From Mayfair carols to desert galas: the season’s most enchanting festive escapes
From carols at the Royal Albert Hall to Jessie J on a private Maldivian island, the world's finest hotels reveal how they will celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve.
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Christmas and New Year’s Eve are celebrated the world over, yet the traditions and settings that define them are anything but universal. This season, some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts are putting their own stamp on the festivities, from carols in Mayfair and an alpine chalet above Fifth Avenue to New Year galas on private islands and beneath the desert stars.
Brown’s Hotel, London
In Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte hotel, presents The Dahlia Season until 31 December, with guests enjoying Carols at the Royal Albert Hall on 21, 22 and 23 December and English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker from the hotel’s exclusive boxes. Horse drawn carriage rides in the Royal Parks, skating at Somerset House and festive afternoon tea complete the picture, with the hotel’s Festive Fair on 18 and 19 November.
The Peninsula London
In Belgravia, The Peninsula London brings a traditional British Christmas to its courtyard from 16 November, with a Christmas Tree Market on 29 November and carols shared with guests and the local community.
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
From 30 November to 10 January, The Great Christmas Journey transforms Place du Casino, where the Monte-Carlo Express brings Santa’s journey to life across three decorated carriages beneath a 20 metre tree. On New Year’s Eve the Salle des Etoiles hosts This is Michael, a dinner show celebrating Michael Jackson’s greatest hits.
The Peninsula Paris
Executive Pastry Chef Anne Coruble, Gault & Millau’s Pastry Chef of the Year, has partnered with Chaumet on L’Épi de Blé, a bûche de Noël inspired by the ear of wheat, priced at €120 for eight and collected from Le Lobby from 21 to 31 December. In January, Le Pain des Moissons reimagines the galette des rois.
Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz
Santa arrives at reception on 24 December, families can arrange a Christmas tree in their suite before arrival, and the Signalbahn gondola to the Corviglia slopes is just 220 metres away.
The Peninsula New York
Chesa, the Swiss inspired rooftop chalet, returns until 31 December with fondue above the Manhattan skyline, joined by Festive Afternoon Tea at Gotham Lounge and a hot chocolate bar at Clement.
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
The Time as One programme begins with a tree lighting on 20 December, and on 31 December Jessie J headlines an exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala Night reserved for resort guests.
One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
A Festive Chalet in Le Badamier Garden, Santa’s arrival by horse drawn carriage and rituals at the Guerlain Spa lead to a New Year’s Eve gala beneath the stars headlined by Nicole Scherzinger.
Bab Al Shams, Dubai
Amid Dubai’s golden dunes, Al Hadheerah hosts a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with live performances and open air dining, while its upper deck offers a dedicated service team and direct views of the fireworks.
Imagery courtesy of the hotels.