At Shangri-La Paris, Christmas arrives in lavish couture style. The iconic lobby tree is crowned with an oversized velvet bow, while the lounges bloom with sculptural red-bow installations and ornate gift boxes. Rich textures, Parisian grandeur and warm golden light create one of the city’s most striking festive scenes — opulent, modern and unmistakably Shangri-La.

A Season of Style, Magic and Imagination

From origami clouds in Zurich to couture pleats in Amsterdam, from British heritage at Claridge’s to the velvet extravagance of Monte-Carlo, Christmas 2025 proves that the world’s top hotels continue to push the boundaries of festive creativity.

As the season unfolds, we will be adding even more extraordinary trees to this guide — stay tuned for updates from Paris, New York, the Alps, the Middle East and beyond.

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No matter where you are, these “Christmas Mood Boosters” will make your day shine.

1. The Influence of Cozy Morning Routines

A leisurely winter morning has a certain beauty. Start your day with a warm beverage in your preferred festive mug, such as a thick hot chocolate, a cup of tea with orange peel, or coffee sprinkled with cinnamon. Give yourself five quiet minutes, cover yourself with a blanket, and switch to soft lighting rather than overhead.
A calmer, happier day is set in motion by that little ritual.

2. A Mind-Clearing Winter Walk

When you go outside, even the coldest day gets softer. Your mood is instantly lifted by a 10- to 15-minute stroll through decorated streets, Christmas lights, or just the crisp winter air. Reconnecting with the present moment, clearing your mind, and recharging your energy are all facilitated by it.
No screen can match the sense of grounding that comes from being in nature, even in the winter.

3. Use Christmas Playlists to Liven Up Your Day

In a matter of seconds, music can change one’s mood. Make a playlist that combines cozy, contemporary music with timeless holiday favorites. Imagine soft pop, lo-fi beats with soft bells, jazz instrumentals, and soulful voices.
Play it while you drive, cook, or clean the house. One of the best ways to enhance the holiday mood is with a suitable musical background.

4. Joyful Fragrances

Christmas is full of scent, which is memory. Fragrance instantly creates a sense of warmth, whether it’s from fresh cookies baking in the oven, orange slices simmering on the stove with cloves, or a candle with cedarwood and vanilla.
The entire house feels like a joyous getaway when a candle with a winter scent is placed in the living room.

5. Warm Lights, Significant Impact

Never undervalue the festive lighting’s ability to create a certain mood. An entire room can be made softer with just one string of fairy lights. Put them next to a window, on a shelf, or around a plant.
Particularly on gloomy winter afternoons, the cozy glow instantly makes you feel comfortable for the holidays.

6. A Cozy Dinner Prepared with Love

To feel festive, a large Christmas dinner is not necessary. Make a simple seasonal dish, such as baked apples with cinnamon, pasta with herbs, roasted chestnuts, or a bowl of soup.
Cooking comfort food can be just as calming as eating it, and it becomes a winter hug.

7. A 30-Minute Digital Detox

December can be overwhelming due to the deluge of online messages, shopping lists, and notifications. During the day, taking a brief digital break helps you relax and re-establish a connection with basic real-world pleasures like your surroundings, thoughts, and even your breath.
It’s a tiny gesture that provides unexpected clarity.

8. Creating a Holiday Memory

Make a small new custom for yourself. Every day, write a brief note about something that brought you joy, a peaceful moment, or something for which you are thankful.
Store them in a jar so you can relive the little pleasures the following Christmas.
It transforms everyday days into poignant tales.

9. Give Someone a Little Item

Joy often multiplies when it is shared. A small act of kindness, like bringing someone coffee, sending a heartfelt message, or complimenting them, can start a positive chain reaction.
When people celebrate together, the spirit grows.

10. Let Yourself Slow Down

Christmas is not just about doing more. It is also about doing less but with intention. Leaving space in your day to breathe, rest, or simply exist is a gift you give to yourself.
That quiet pause becomes one of the most powerful mood boosters of all.

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Watch My Secret Santa on Netflix starting Dec 12

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Every December, the world’s great hotels turn the holiday season into an artform — part theatre, part tradition, always pure enchantment. From Parisian courtyards and Mayfair drawing rooms to Geneva’s lakeside salons, The Hotel Trotter rounds up the most dazzling festive experiences for Christmas 2025. This story will be updated weekly as new celebrations unfold across Europe’s most stylish addresses.

