How are you dreaming of spending your Christmas? Skiing and sipping mulled wine in the Swiss Alps or enjoying a festive banquet in a castle in the Canadian Rockies? Meeting Santa in snowy Norway or exploring the Christmas markets in London? How about spending your holidays at the beach in Sydney or in a tropical rainforest in Brazil? Whether you’re dreaming of a Christmas in the snow or the sunshine, here are eight of the best luxury hotels to spend the holidays this year.
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Ashford Castle, Ireland
Photo credit: @ashfordcastle
Photo credit: @ashfordcastle
For a memorable and classic Christmas, Ashford Castle in Ireland is the perfect choice. The castle’s medieval charm and festive activities make it an enchanting place to spend the holiday. There’s festive banquets and pudding parades, a 20-foot-high Christmas tree grown on the estate, a scenic Christmas cruise, live Irish music, crackling fires, a range of outdoor activities like falconry and archery, plus a world-class spa. From the decadent breakfasts and traditional afternoon tea, to the black-tie gala dinner on Christmas Eve and the sumptuous five-course Christmas Day lunch, the food alone will be unforgettable.
Stay at Ashford Castle on: Castles & Kingdoms
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Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Canada
Photo credit: @fairmontcll
Photo credit: @fairmontcll
Set among the snowy Canadian Rockies on the shores of the iconic frozen Lake Louise, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise is the quintessential Christmas destination. The holiday season is a magical affair here, with towering Christmas trees, twinkling light tunnels, ice sculptures, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and chances to spot the Northern Lights. There are special holiday menus and gourmet delights, plus lots of entertainment for children including visits from Santa Claus himself. On Christmas Eve, the hotel hosts a magnificent torchlight procession around the frozen lake, creating an enchanting atmosphere. After indulging in a Christmas Day feast, retreat to the hotel’s spa to unwind in the warm pools.
Stay at Fairmont Château Lake Louise on: Majesty of the Rockies
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The Langham, Sydney
Photo credit: @langhamsydney
Photo credit: @langhamsydney
Dreaming of a beach Christmas? Head Down Under to sunny Sydney, Australia! Christmas here means warm weather, beach dips, outdoor barbecues, with all the festive traditions of the Northern Hemisphere, like Christmas trees, carols, and feasts. When you stay at The Langham, you’ll get the best of both worlds with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts and buffets, festive afternoon teas, Christmas carols and concerts, festive cocktails in the Observatory Bar, and special spa packages so you can treat yourself this Christmas. Whether you want to see the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour from the hotel, or experience a summer Christmas, the luxurious Langham is a special festive stay.
Stay at The Langham on: Inspiring Australia
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Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Switzerland
Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz
Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz
If you imagine charming alpine villages, snowy mountains, and twinkling lights for your Christmas holiday, you’ve got to head to the Swiss Alps. A stay at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski allows you to fully embrace the festivities, with resplendent decorations and gourmet traditional feasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The nearby Engadin Valley also comes alive with Christmas markets, local crafts and traditions, world-class skiing, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the breathtaking snowy landscapes. At the end of the day, unwind in the hotel’s spa, with rejuvenating treatments and soothing saunas and pools.
Stay at Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski on: Majestic Switzerland
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The Peabody Memphis, United States
Photo credit: @peabodymemphis
Photo credit: @peabodymemphis
For a Christmas experience steeped in history and Southern charm, The Peabody Memphis is an iconic choice. Located in the heart of downtown Memphis, the hotel lights up with special holiday concerts and events during December. The famous daily tradition of the “Peabody Ducks March” continues but with a special twist – the ducks don festive attire, including adorable Santa hats. You can catch the hotel’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, with a 30-foot tall tree adorned in 20,000 twinkling lights. The Peabody also has special holiday extras like gingerbread cookies, festive cocktails, and hot cocoa, and there’s plenty to explore across the city including a unique Elvis-themed Christmas experience at Graceland.
Stay at The Peabody Memphis on: Southern Grace
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Hotel Union Geiranger, Norway
Photo credit: @hoteluniongeiranger
Photo credit: @hoteluniongeiranger
Perched on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, with snow-capped peaks and Northern Lights, this hotel transports you to a winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale. After a day of fjord cruising, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, return to the cozy Hotel Union Geiranger, with traditional Norwegian treats, candlelit dinners, bubbling spas, saunas, and roaring fireplaces. Sip on hot mulled wine while watching for the dancing Northern Lights, or experience local markets, music and crafts. You may even have a chance to meet Santa Claus, who is known to make special appearances in the Geiranger area.
Stay at Hotel Union Geiranger on: Timeless Scandinavia
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Belmond das Cataratas, Brazil
Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas
Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas
For those seeking a warm-weather Christmas, the Belmond das Cataratas in Brazil is a beautiful place to be in December. Located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, you’ll be immersed in a tropical paradise, with the thundering Iguassu falls, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife. And just because it isn’t snowing, doesn’t mean you miss out on the classic Christmas cheer. The festivities are turned all the way up here, with live music, Christmas feasts, outdoor picnics, and activities for kids. If you stay until the New Year, you’ll get to see lively parties, parades and fireworks.
Stay at Belmond das Cataratas on: Classic South America
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The Rubens at the Palace, England
Photo credit: @rubenshotel
Photo credit: @rubenshotel
London is a magical place during the Christmas season, and The Rubens at the Palace has a front-row seat to all the festivities. Located opposite Buckingham Palace, guests can explore the city’s Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and dazzling light displays. The hotel itself puts on a grand festive show, including traditional Christmas afternoon teas and a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch, along with enchanting decor and twinkling fir trees throughout the hotel. From the glamorous bedrooms to the red tail-coated doormen, get the full royal treatment this Christmas.
Stay at Rubens at the Palace on: British Royale
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Banner image credit: @ashfordcastle
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