Now Christmas and New Year’s Eve have been and gone, you’d be forgiven for thinking the only thing to look forward to this year is a trip to the gym to burn off that Christmas turkey – but you’d be wrong!

To make sure you start 2015 with a bang, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest events and important dates for your diary – so get booking and begin the New Year with a smile on your face.

NFL Super Bowl 2015, Arizona

When? February 1st

Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t really have a clue what’s going on, the Super Bowl is always a huge sporting spectacle. This year’s event is taking place in Arizona although getting a ticket is almost impossible!

Chinese New Year

When? February 19th

For some people, having just one New Year just isn’t enough. The Chinese New Year allows you to relive the biggest night of the year all over again (without the hangover possibly!). 2015 is the Year of the Sheep and there are various places to celebrate around the world. Some of our favourites include Singapore, Bangkok and Beijing.

Chinese New Year by Ivan Bandura via Flickr

Holi Festival, India

When? March 6th

Also known as the Festival of Colours, the annual Holi Festival in India is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the festivities take place all across India with parties, dancing and throwing coloured powder over one other!

St Patrick’s Day, Ireland

When? March 14th

Forget about a cheeky pint of Guinness in your local pub this year. Why not go all out and enjoy St Patrick’s Day in style? Celebrations take place around the world with the best ones happening in Chicago, Munich and of course around Ireland.

Chicago Green River by Max Talbot-Minkin via Flickr

Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza, Mexico

When? March 19th-22nd

Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – so pretty impressive to see at any time of year. For something really special though, visit from March 19-22 for the amazing light and shadow display of the Spring Equinox that creates the impression of a serpent rippling down the steps of the pyramid.

UEFA Champions League Final, Berlin

When? June 6th

One of the biggest football events on the sporting calendar, this year’s Champions League Final is taking place in Berlin. Three English teams are still in the competition, as well as European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Olympic Stadium Berlin by UltraView Admin via Flickr

Sonar Festival, Barcelona

When? June 18th-20th

One for any music lovers now, Sonar Festival in Barcelona offers a spectacular line-up of musicians every year. The festival has been running since 1994 and features the best electronic music artists from around the world.

Tour de France

When? July 4th-26th

The UK has become pretty good at cycling lately so there’s definitely a reason to get excited about this year’s Tour de France. The race begins in the Netherlands, before moving into France and ending in Paris on July 26th.

Tour de France by Robert King via Flickr

Edinburgh Festival

When? August 7th-31st

If you haven’t yet experienced the Edinburgh Festival Fringe yet, why not make 2015 the year to do so? The world’s biggest arts festival features everything from music and comedy to theatre and exhibitions – plus loads more!

Rugby World Cup, England

When? September 18th-October 31st

You don’t have to leave the UK if you’re looking for world class sport this year. The Rugby World Cup takes place at a range of venues including St James’ Park in Newcastle, Elland Road in Leeds and of course the famous Twickenham Stadium in London.

Rugby World Cup by Mark Meredith via Flickr

Oktoberfest, Munich

When? September 19th-October 4th

With beer, sausages and amusement rides, what more could you want in one place? The festival is made up of a number of tents of varying sizes, each serving different beers, wines and cocktails – making it the largest funfair in the world.

Which events are on your to-do list in 2015? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Images: Saaleha Bamjee, Ivan Bandura, Max Talbot-Minkin, UltraView Admin, Robert King & Mark Meredith via Flickr.