Paris — Hôtel Plaza Athénée

The Winter Chalet Returns

On Avenue Montaigne, the Dorchester Collection’s grande dame once again brings the Alps to the city. From 27 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, Hôtel Plaza Athénée transforms its Cour Jardin into a private mountain chalet complete with an ice rink under the stars. Guests begin with a glass of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 before gathering around one long table for an Alpine-inspired dinner of scallops with citrus, chestnuts in sorrel sauce, raclette and charcuterie, ending with a chocolate fondue by pastry chefs Angelo Musa and Elisabeth Hot. Handmade Mauviel 1830 copper sets from Normandy complete the scene.
From €225 per person, including rink access. Bookings +33 (0)1 53 67 66 20.

TheHotelTrotter’s note: Parisian glamour with an Alpine heartbeat,  a winter fantasy beneath Avenue Montaigne’s lights.

Paris – Ritz Paris

A Fairytale Christmas on Place Vendôme

From 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the Ritz Paris turns Place Vendôme into a storybook scene of red, gold and glitter. A majestic Christmas tree adorned with 400 teddy bears – the hotel’s beloved mascots – greets guests as they wander through garland-lined galleries and the glowing Grand Garden.

At the Salon Proust, the hotel’s famous Christmas Tea à la Française becomes a ceremony of spiced warmth and Roederer Champagne; at the Salon Marie-Louise, the English Tea Time revives César Ritz’s London ritual with smoked-salmon bagels, truffle cream fingers, and a “holiday pastry tree.”

Festivities reach their peak with Chef Eugénie Béziat’s five-course Christmas Eve dinner at L’Espadon (€680) and Chef Jérôme Legras’s brasserie-style menus at Bar Vendôme (€285), accompanied by live jazz and soul. On New Year’s Eve, two gastronomic journeys unfold: the Espadon’s seven-course showcase with vintage wine pairings (€2 026) and the Bar Vendôme’s French-heritage feast (€870). Later, guests in evening dress waltz beneath chandeliers at the New Year’s Eve Dance (€175).

Throughout December, the Ritz Bars offer seasonal cocktails: Romain de Courcy’s all-orange creation at the Ritz Bar and Anne-Sophie Prestail’s Side-Car Martini at the Hemingway Bar (both €39). Families can join Ritz Escoffier cooking and pastry classes, while pastry lovers can pre-order the Candy Cane Christmas Log from Ritz Paris Le Comptoir – a numbered edition of fifty, complete with a toy box of shortbread biscuits (€250).

TheHotelTrotter’s note: A Parisian Christmas at its most cinematic – heritage, haute cuisine and a hint of childhood wonder wrapped in Ritz ribbon.

London — 45 Park Lane

An Artful Winter in Mayfair

London — Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair (Rocco Forte Hotels)

A Christmas Steeped in Heritage

Brown’s Hotel partners with English Heritage to celebrate Britain’s festive traditions while supporting its historic landmarks. From 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, every stay and festive tea contributes to the preservation of castles and gardens across England. Guests enjoy private tours of Kenwood House, lantern walks through Mayfair, and horse-drawn carriage rides through Green Park.

London — Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge

Alpine Escape to Knightsbridge

In collaboration with luxury ski brand Perfect Moment, Jumeirah Carlton Tower unveils a snow-kissed alpine fantasy from 7 November 2025. The lobby glows with frosted trees, fur throws and candlelight; staff don Perfect Moment ski apparel. At The Peak Lounge, an evening fondue and charcuterie menu (£75 pp) pairs with Laurent-Perrier cocktails and decadent hot chocolate. A seasonal afternoon tea by chef Martin Haidar and a festive buffet on Christmas Day complete the celebration. Wellness seekers can retreat to The Peak Spa for the Alpine Recovery Massage or Silent Night Ritual.

TheHotelTrotter’s note: A slice of St Moritz in Knightsbridge — cosy, glamorous, effortlessly refined.

London — The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

Feast Off-Piste on the Rooftop

Back by popular demand, the immersive Feast Off-Piste returns to The Berkeley’s Rooftop from 13 November 2025 to 13 January 2026, transforming the exclusive terrace into a snow-dusted Alpine hideaway with stationary ski gondolas.

