10 Magical Christmas Hotels to Enjoy the Festive Season
Hotels with Out-of-this-World Christmas Decorations
If you’re looking for holiday cheer and dazzling decorations, you’ll love our list of magical Christmas hotels to enjoy the festive season. With their glitzy Christmas trees, festive banquets, glossy green wreaths and thousands of baubles, both kids and adults alike will feel part of a fairy tale.
Our list of luxury Christmas hotels spans cosy cabins in far-flung Lapland, iconic landmarks in New York City and mountain castles in the wilds of Canada. Once you’ve checked in, you can visit Santa, unwrap presents or enjoy a mistletoe kiss in a restaurant or lobby. Read on to find out where you should enjoy the Christmas magic this year.
1. The Plaza, New York, USA
An ornately-decorated Big Apple icon
Good for: History, Families, Luxury
One of the world’s most renowned hotels, The Plaza is enviably situated on New York’s Central Park South and is popular with Hollywood royalty and the political elite. Famed for its plush interiors, grand marble pillars and glinting chandelier lighting, the hotel transforms into a festive playground come December.
There’s no better place for a Christmas Day lunch than the Plaza’s stunning Palm Court: a 115-year-old dining room that was refurbished by esteemed architect Thierry Despont and is resplendent with glossy palms, a stained-glass domed ceiling and a central bar adorned with flowers. Take the kids to Santa’s story time in the Rose Club jazz bar before marvelling at the decorations in the hotel lobby.
The Plaza, New York, USA
2. Santa Claus Holiday Village, Lapland, Finland
Accommodations right out of a fairy story
Good for: Families, Adventure, Unusual
Located in Finland’s Rovaniemi, capital of the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Holiday Village enchants with its dramatic Northern Lights displays, brightly-coloured illuminations and exclusive visits from Saint Nick. For a truly festive holiday, book a spot on an Aurora Reindeer Safari, take a magical snowshoe trip across the icy Arctic wilderness or visit Ranua Zoo for a chance to see the polar bears.
With a range of cosy cottages and suites complete with in-room saunas, you can hunker down with the family when the snow begins to fall. For a festive feast, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Three Elves restaurant which serves luscious Sámi meals in a charming glass igloo.
Santa Claus Holiday Village, Lapland, Finland
3. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France
Winter wonderland with major WOW-factor
Good for: Food, Luxury, Photo
Casting its gaze over the Place de la Concorde in Paris, the 18th-century Hôtel de Crillon is an unabashed celebration of art de vivre: the French art of living. During the festive season, this iconic landmark is elevated with exquisite decor, including white Christmas trees festooned with glinting baubles, and lavish afternoon teas at the Jardin d’Hiver.
When you’re not being dazzled by the hotel’s opulent rooms and their bespoke furnishings and rare antiques, you can enjoy a festive meal at the Michelin-starred L’Écrin, one of Paris’ most illustrious restaurants. Indulge in a 7-course meal crafted from the world’s most decadent ingredients including blue lobster, Burgundy beef and Madagascan chocolate.
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France
4. Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Canada
Christmas at a Canadian castle
Good for: Luxury, Photo, Nightlife
Affectionately called the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, Fairmont Banff Springs is set in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, including the awe-inspiring Victoria Glacier, this luxury hotel is a hit at Christmas with its 8,000 acres of powdery skiing.
During your stay, wander halls lined with illuminated Christmas trees, partake in a gingerbread house workshop, enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus or ice skate at the hotel rink. Come evening, head to the Vermillion Room restaurant for a Christmas Dinner Buffet, followed by a visit to the Thirsty Reindeer pop-up bar for a range of seasonal drinks.
Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Canada
5. Shangri-La The Shard, London
A celebration in the clouds
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo
Set in London’s most iconic building, Shangri-La at The Shard is a centrally-appointed 5-star hotel that boasts incredible views of the city skyline and the famous River Thames. In December, this upscale English venue comes to life with a range of seasonal offerings including wreath-making workshops, Christmas Day meals and festive afternoon teas.
