If you've yet to dive into the vibrant, fun and fantastic world of Comic Cons, this could be the year to give it a shot.
These large-scale conventions see fans of comics, movies, TV shows, anime and gaming come together under one roof.
From meeting your favourite actors to battling for cosplay glory, they're a thrill-fest of cult delights.
While the biggest names in the Comic Con world include the likes of San Diego and Tokyo, European Comic Cons are just as formidable.
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The Best Comic Cons in Europe 2025
If you're planning your convention calendar for 2025 and have your sights set outside of Asia and the US, here are some of the best comic cons in Europe to get on your radar.
Angoulême International Comics Festival
Where? Angoulême, France.
When? 23rd - 26th January 2025 (Next edition - 29th January - 1st February 2026)
Why Go to Angoulême International Comics Festival?
The granddaddy of European Comic Cons, Angoulême International Comics Festival is a literary dream.
It focuses on graphic novels and bandes dessinées, the beloved French comic art form.
Expect stunning exhibitions, industry awards and comic art masters sketching live. Immerse yourself in artistry, rub elbows with creators and indulge in some seriously niche comics.
Manga Barcelona
Where? Barcelona, Spain.
When? Friday 5th - Monday 8th December 2025.
Who will be there? Myaku-Myaku, the mascot of the Osaka 2025 World Expo, many mangakas including Naoki Urasawa and Yumiko Igarashi, author of Black Clover Yuki Tabata, K-Pop boy band Psychic Fever, vocalist Ai Hisano and Japanese manga publishers Manga Festival.
Why Go to Manga Barcelona?
Manga fans, rejoice! This Spanish celebration of Japanese pop culture is electric.
Manga Barcelona brings meet and greets, conferences, workshops, shows, martial art exhibitions and hundreds of thousands of like-minded visitors to the North of Spain this December.
Walk among stalls piled with rare manga, catch screenings of the latest anime and take part in cosplay competitions brimming with creativity.
Comic Con France
Where? Paris, France.
When? Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April 2025.
Who will be there? Buffy the Vampire Slayer's James Marsters, Jack Gleeson from Game of Thrones, Robert Patrick from Terminator 2, Anna Shaffer and Jessie Cave of Harry Potter, Marvel artists Laura Braga and Daniel Acuna.
Why Go to Comic Con France?
Comic Con France is a chic pop culture juggernaut. Formerly known as Comic Con Paris, the event was paused in 2020 during the pandemic, but is now back with a new name and more energy than ever.
In 2025, Comic Con France is set to be packed with celebrity appearances, creator workshops and jaw-dropping cosplay displays.
All against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful cities - a top pick for any con fan.
Gamescom
Where? Cologne, Germany.
When? Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th August 2025.
Who will be there? Epic Games, Google, Microsoft and Warner Bros., alongside numerous eSports suppliers, independent game developers and hardware companies.
Why Go to Gamescom Cologne?
Gamers, this is your promised land. Gamescom in Cologne is Europe's biggest gaming convention, filled with the latest releases, demos and tech.
On the schedule this year is an opening night studded with guest talks and gameplay reveals.
The conference also features video game awards and a cosplay village complete with international cosplayers, artists and live music.
Plus, the chance to play upcoming blockbusters before anyone else is enough to make this one a must-visit.
German Film and Comic Con
Where? Dortmund, Germany.
When? Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2025.
Who will be there? The full guest lineup hasn't yet been revealed but so far includes a range of cosplayers and artists, film TV and voice actors, including Caity Lotz, aka Sarah Lance of Arrow, Wil Wheaton of Star Trek and Michael Rosenbaum of Smallville.
Why Go to German Film and Comic Con?
Picture a smorgasbord of celebrity meet-and-greets, comic vendors and passionate fandoms in full swing.
That’s what's in store for attendees of German Film and Comic Con.
Get a digital image of yourself with your favourite stars. Meet the German voice artists of English-language shows and stock up on autographs and selfies.
Show off your cosplay skills while plundering unique merch at this much-anticipated heavyweight on the European con scene.
Heroes Dutch Comic Con
Where? Utrecht, Netherlands.
When? Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June 2025.
Who will be there? Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins from Supernatural, Dave Jones and Samantha Beart of Baldur's Gate 3, comic writers and artists such as Ryan North and Ron Marz and host and cosplayer Sakuraflor.
Why Go to Heroes Dutch Comic Con?
An inclusive celebration of pop culture, Heroes Dutch Comic Con is your opportunity to meet world-famous actors and comic artists and explore top TV series and films.
HDCC is also the perfect excuse to go hard at the cosplay. Attendees' imaginations run wild and creativity is encouraged.
Expect to be mingling with characters right across the board - from superheroes and villains to gaming and beyond.
If you're looking for photo and autograph opps, fantastic cosplay competitions, board games, film screenings and a family friendly vibe, this is the one for you.
Image owned by and used with permission of Heroes Dutch Comic Con, photographer Bart Nijs
Liverpool Comic Con
Where? Liverpool, England.
When? Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 2025.
Who will be there? Ralph Macchio from Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, Hayden Christensen from Star Wars, Rosario Dawson of Ahsoka, James McAvoy from X-Men, Alec Baldwin of Beetlejuice and Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez from Napoleon Dynamite.
Why Go to Liverpool Comic Con?
One of Europe's largest pop culture conventions, Liverpool Comic Con pulls tens of thousands of fans to my home town twice a year.
Delivering hard on appearances from sci-fi, fantasy and cult TV stars, May 2025's edition will see visits from the one and only Dwight Schrute aka Rainn Wilson, Alec Baldwin and Jon Heder of Napoleon Dynamite fame.
An ideal con for autograph hunters and anyone who loves a bit of theatrical cosplay.
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Lucca Comics and Games, Italy
Where? Tuscany, Italy.
When? Wednesday 29th October 2025 - Sunday 2nd November 2025.
Why Go to Lucca Comics and Games Italy?
One of the oldest comic cons in the world and still a standout, Lucca Comic and Games is the McDaddy of European comic cons.
Picture a medieval town taken over by 300,000 fans of costume, comics and cosplay.
It's chaotic, creative and pure magic. The 2025 programme has yet to be announced, but one thing's certain - it's likely to be one you won't forget.
MCM London
Where? London, England.
When? Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th May 2025.
Why Go to MCM London?
The heavyweight champion of UK cons, MCM London Comic Con is the biggest pop culture celebration in the UK and the place to be.
It's an epic mashup of comics, gaming, top-tier cosplay and star-studded panels.
Meet your favorite anime and gaming voice actors, TV and film stars and take home some unique art and literature from independent creators.
Make it a long weekend and twin it with a cheeky day in London - win-win.
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What Makes European Comic Cons So Special?
- Diverse pop culture heaven - From French graphic novels to German gaming giants, no two Comic Cons are alike. There's something for every fandom.
- Big-name guests - Ever fancied meeting cult TV idols or the creator of your favourite comic? European cons are the place to be, as they bring in top global talent year-after-year.
- Cosplay magic - Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or strapping on foam armour, cosplay is a visual feast and a whole tonne of fun, with Europe's con crowds taking it to the next level.
How to Make the Most of Your Comic Con Experience in 2025
Designed for excitement, comic cons are big, brash, busy and sometimes overwhelming. Here's how to keep your cool at an event.
- Plan ahead - Buy tickets early, check the schedule and sort your travel and hotel. For staying connected abroad, grab an eSIM from Airalo for reliable data without the roaming fees.
- Join the fun - Attend panels, line up for autographs and dive into the cosplay scene.
- Explore the city, culture and surrounddings - Don't let the convention centre be your only view. Check out local culture and cuisine while you're at a European comic con.
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From the grandeur of Lucca to the buzzing halls of London, the best comic cons in Europe for 2025 promise adventure, creativity and community.
So book your tickets, perfect your cosplay and get ready to make epic memories.
Be a Hero - Sort Your Data Before You Go
Oh and don't forget - stay connected with a travel eSIM from Airalo.
It's the best way to keep your phone handy for maps, selfies and sharing your comic con moments online.
Check out the best and most affordable eSIMS for Europe here.
Let the games begin!