Guests are greeted with mulled wine before sitting down to a hearty sharing-style menu of traditional Swiss raclette with charcuterie and pickles, truffle-topped tartiflette, and winter salad of chicory, butternut squash and pomegranate. For dessert, a milk-chocolate fondue and gingerbread s’mores steal the show.

Austria – Rosewood Schloss Fuschl

A Mozart-Inspired Christmas on Lake Fuschl

At the edge of Salzburg’s tranquil lake, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl celebrates Christmas 2025 with a programme that honours the city’s most famous son. From 30 November to 1 January, the former royal retreat becomes a stage for music, folklore and candle-lit wonder, in collaboration with the Mozarteum.

Each Advent Sunday, the hotel’s historic ballroom fills with melody — from flute and guitar duets to string quartets and harp recitals — while outside, the lakeside Christmas Market glows with lanterns, mulled wine and handmade treasures by local artisans. Guests can join torch-lit walks retracing the story of “Silent Night,” watch the lively Krampus Parade on 7 December, or glide across Lake Fuschl in a traditional wooden boat.

Families find their own rhythm through gingerbread-house workshops and the “Sweet Magic Flute” baking class, while afternoons in the Sisi Tea Salon turn theatrical with a Mozart Afternoon Tea of pistachio financiers, punch cubes and Mozart tartelette. Evenings bring Austrian flavours at the Schloss Restaurant — veal, Challans duck, and dishes touched with truffle — followed by cocktail lessons inspired by Rondo alla Turca.

The celebration crescendos with a New Year’s Eve Gala: a seven-course dinner, live music by The Traveling Hands, and fireworks shimmering over the lake. The experience is offered exclusively within a three-night festive stay including breakfast, spa access and a leisurely New Year’s Day brunch.

London — Claridge’s, Mayfair

The Capital’s Most Iconic Christmas

No address embodies London’s festive spirit quite like Claridge’s. This year, the Mayfair landmark invites guests to a three-night celebration of comfort and joy, complete with elegant dining and the city’s most anticipated Christmas tree reveal. The Claridge’s Christmas Shop returns too, offering its signature gifting collection to bring Mayfair magic home.

From Paris to London, Geneva to New York, the festive season once again proves that great hotels are more than places to stay — they are keepers of ritual, beauty, and joy.

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The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better place to immerse yourself in holiday magic than at the iconic St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel in Athens. With unparalleled views of the city’s twinkling lights and the majestic Acropolis, this celebrated destination promises a holiday experience that sparkles with elegance, flavor, and unforgettable memories.

A Glamorous Red Christmas Eve

On December 24, the festivities unfold with the Red Christmas Eve Dinner at the chic Le Grand Balcon and La Suite Lounge. Savor culinary masterpieces like spicy tuna tartare with avocado and roasted pear cream topped with caviar. Warm up with velvety pumpkin soup enriched with scallops and sour cream.

For the main course, indulge in stuffed turkey fillet with chestnuts, dried fruits, and a luscious pomegranate sauce, paired with caramelized sweet potato purée. End on a sweet note with a festive chestnut Yule log with red biscuit layers.

The evening is set to enchanting live music by Valeria Siel and a dynamic DJ set by Sonic Events, ensuring a magical holiday vibe.

Ring in the New Year with Golden Glam

Bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year in dazzling style with the Golden Glam Dinner on December 31. Begin your culinary journey with crab paired with kumquat and a crispy tartlet with Mesologgi roe and lemon pearls. Relish lobster soup infused with brandy, Ambrakikos prawns, and black truffle.

Main courses feature perfectly cooked sea bass with beurre blanc sauce and yellow beet textures, as well as organic beef fillet with king oyster mushrooms and Perigueux sauce.

As the clock strikes midnight, marvel at a spectacular fireworks display and join in the celebratory release of wish-filled balloons into the night sky. Dance into the early hours to a captivating live performance by Valeria Siel and a high-energy DJ set.

A Starry Night at the Rooftop Domes

For a truly magical and intimate dining experience, the hotel’s Rooftop Domes provide an enchanting escape under the stars. Overlooking the sparkling lights of Athens, these heated domes offer exclusivity and warmth, perfect for a celebratory dinner featuring a Golden Anniversary Degustation Menu crafted by Executive Chef Stefanos Papanikolaou.

Reservations are essential due to limited availability. Dome 1 accommodates 2-6 guests, while Dome 2 is perfect for groups of up to 16 guests, with an optional butler service for an elevated experience.

