Celebrate the magic of the holidays in some of the world’s most iconic urban destinations, where chic city hotels transform into opulent havens filled with breathtaking décor, indulgent culinary experiences, and unforgettable traditions.
From New York City’s glittering skyline to the historic allure of Vienna and the romance of Paris in winter, discover award-winning, luxury hotels around the globe that offer the perfect blend of elegance, seasonal delights, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re captivated by the idea of skating on a rooftop rink in Chicago, savoring seasonal tea in Amsterdam, or marveling at the beauty of Rome, each holiday destination promises a unique and memorable way to experience the season in style.
The Ritz-Carlton New York – New York, New York
Celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Manhattan at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel recognized as one of the top hotels in New York City by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024. Offering unparalleled views of Central Park, this iconic hotel invites you to revel in the holiday spirit with its “Home for the Holidays” package, featuring suites adorned with a beautifully decorated 4-foot Christmas tree and a keepsake FAO Schwarz ornament. Personalized touches like a festive puzzle create a cozy atmosphere for families and friends to make cherished memories. The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge transforms into a winter wonderland with family-friendly activities such as cookie decorating and holiday craft workshops, while Contour, the hotel’s all-day gastro lounge, serves specially curated menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, ensuring your holiday gatherings are nothing short of magical.
Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – Rome, Italy
Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the pinnacle of luxury in Rome, is uniquely perched atop Monte Mario in a posh residential neighborhood, surrounded by 15 acres of private Mediterranean parkland. Offering unmatched views of the Eternal City and just minutes from the historic center, the hotel serves as a lavish retreat featuring Rome’s first and only 3-Michelin-Star restaurant, La Pergola; an award-winning spa and health club; an extensive art collection with over 1,000 masterworks; and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. This holiday season, the hotel invites you to celebrate under the theme “Royal Glam,” with highlights including exquisite multi-course Christmas dinners at La Pergola crafted by Chef Heinz Beck and paired with exceptional wines, luxurious Natura Bissé facials at the spa, and signature cocktails at Tiepolo Lounge & Terrace. From the Gold Royal Glam cocktail’s herbal and floral blend to the sparkling Noël Royal with Moët & Chandon, every detail at Rome Cavalieri ensures a memorable and opulent holiday experience.
Fairmont San Francisco – San Francisco, California
For over a century, Fairmont San Francisco has captivated guests with its holiday spirit, enchanting celebrations, and unforgettable dining experiences. This year, the iconic hotel continues its beloved traditions with the unveiling of its life-sized Gingerbread House, a two-story edible masterpiece crafted by Executive Chef Chad Bayless and his talented culinary team. Standing over 22 feet high and 23 feet wide, the Gingerbread House features thousands of gingerbread bricks and more than a ton of royal icing and candy décor. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, open to the public on November 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., kicks off the festivities with heartwarming music and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Adding to the holiday magic, the hotel’s 23-foot-tall Christmas tree illuminates the Main Lobby, filling the space with awe-inspiring beauty. As part of Fairmont’s “Trees of Hope” campaign, a donation box benefitting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area will be placed near these iconic holiday displays, inviting visitors to embrace the season of giving. The Gingerbread House and holiday décor will be on display through January 1, 2025, making Fairmont San Francisco a must-visit destination this festive season.
Boston Harbor Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Harbor Hotel, a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond property, is a beacon of luxury and holiday cheer on Boston’s historic Rowes Wharf. Renowned for its waterfront views and world-class amenities, the hotel creates a warm and welcoming holiday experience with themed Christmas and New Year’s brunches and curated prix-fixe menus, perfect for celebrating the season. A standout for wine enthusiasts, the Boston Harbor Hotel hosts its annual Boston Wine & Food Festival, now entering its 36th year in January. This three-month-long celebration features expertly paired wine dinners, tastings, galas, and master classes, making tickets a perfect holiday gift, beautifully packaged in branded boxes. Against a backdrop of dazzling holiday décor and breathtaking harbor or cityscape views, the Boston Harbor Hotel offers an unparalleled retreat for locals and travelers alike.
