The holiday season transforms the world’s most cherished cities into enchanting wonderlands, where history, culture and festive charm come alive. Streets sparkle with lights, the smell of roasting chestnuts and warm spices from market stalls fill the air and the best hotels are decked out in festive finery. In this guide, we share our handpicked collection of must do festive experiences in London, Madrid, Paris, New York and Rome. From family-filled fun to awe-inspiring behind-the-scenes experiences, each of these activities capture the spirit of Christmas in some of the world’s most beloved holiday destinations. Â
Christmas in London
London in December feels like a city wrapped in its finest winter glow. Historic streets shimmer, hotel lobbies become miniature worlds of imagination, and the city’s festive spirit spills effortlessly from one neighbourhood to the next.
The city is renowned for its hotel Christmas decorations, so take in the most of London’s festive charm with a ‘hotel-crawl’ from Knightsbridge to Soho. Start this 3.5 kilometre journey at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and catch a glimpse of their iconic golden fan illuminating the façade. Head east on Knightsbridge and stop in at The Berkeley for an immersive winter dining experience, Feast Off-Piste, overlooking Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Guests are greeted with mulled wine before being whisked to the rooftop, where custom-made ski gondolas sit beneath twinkling lights and snow-dusted alpine trees. Feast on bubbling Swiss raclette, truffle-shaved tartiflette, chocolate fondue with edible candles, and gingerbread s’mores, all paired with winter cocktails or Champagne at the ring of a bell.
From here, continue down Knightsbridge to The Lanesborough for stunning crimson and gold themed decorations then head up to The Dorchester to admire an extraordinary London cityscape made entirely of gingerbread! Make your own Christmas wreath at The Connaught and then head deeper into Mayfair to Claridge’s whose Christmas tree richly dressed with wild foliage, thistles, brass bells and hand-blown glass baubles has been designed by the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry, Daniel Lee. Turn down Bond Street to view spectacular displays at luxury stores like Cartier, Dior and Tiffany, and then continue on to Regent Street for the iconic Spirit of Christmas angels. Finish your journey through the red heart entryway at Broadwick Soho, where Moulin Rouge flair meets modern London energy. The combination of whimsical creativity, grand tradition and cozy winter atmosphere makes London an irresistible Christmas destination, and with the right guidance, each stop on this Christmas-crawl feels like its own little story.
Christmas in Madrid
Madrid in December is a sensory delight. The air carries the sweet spice of cinnamon, molten chocolate and roasted chestnuts, while the streets sparkle with lights and the chatter of locals enjoying festive markets.
At the Rosewood Villa Magna Ice Rink, skating becomes far more than a winter pastime. Set against elegant architecture and thoughtful festive décor, the rink is intimate yet vibrant, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit without the crowds of a city plaza. Once you’ve successfully mastered your triple axel (or stumbled more times than you can count), the ultimate reward is waiting rink-side, rich hot chocolate and churros. For something even more indulgent, head to the Alpine Lounge for mulled wine, oysters and curated festive dishes.
Wandering the Plaza Mayor Christmas Markets transports visitors into the heart of Spanish festive tradition. Handcrafted ornaments, intricate nativity scenes, and seasonal treats fill the historic square, but it’s the little touches like the smell of roasting chestnuts, the charm of local vendors and the subtle hum of carols that make this market special. In neighbouring Plaza de Santa Cruz, you’ll also find a vintage carousel, adding a touch of nostalgia to your holiday.
Christmas in Paris
Paris in December sparkles with romance, where the glow of historic streets, the elegance of designer windows and the comforting warmth of cafés turning the city into a living snow globe of festive charm.
Walking along the Champs-Élysées during the Christmas light show is one of the season’s greatest and most unforgettable pleasures. From 5pm each night, Champs-Élysées comes alive as a million sparkling lights cover the hundreds of trees lining both sides of the avenue between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Make sure to stop in for a visit at the Ritz Paris at Place Vendome for a glimpse of their iconically whimsical Ritz bear themed Christmas tree and decorations. For some of the loveliest, although more subdued, Christmas decorations and lights go into some of the main churches in the city, like the Notre Dame or Sainte-Chapelle.
For a hands-on festive adventure, a 2 hour baking workshop with Family Twist lets you craft your own French Bûche de Noël and biscuits. Guided by an expert chef, you’ll immerse yourself in the art of creating traditional French holiday treats. Beyond just baking, you’ll discover the history and stories behind these beloved Christmas traditions and better yet, you’ll leave with a box filled with your freshly made pastries and wonderful festive memories with loved ones.
Christmas in New York
In New York, Christmas unfolds with theatrical flair that begins the moment you wander past the glittering Fifth Avenue windows or pause beneath the Rockefeller tree as skaters trace slow, looping arcs below you, scenes that are so quintessentially New York.
At The Mark, Christmas truly comes to life with The Night Before Christmas package, a truly special two-night experience which turns the Penthouse into your family’s private holiday wonderland. Make the most of your New York festivities with personalised stockings hung by the fireplace, a Christmas tree ready to be adorned with handpicked ornaments from Bergdorf Goodman, a private performance of the Nutcracker and skating under the stars on the penthouse terrace’s private rooftop rink. Additionally, a visit just for their Grand Cru Hot Chocolate is a must-do. Served from their famed cart, the drink is crafted to order and topped with a fluffy, house-made marshmallow.
Bring the holiday’s classic to life with the Home Alone package at The Plaza. Recreate iconic scenes with an exclusive 4-hour private limousine ride around New York City stopping at famous locations from the movie including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall accompanied by a cheesy New York style pizza. Return to your room and order a decadent 16-scoop sundae to be delivered right to your bed. It’s fun, it’s nostalgic and it’s uniquely New York.
Christmas in Rome
December slows Rome down in the most beautiful way, inviting you to wander its piazzas, linger over long lunches, and soak in traditions that stretch back centuries. It’s a season where faith, food, and festivity blend seamlessly.
One of the most unforgettable experiences is attending Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Even if you’re not religious the atmosphere is profoundly moving with the basilica bathed in golden light, the choir rising through the cathedral’s vast dome and a deep sense of history and reverence that is distinctly Roman. Throughout December, Christmas concerts by the Sistine Chapel Choir and guest orchestras flood the city with music, while the handcrafted nativity scene and illuminated Christmas tree at St Peter’s Square create a truly magical backdrop.
For those seeking a more intimate perspective, private Vatican access with IC Bellagio offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of treasures and festive decorations normally unseen by the public. This rare experience allows you to explore the Vatican at your own pace, fully immersed in the beauty and history of the space and to even open the Vatican doors with the key holder.
Take a private journey though the city’s twinkling landmarks with Hotel De Russie, A Rocco Forte Hotel. From the grandeur of Piazza di Spagna to the Christmas Market at Piazza Navona. Against the backdrop of Bernini’s fountains, the square transforms into a festive hub with artisanal stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, nativity scenes, roasted chestnuts and traditional Roman sweets. A stop to admire the Christmas tree at St Peter’s Square completes the tour, but a festive menu in the hotel’s secret garden, Stravinskij Bar makes the experience even better.
How Travelcall Can Help
The essence of these insider experiences is that they go beyond sightseeing. They invite you to step into a city’s soul, to discover festive traditions and hidden moments that create lasting memories. Travelcall’s role is to ensure that every detail, from timing and access to personal touches and insider insight, is seamless, allowing our clients to experience each city in its most magical, unexpected and unforgettable form.
Contact your Travelcall advisor to plan your festive experience.
MELBOURNE 03 9252 3800 | SYDNEY 02 8333 7700 | BRISBANE 07 3368 2113
or email travel@travelcall.com.au
