richter's bold fusion of photorealism and abstraction. From oil paintings to steel sculptures and ink drawings, this exhibition will leave you in awe of his artistic genius.
Michaelina Malerin Wautier: Breaking Boundaries
- When: Now until February 22, 2026
- Where: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria
- Discover the extraordinary life and work of Michaelina Wautier, a 17th-century artist who defied gender norms. This exhibition presents her large-scale portraits and landscapes, challenging the male-dominated art world of her time. See her works alongside masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, and learn about her groundbreaking career that has been long overdue for recognition.
World Press Cartoon Awards
- Where: Palácio Anjos, Algés, Portugal
- When: Now until February 8, 2026
- A bonus highlight awaits! Around 300 entries from this year's World Press Cartoon Awards are on display, showcasing the winners' satirical and thought-provoking cartoons. Don't miss this opportunity to appreciate the power of visual humor and engage with diverse perspectives.
Movies
Marty Supreme: A Ping-Pong Thriller
- Where: Cinemas
- When: December 26
- Get ready for a thrilling cinematic experience with the Safdie brothers' latest masterpiece, Marty Supreme. Set in the 1950s, this film follows Timothée Chalamet's charismatic table-tennis player, Marty Mauser, as he strives for greatness. With its high-octane action and screwball energy, it's a must-watch for movie enthusiasts.
A Very Jonas Christmas Movie
- Streaming: Netflix
- Embrace the holiday cheer with this year's popular Hallmark-style movie, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. Perfect for a cozy night in, grab some leftovers, pour yourself a Baileys, and let the saccharine serenity melt away your worries.
TV Series
Stranger Things: The Finale
- Where: Netflix
- When: December 26 and 31
- The highly anticipated Stranger Things finale is here! Volume 2 of season five drops on December 26, and the final episode streams on December 31. Will the gang overcome Vecna and close the rifts forever? Find out as the fate of Eleven and the Hawkins children hangs in the balance. Get ready to bid farewell to another year with a box of tissues close by.
Amadeus: A Six-Part Reimagining
- Streaming: Sky and NOW
- Bonus highlight! Dive into the world of Mozart with this six-part reimagining, starring Will Sharpe. Amadeus offers a fresh perspective on the composer's life, making it a must-watch for classical music enthusiasts.
Music
Best of Music 2025: A Diverse Year
- From Jane Remover's genre-hopping adventures to Rosalía's symphonic masterpieces, 2025 has been a remarkable year for music releases. If you're not already a dedicated listener, our End of Year round-up of the best albums is a must-read. Trust us, the Euronews Culture team knows their stuff! And don't forget, you'll look incredibly cool during any Christmas music quizzes.
Happy holidays, and stay tuned for more of our Best Of 2025 series, including our favorite movies of the year, coming soon!
