Experience the magic of the holiday season at these hotels

As the most wonderful time of the year draws near, cities across the globe undergo a festive transformation. Whether your ideal holiday involves cosying up in front of a fireplace or exploring some of the world’s most legendary Christmas markets, you’re sure to find inspiration on how and where to spend your holiday season below. 

Get into the spirit of the season with our collection of the most festive hotels to celebrate Christmas around the world.

The Connaught – London, UK 

Celebrate Christmas in the heart of London’s Mayfair neighbourhood at The Connaught, which offers a traditional British Christmas. The towering, British-sourced Connaught Christmas tree is a centrepiece of Mount Street during the winter months, curated by a different artist every year . The hotel also hosts Christmas wreath-making workshops led by the florists at Moyses Stevens, and serves a variety of festive platters, spanning roast bronze turkey and ham to smoked heritage beetroot wellington, in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus.

Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam – Amsterdam, Netherlands

From illuminated canals to the World Christmas Circus, there’s no shortage of Christmas spirit in the “Venice of the North” – and the Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam is the place to experience it all. Find peace (and an abundance of space) in one of 205 opulent rooms, many of which boast beautiful views of Amsterdam’s canals. Between November 2024 and January 2025, visit the Amsterdam Light Festival to see the canals of the city adorned with over 25 art installations.  

Hotel Lutetia – Paris, France

There’s nothing more romantic in winter than celebrating Christmas in Paris – and Hotel Lutetia’s festive experiences are sure to bring out the holiday joy in you. Receive €100 (HK$840) hotel credit when you book their holiday package, which you can spend at its bars, restaurants, or on a winter-designed rejuvenation treatment at the Akasha Spa. Indulge in pastry chef Nicolas Guercio’s “Snowflake Yule Log ,” a chestnut biscuit dessert inspired by fallen snow, with a Christmas music box at the core. Bestow the gift of luxury upon your loved ones with a curated shopping experience at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche – they’ll receive a personalised welcome in the VIP Private Salons and champagne on arrival. 

Palace Hotel – Tokyo, Japan

Spend your Christmas in Tokyo at the Palace Hotel, a luxe, modern five-star oasis facing the Imperial Palace gardens. Pamper yourself with a revitalising spa treatment at the hotel’s Evian Spa complete with panoramic vistas of the city and, on a clear day, the snowcapped Mt. Fuji. For a truly memorable stay, book the hotel’s Christmas package and your room will be decorated with a Christmas tree and kitted out with a limited-edition Christmas cookie tin. Lastly, don’t Miss Tokyo’s Christmas markets – the most popular are located in Shinjuku, Roppongi Hills and the nearby Tokyo Skytree. 

Lotte New York Palace – New York, USA

For a quintessential New York Christmas experience, stay at the Lotte New York Palace in December. Within walking distance from the hotel is Radio City Music Hall, where you can enjoy a performance put on by the Rockettes dance company. Afterwards, take photos in front of the massive Rockefeller Centre Christmas trees, and window-shop your way through festively decorated department stores. After a wintry stroll, cosy up in one of their luxuriously comfortable rooms or plan a private dining experience for you and your loved ones this holiday season.  

The Hotel Windsor – Melbourne, Australia

As you step through the doors of this hotel, you’re welcomed by the warm embrace of Australian hospitality. Housed in a grand Rennaissance Revival-style building, the Hotel Windsor holds a deep appreciation of Christmas and is a magical place to spend the holidays. An ornately decorated Christmas tree takes pride of place in the lobby, and you’ll find a multitude of lavish festive dishes like Tasmania rock lobster buns and jellied ham terrine on their menu. Guests can book a bespoke private Christmas lunch for up to ten guests in the famed Winston Room or indulge in an elevated afternoon tea overlooking the city. 

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul – Seoul, South Korea 

For a classic Korean Christmas that brings the best of Seoul to your doorstep, look no further than Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Get lost among the city’s busy streets, decked out in twinkling lights, or wine and dine your way through the season in one of the in-house restaurants. Press pause on the frenzy of the festive season and check into the hotel spa for a traditional Korean sauna experience with incredible views of the city. To fully embrace the holiday spirit, visit the Christmas Market at Gwanghwamun Square to support local craft businesses and pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones. Then, make your way to the Seoul Christmas Festival at Cheonggyecheon Plaza, where you can admire the dazzling light displays. 

Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof – Frankfurt, Germany

Centrally located near the Christmas markets along Römerberg Square and the historic old town, Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof is a picturesque European haven for the festive season. This traditional building with an open courtyard houses 267 rooms and 36 suites, all offering a cosy yet charming ambience. On 24 December 2024, sample your way through a four-course Christmas menu at in-house restaurant Brasserie Moderne Oscar’s while enjoying a live musical performance.