The St. Regis Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia
This winter, The St. Regis Atlanta invites locals and travelers to celebrate at The Best Address, where the festive Astor Chalet returns with a holiday pop-up shop by Buckhead’s beloved Lucy’s Market. The hotel’s iconic 20-foot tree, themed “A Partridge in a Plum Tree,” dazzles with rich hues of sugar plum, green moss, and crystal, a collaboration with luxury brand MME.Mink in honor of the hotel’s 15th anniversary. Beloved traditions like Afternoon Tea with Santa, festive cocktails, a new spa package, and the debut of Santa Tuck-Ins for families in suites enhance the experience. Complementing the holiday magic, The St. Regis Atlanta offers 151 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, two exclusive bars, world-class dining, a reimagined spa, and a 40,000-square-foot Pool Piazza, making it the ultimate destination to create lasting holiday memories.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, recognized in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of Amsterdam’s top hotels (#6) and ranked #4 among the city’s best hotels by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best, transforms into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Recently honored by Wine Spectator’s Annual Restaurant Awards, the opulent hotel offers festive experiences from December 1 to January 1, including Afternoon Tea overlooking Dam Square, Michelin-starred dining at The White Room, and indulgent holiday brunches in the historic Wintergarden. You can toast the season with bespoke cocktails at The Tailor Bar, celebrate New Year’s Eve with a glamorous gala dinner and ballroom celebration, and enjoy the hotel’s unique Advent calendar, unveiling daily surprises inspired by Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks.
The Peninsula Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
The Peninsula Chicago, renowned for its exceptional service and luxury, has been a cornerstone of the city’s hospitality scene since its opening, earning a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating every year. Recognized as the “Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2023 and #2 Hotel in the World by LA LISTE, the hotel is a top choice for both accommodations and celebrations. During the holidays, The Peninsula transforms into a delightful wonderland, featuring a Candy Shoppe near the Front Desk, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the lobby, and weekend visits from Santa. You can partake in daily holiday afternoon tea, with a menu of traditional finger sandwiches, scones, and delectable pastries, or enjoy seasonal packages like the Merry and Bright Holiday Package for couples and the Holly Jolly Family Package for families, complete with cheery room décor and holiday amenities. The highlight is The Peninsula Sky Rink, Chicago’s only hotel skating rink, perched above Michigan Avenue. Surrounded by sparkling city lights, the 2,100-square-foot rink offers hot beverages, snacks from The Chalet, and skate rentals, with proceeds benefiting Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children’s Association, making every glide a gift to those in need.
Baccarat Hotel New York – New York, New York
Baccarat Hotel New York has been recognized since 2016 by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top hotels in New York City and also received Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Award for its exceptional wine program. Located in Midtown Manhattan, directly across from the Museum of Modern Art, the hotel exudes glamour with signature Baccarat crystal chandeliers and fresh red roses. During the holiday season, it transforms into an opulent winter wonderland, featuring a 16-foot-tall Baccarat chandelier tree and festive décor by Winston Flowers. You can immerse yourself in seasonal offerings such as holiday teas, traditional meals, and exclusive packages like the “Holiday Spectacular Experience,” which includes VIP access to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The hotel’s proximity to iconic landmarks like Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue enhances the holiday magic, making it an ideal destination for travelers this time of year.
Ritz Paris – Paris, France
Ritz Paris, a consistent favorite in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards, including its Gold List wins in 2018, 2020, and 2024, is celebrated for its timeless elegance, rich history, and splendor. This holiday season, the Ritz invites you to embrace the magic of surrealism, paying homage to the art movement’s centennial and the hotel’s historic ties to cultural icons like Man Ray and Jean Cocteau. Festive highlights include a six-course gourmet Christmas Eve dinner at the newly Michelin-starred Espadon Restaurant, featuring a menu by Chef Eugénie Béziat accompanied by musical interludes. You can also enjoy a classic Christmas dinner at Bar Vendôme with holiday dishes by Chef Jérôme Legras and live piano performances. For a quintessential French holiday experience, Salon Proust offers its Imperial Christmas Tea, with spiced cakes and cookies crafted by Chef Pâtissier François Perret, creating an enchanting seasonal atmosphere from late November to early January.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco – San Francisco, California
The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco offers an unforgettable holiday experience, blending timeless traditions with luxurious festivities in the heart of the city. This iconic hotel transforms into a holiday haven, with highlights including a grand Thanksgiving buffet at the Top of the Mark, featuring panoramic views, live piano music, and an exquisite spread ranging from herb-crusted turkey to lobster ravioli. The season continues with Magical Christmas Teas, where families can enjoy cookie decorating, live entertainment, and a dreamy dessert bar, alongside tea sandwiches and a candy station. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring lavish buffets with delicacies such as Angus prime rib, maple-glazed ham, and caviar displays, complemented by stunning city views and unlimited bubbly. You can revel in the warmth of the season surrounded by the hotel’s opulent holiday décor, anchored by its stately lobby tree and festive ambiance throughout. Whether enjoying a holiday feast, indulging in tea, or creating personal celebrations in private suites or decadent ballrooms, the Mark Hopkins provides a quintessential San Francisco holiday experience.