After checking into a ritzy room or suite with champagne on arrival, head to TĪNG Restaurant for its bauble-covered ceiling, traditional Norfolk turkey and decadent Christmas pudding drizzled with thick brandy custard. On Boxing Day, swing by the Sky Pool and Sauna for an infinity swim 52 floors above the pavement or book a slot at the treatment rooms for a therapeutic massage.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
6. Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna
For a Christmas with historical elegance
Good for: Couples, History, Luxury
Originally the private residence of Duke Philipp of Württemberg, Vienna’s Hotel Imperial has since transformed itself into luxurious accommodation that has been welcoming celebrities, dignitaries and royalty since 1873. Everything here is imbued with opulence, from the ornately patterned carpets and the old-world oil paintings to the exquisite jacquard pillows and crystal chandeliers.
Each December, Hotel Imperial dazzles with its giant traditional Christmas tree and gourmet yuletide dishes like freshly roasted chestnuts, Barbary duck with cranberry sauce and curd dumplings with spiced cherries. The hotel also offers Christmas packages featuring all the festive trimmings like a Champagne buffet breakfast and a 5-course Christmas dinner. Make sure you book early to avoid missing out.
Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna
7. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Majestic riverside hotel
Good for: History, Luxury, Food
An imposing neoclassical landmark built in 1928, The Fullerton was once Singapore’s General Post Office until it was reimagined as a 400-room heritage hotel. It features swanky rooms and suites with river and bay views. Inside this palatial beauty, Christmas is celebrated with unbridled flamboyance with bright red poinsettias, gold sparkly reindeer, trees decorated with soft toys and live Christmas carols.
Enjoy an extravagant gastro experience with the Fullerton Festive Dining Experience which includes Champagne brunches and buffet dinners in the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Treat your loved ones to the Festive Afternoon Tea, which features imaginative sandwiches like roast beef on brioche with green apple relish and delectable sweets like mini almond stollen.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
8. Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, Orlando, USA
Condo resort celebrations with children’s characters and celebrities
Good for: Families, Luxury, Nightlife
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, located just minutes from Orlando’s iconic theme park. Famed for its family-friendly suites and themed pirate’s plunge pool, the venue puts on a festive show in December with its flamboyant Christmas decorations and jaunty yuletide music.
When you’re not receiving candy canes from the resort’s elves or sipping holiday cocktails at Frankie Farrell’s Irish Pub, you can indulge in a traditional Christmas dinner every day in December. Don’t forget to visit Walt Disney World ® for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s show-stopping fireworks display and the EPCOT Candlelight Processional which features celebrities.
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, Orlando, USA
9. The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland
Festive fun in the heart of Edinburgh
Good for: Shoppers, Food
A legendary landmark in the heart of Scotland’s capital, the 5-star Balmoral Hotel is instantly recognisable with its grand baronial facade and iconic clock tower. In December, the hotel’s Season of Festive Spirit programme takes over with its sumptuous feast on Christmas Day and very British afternoon teas.
Marvel at the hotel’s hanging wreaths and giant Christmas tree as you make your way to Brasserie Prince for succulent roast turkey and Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce and orange Chantilly. Don’t miss the Edinburgh Christmas Market at the East Princes Street Gardens which teems with fairground rides and artisan gifts.
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland
10. Four Seasons Sydney, Australia
For when you want to spend a December Down Under
Good for: Food, Luxury, Photo
Overlooking the breath-taking blue of Sydney Harbor with its glorious white-sail Opera House and iconic steel-arched bridge, the Four Seasons impresses with its panoramic modern suites. It features a heated outdoor triangular pool and world-class Endota Spa. Come December, this renowned hotel boasts festive gourmet dining experiences, Christmas carols sung by the Australian Girls’ Choir and a 23-foot tree glimmering in the central lobby.
Treat yourself to a Christmas Day buffet lunch Aussie-style at the Mode Kitchen & Bar. Alternatively, live the high life and opt for the hotel’s Festive High Tea, with edible baubles that melt in the mouth like Christmas ham brioche and luscious Lemon Ornaments.
Four Seasons Sydney, Australia
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