6 Unmissable Chocolate Events Coming up Early 2016

We've rounded up six can't-miss chocolate festivals taking place across Europe and the United States, between January and April, giving you a good excuse to plan a cacao filled weekend away and shrug off those winter blues.

You'll discover everything from the origins of cacao to unusual chocolate products, chocolate inspired fashion, meet artisanal chocolatiers, top patissiers and will more than likely re-plenish your pre-Christmas chocolate stash.

So pack your bags and save some room for your new found favourites. Here's what's on offer:

1) Chocolate Fest, Portland, Oregon
January 22-24, 2016Website

This speciality food festival celebrates some of the finest chocolate from the Northwest and beyond. Visitors will have the chance to sample the sweet treats of over 40 gourmet chocolatiers, wines and be involved in some unusual chocolate themed presentations.

2) Chocoa. Amsterdam
February 6-7, 2016Website

This two day chocolate festival takes place in the heart of Amsterdam where visitors will enjoy tastings and discovering new flavours along with wine, coffee and craft beers at over 50 stands. A special emphasis will be placed on the cocoa supply chain where visitors will have the chance to learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar and enter into the sustainable cacao sourcing debate.

3) Salon du Chocolat, Milano
February 13-15, 2016Website

This renowned global festival originated in Paris 20 years ago. Settling for a weekend in the capital of style don't miss out on the couture chocolate tailoring when chocolatiers and fashion designers combine talents to come up with some stunning chocolate inspired outfits. Other treats include pastry sessions from master patissiers, and a whole area devoted to chocolate shopping with a special emphasis on Italy.

4) Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest, New Mexico
March 19-20, 2016Website

One of the USA's premier food destinations, Albuquerque is the place to be for the premiere food festival celebrating chocolate, coffee and other gourmet goods. Visitors will have the chance to meet chocolatiers, bakers, wine makers and participate in a baking contest and attend cooking demos. Be sure not to miss out on the largest Easter egg hunt.

5) York Chocolate Festival, U.K
March 25-28, 2016Website

The city of York, otherwise known as the 'home of chocolate' has a long and distinguished history with the chocolate industry so it's only natural the city celebrates its roots.  Daily chocolate themed events will tempt chocolate lovers, including street festivities, a chocolate tasting tent and a chocolate cookery school as well as plenty of local chocolatiers exhibiting their sought after delicacies.

6) Slovenia Chocolate Festival, Slovenia
April 15-17, 2016Website

The largest chocolate festival in Slovenia is a chocolate lovers haven set in the old town centre, complete with tastings, workshops, demonstrations and the best chocolatiers in the region.

Feeling hungry? Check out our tempting selection of chocolate desserts.

Follow Fine Dining Lovers Also on Facebook