Festive Brunch & Recovery Breakfast

Start Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with a serene Recovery Breakfast from 6 AM at Le Grand Balcon, where the awakening cityscape provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful morning.

Bring the whole family to the hotel’s Festive Brunch Buffet on December 25 and January 1. Experience a culinary carousel featuring Greek specialties, gourmet delicacies, traditional desserts, and fun surprises for kids, including themed games, popcorn, holiday movies, and a visit from Santa himself.

This holiday season, create magical memories at the award-winning St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel. Celebrate with style, elegance, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Athens.

For reservations and more information, call +30 210 7416191.

Make your holiday dreams come true at the St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel.

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When it comes to luxurious holiday celebrations, few settings rival the enchanting atmosphere of Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel in the heart of Rome. This year, the iconic property has elevated its festive experience with the unveiling of its spectacular Christmas tree 2024, created in partnership with the legendary Italian fashion house Dolce&Gabbana. The collaboration celebrates elegance, craftsmanship, and Italian glamour, making the Eternal City a must-visit holiday destination.

The Hotel de Russie Christmas Tree 2024

At the center of this spectacular collaboration is a breathtaking Dolce & Gabbana-designed Christmas tree 2024 standing proudly in the hotel’s iconic courtyard. Towering over four meters high, the tree is a radiant tribute to Italian artistry, blending traditional festive charm with the unmistakable signature style of Dolce & Gabbana.

Golden hues dominate the design, symbolizing opulence and warmth. The tree sparkles with handcrafted ceramic and glass ornaments, carefully curated to reflect the brand’s famed aesthetic. Rich red decorations, playful ribbons, and twinkling fairy lights complete the enchanting display, creating a magical focal point that captivates guests and visitors alike.

An Immersive Festive Experience

The holiday transformation doesn’t end with the Christmas tree 2024. Hotel de Russie has been masterfully adorned with seasonal decor by the celebrated Sebastian Flowers. The hotel’s façade shimmers under a canopy of lights, while the lobby gleams in rich red and gold tones, enveloping guests in an ambiance of festive splendor.

From the moment they step through the doors, visitors are transported into a winter wonderland, where Italian craftsmanship and holiday tradition meet in perfect harmony. Every detail, from lavish floral arrangements to intricate table settings, reflects a dedication to excellence that defines both Hotel de Russie and Dolce & Gabbana.

Celebrating Italian Excellence

This collaboration celebrates more than just the holiday season—it’s a tribute to Italian heritage and design mastery. By blending haute couture with luxury hospitality, Hotel de Russie and Dolce & Gabbana have crafted an unforgettable festive experience that redefines holiday elegance in the Eternal City.

Whether visiting for a seasonal getaway or a special celebration, Hotel de Russie offers an unparalleled festive escape where luxury, artistry, and the magic of the holidays come together in magnificent style. This is holiday indulgence at its finest—Italian style.

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A Thoughtfully Curated Seasonal Escape

Baccarat Hotel New York brings a refined sense of holiday charm to Midtown Manhattan. This season, Winston Flowers crafts striking festive arrangements that balance opulence with warmth. From the grand custom wreath at the entrance to the sparkling garlands inside, every detail enhances the holiday ambiance with understated elegance.

Memorable Holiday Dining Experiences

Baccarat’s holiday dining experiences celebrate timeless flavors with thoughtful modern touches. Christmas Eve features a carefully designed three-course menu that invites guests to savor the season. On Christmas Day, a blend of French-American culinary traditions is paired with expertly selected wines and handcrafted cocktails, offering a dining experience meant to be shared and remembered.

Afternoon Tea with a Seasonal Twist

Afternoon tea at Baccarat Hotel is elevated during the holidays with seasonal specialties. Festive Tinsel Tea offers a refined take on classic flavors, while Little Elves Tea creates a playful, memorable experience for younger guests. Both options are available from December 2, 2024, through January 5, 2025, offering a moment of calm amidst the holiday bustle.

 

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The Holiday Spectacular Experience

For an unforgettable holiday outing, the Holiday Spectacular Experience pairs a luxurious stay with VIP access to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Guests enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and premium seating for the iconic show, making this holiday tradition even more special.

