Afternoon Tea, Alpine Chalets: Here Are 10 Last-Minute Luxury Bookings to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Style
’Tis the season to be jolly, as Christmas and New Year finally arrive. While many traditions center on celebrating the holidays in the comfort of home—with warm, home-cooked meals, mugs of tsokolate, and the familiar ritual of gift-giving—what if you’re looking for a change of scene? Here are our 10 standout favorites, from bespoke dining menus and seasonal décor to exclusive celebrations designed to make year-end moments feel both effortless and unforgettable.
No matter where you are in the world, from Metro Manila and Negros Occidental to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles, these ten luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary hotels offer distinct ways to celebrate the festive season.
Shangri-La: Festive Traditions in the City
Spending the holidays at the center of the city can be overwhelming, but Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle. Dining options provide tailored seasonal offerings and holiday feasts, from High Street Café’s festive afternoon tea and dinner buffets, and Michelin-selected Canton Road’s refined Cantonese menu, to Raging Bull Burger’s limited-edition Meat Rebel Claus—a holiday burger featuring double Angus beef patties and melted Gruyère cheese.
For those seeking an exclusive experience, Samba features Peruvian-inspired festive menus alongside private cabana dinners for two and a lively poolside countdown to welcome 2026.
Meanwhile, Makati Shangri-La, Manila goes beyond festive dinners with a Swarovski-inspired experience through The Enchanted Crystals Afternoon Tea, available daily. Guests can indulge in an array of savory and sweet selections, sip sparkling wine, and even enjoy a chance to win a Swarovski piece with every order. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel transforms the Lobby Lounge into a vibrant celebration complete with music, gourmet bites, and a sparkling toast to 2026.
https://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/; https://www.shangri-la.com/manila/shangrilaatthefort
Solaire: Symphony of the Stars
Theater lovers and music aficionados are in for a treat this New Year’s Eve, as Solaire ushers in 2026 with a spectacular musical gala, Symphony of the Stars. The evening features legendary Lea Salonga and OPM icon Raymond Lauchengco, under the musical direction of maestro Gerard Salonga. Guests can expect a night of nostalgic, world-class performances paired with a lavish international buffet—setting the tone for a truly elegant welcome to the new year.
https://sec.solaireresort.com/symphony-of-the-stars
Manami Resort: Sleigh Bells and Sea Breezes
Steering away from traditional winter-themed celebrations, Manami Resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental offers a sun-kissed coastal retreat where guests can celebrate the holidays surrounded by pristine beaches, gentle ocean breezes, and the relaxed rhythm of island life.
Its in-house restaurant, Dayaw, presents a festive dining experience inspired by holiday flavors, alongside a signature beverage, the “Merry Melon Glow,” inspired by the hues of a coastal sunset. Guests can also enjoy Dayaw’s Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve, as well as a New Year’s Eve dinner at Lingaw featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka: Tiffany Blue–Themed Christmas
Holiday travel takes on a new level of glamour at Waldorf Astoria Osaka with its luxurious festive offerings. In collaboration with Tiffany & Co., the hotel transforms Peacock Alley—its lounge and bar on the 29th floor—into a Tiffany Blue–themed Christmas wonderland. Holiday décor in the brand’s signature hue is paired with details inspired by the sophistication of Manhattan.
Guests can enjoy a specially curated afternoon tea featuring exclusive savory and sweet selections, alongside New York–inspired holiday cocktails.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/osawawa-waldorf-astoria-osaka
Raffles Hotel Singapore: Festive Dining Experience
Beyond its celebrated spa and amenities, Raffles Hotel Singapore entices guests with an array of exclusive festive dining experiences across its restaurants and bars. The Grand Lobby hosts a refined, festive afternoon tea, featuring foie gras pâté with Amur caviar on crispy brioche, crab éclairs with Calvados Waldorf cream, and classic egg sandwiches infused with winter black truffle.
At Butcher’s Block, fire and flair take center stage during Christmas Eve dinner, with standout dishes such as Lomi Lomi kombu-cured big eye tuna, kalua pork confit, and Huli-Huli dry-aged duck paired with heirloom beets. For festive libations, The Writers Bar and Long Bar—the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling—serve Christmas-inspired cocktails including Yuletide Punch, classic Eggnog, and the sparkling Christmas Bliss.
https://www.raffles.com/singapore
Cordis Hong Kong: International Indulgence for the Festive Season
Cordis Hong Kong invites guests to experience cross-cultural holiday traditions throughout the season. Alibi – Wine Dine Be presents a Czech-inspired festive feast and New Year’s Eve countdown, featuring a Euro-centric menu co-curated by Executive Chef Mark Mak and Petr Král, Executive Chef of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic in Prague.
Meanwhile, The Garage Bar offers a surf-and-turf selection, from New Zealand rock oysters to a BBQ platter of lamb chops, teriyaki salmon fillet, and king prawns. Beyond dining, Cordis elevates the festive experience at its award-winning Chuan Spa, with specially curated holiday treatments such as the “Festive Ritual” and “Glowing Sparkle.”
Dorchester Collection: From Alpine Escapes to Al Fresco Gatherings
For an authentic alpine holiday experience, Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris opens its alpine-themed winter chalet in La Cour Jardin. Guests enjoy exclusive access to a private ice rink, skating under the stars, followed by a private dinner featuring a curated menu—from Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 and Normandy raclette to the hotel’s signature chocolate fondue.
In Los Angeles, The Beverly Hills Hotel offers festive moments at its iconic Polo Lounge, with holiday brunches and dinners running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Fridays and Saturdays feature afternoon tea with handcrafted pastries served on fine china, while reimagined signature desserts appear closer to Christmas. Young chefs are also invited to decorate their own holiday cookies to take home.
At Hotel Bel-Air, festive dining is paired with seasonal film screenings on the expansive Front Lawn, complete with popcorn, chocolate, and candy beneath twinkling lights. For a more exclusive experience, private fire pits accommodating up to six guests are also available.
https://www.dorchestercollection.com