Fairmont Royal York – Toronto, Canada
As Toronto’s crown jewel of hospitality for nearly a century, Fairmont Royal York transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland during the holiday season, blending timeless elegance with a glimmer of magic. The grand lobby tree, adorned in green, silver, and gold, exudes vintage glamour, setting the tone for the season. This year, two new experiences elevate the holiday spirit: the House of York, a cozy cabin retreat radiating holiday nostalgia and Canadian winter charm, welcomes you Wednesday through Saturday evenings; and CLOCKWORK’s Holiday Pop-Up, in partnership with Principle Fine Wine, offers a sophisticated Champagne experience in the heart of the hotel’s iconic lobby lounge. Together, these offerings create a cozy and captivating ambiance that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the season.
Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel – Vienna, Austria
Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, the latest addition to the luxurious Anantara brand, boasts a storied history, originally designed by renowned Austrian architect Theophil Hansen for the 1873 World’s Fair. Once home to Vienna’s Police Headquarters and municipal offices, the property has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur through a significant renovation. Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, you can immerse yourself in the magic of the Chriskindlmarkt, Vienna’s famed Christmas Market at City Hall Square. This beautiful winter wonderland welcomes visitors with a stunning archway, sparkling lights, festively adorned gift booths, and the comforting aromas of mulled wine and freshly baked bread. A highlight is the pop-up ice rink winding gracefully through the trees, creating the perfect setting for a magical winter evening.
The Grand America Hotel – Salt Lake City, Utah
The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a luxurious winter retreat that feels like stepping into a holiday wonderland. As the state’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel, it seamlessly blends timeless elegance with enjoyable seasonal experiences. You can wander through The Grand Holiday Window Stroll, showcasing whimsical, animated displays, and savor afternoon tea surrounded by holiday décor. Highlights include a life-sized gingerbread house, meticulously crafted by the hotel’s culinary team, and a curated selection of holiday gifts at The Toy Store. Conveniently located, the hotel offers easy access to winter activities such as skiing in nearby mountains and ice skating at the Gallivan Center, making it an idyllic choice for a magical holiday escape.
The St. Regis Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
The St. Regis Chicago celebrates the holiday season with an array of thoughtfully curated, festive experiences that exude luxury and charm. The lobby transforms into a stunning winter sanctuary, adorned with gold, brass, and warm metallics that reflect the hotel’s architecture-inspired design. This year, you can explore the first-ever St. Regis Holiday Atelier, a boutique featuring special treasures like house-made confections, bespoke St. Regis Chicago wool blankets and eye masks crafted by Berlin-based luxury loungewear brand Tom Àdam, and whimsical Christmas Jellycat Jacks. Young guests can indulge in the Candy Cart Experience, while adults can enjoy the delightful 12 Days of Sabrage from December 11-22, a tradition honoring the art of sabrage with donations benefiting Cradles to Crayons. For a unique twist, themed yoga sessions led by Mrs. Claus in the Astor Ballroom blend holiday cheer with relaxation, complete with delicious treats and special themes like holiday sweater day and family-friendly classes.
The Newbury Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
The Newbury Boston, an award-winning luxury hotel located across from the Boston Public Garden, is one of the city’s most glamorous destinations for holiday celebrations. You can take part in the artful Holiday Tea experience from December 21-23, featuring tiers of elegantly prepared tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and holiday-inspired confections paired with J’enwey Teas, with options to elevate the experience through cocktails or Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Overnight visitors can cozy up with The Newbury’s Fireplace Suite Experience, complete with a Fireplace Butler who sets the perfect ambiance with a curated selection of woods, a Fireplace Menu of sweet and savory bites, and warming beverages. Opened in 2021, The Newbury Boston has received numerous accolades, including Two Michelin Keys (2024), #1 Hotel in Boston in Travel + Leisure World’s Best (2022, 2023), and AAA Five Diamond Designation (2022), solidifying its reputation as one of the city’s finest. And, of course – your furry pals are invited to join in on the festivities too.
As the holiday season unfolds, these iconic city destinations offer more than just a winter getaway—they create lasting memories in extraordinary settings. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, each festively and unique property invites you to immerse yourself in the true spirit of its city while enjoying moments of fun, joy, and togetherness.
To discover other award-winning hotels and outstanding vacation ideas, visit the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Header image credit: The Peninsula Chicago. Hotel images c/o featured properties.]