Thoughtful Gift-Giving Opportunities

Baccarat Hotel makes holiday shopping both luxurious and effortless. On December 4, explore Verstolo’s high jewelry collection during afternoon tea. Discover pre-loved designer pieces at a Vestiaire Collective trunk show on December 10. The 53rd Street Boutique also offers Baccarat’s signature barware and decor, elegantly packaged and ready for gifting.

Discover New York’s Holiday Magic

New York City transforms into a holiday wonderland, and Baccarat’s concierge team is ready to craft personalized itineraries for guests. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, experience the city’s festive spirit with tailored recommendations and insider access.

A Refined New Year’s Eve Celebration

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a three-course gourmet dinner paired with live jazz in an intimate, sophisticated setting. It’s a thoughtful way to welcome the new year with style and grace.

 

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Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at Baccarat Hotel New York—where timeless elegance meets festive splendor for unforgettable memories.

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1. The Connaught Hotel, London

This year, the Connaught continues its tradition of collaborating with renowned designers to create a bespoke Christmas tree. Expect an elegant blend of modern art and timeless holiday charm.

2. Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon and Ginza

Architect Kengo Kuma has designed sustainable trees named Komorebi and Kigumi, crafted from reusable Japanese timber. After the holidays, these trees will be repurposed into furniture, showcasing eco-conscious artistry.

3. Claridge’s, London

Claridge’s 2024 Christmas tree features a whimsical and opulent design by a surprise luxury fashion house. This annual unveiling is a highlight of London’s festive season.

4. Four Seasons George V, Paris

The iconic Parisian hotel presents a winter wonderland, with its atrium adorned with a towering tree of sparkling lights, fresh greenery, and artisan decorations.

5. The Ritz-Carlton, New York

In New York, The Ritz-Carlton creates a classic American Christmas ambiance with a tree featuring red, gold, and white ornaments, paired with interactive holiday activities for guests.

6. Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam

The Cartier Christmas tree, standing 4.5 meters tall, dazzles with crimson and gold ornaments. This partnership brings an extra layer of luxury to Amsterdam’s festive celebrations.

7. The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles

A Hollywood-inspired tree decorated with vintage ornaments and glamorous touches captures the essence of Beverly Hills.

8. The Peninsula, Hong Kong

The Peninsula showcases a majestic tree in its lobby, incorporating Asian motifs and a light show that syncs with live festive music.

9. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, this tree dazzles with thousands of lights and handmade Italian ornaments, exuding timeless elegance.

These creations transform hotels into festive destinations, perfect for soaking in the holiday spirit while enjoying world-class hospitality.

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This holiday season, the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam has announced a remarkable partnership with the iconic jewellery and watchmaking house, Cartier. From 23rd November 2024 to 6th January 2025, this collaboration will bring a blend of luxury, elegance, and festive magic to the heart of the city.

At the center of the celebration is a breathtaking 4.5-metre tall Christmas tree, set to adorn the hotel’s distinguished living room. Designed in collaboration with Cartier, the tree is poised to capture the brand’s timeless sophistication and festive grandeur, making it a must-see attraction for both guests and visitors.

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Festive season images 2024

Cartier Suite 2024

The partnership extends beyond the visual splendor of the tree, offering a carefully curated selection of exclusive experiences. Guests and visitors alike are invited to indulge in gourmet dining at the Conservatorium’s signature restaurants, where seasonal menus promise to delight the most discerning palates. For those seeking rejuvenation, the Akasha Spa provides a sanctuary of luxury, offering treatments designed to restore balance and serenity during the bustling holiday season.

Adding an extra touch of opulence, Cartier will offer personalized shopping experiences exclusively for the hotel’s in-house guests. At the brand’s prestigious boutique on P.C. Hooftstraat, guests can explore Cartier’s exquisite collections, including iconic jewellery, timepieces, and accessories, all while receiving tailored advice to ensure each selection is as meaningful as it is timeless. This bespoke service transforms holiday gifting into an art form, elevating the experience of giving and receiving during this magical time of year.

The collaboration between the Conservatorium Hotel and Cartier goes beyond tradition to redefine what a festive celebration can be. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where luxury meets the spirit of the season, creating memories that are as dazzling as the surroundings. Whether visiting to marvel at the exquisite Christmas tree, enjoying the hotel’s world-class amenities, or exploring the unparalleled elegance of Cartier’s creations, this partnership promises to make the holiday season unforgettable for every guest.

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