As winter settles in, cities around the world begin to glow with twinkling fairy lights, and certain world-class hotels go far beyond their ordinary setting to impress their guests visiting them during the holiday season.

Hotels begin preparing several months before Christmas. They start planning and styling their premises by ordering specialized décor as early as mid-summer. Dedicated festive teams work around the clock to set up designer Christmas trees and hang lights. Some transform their atriums and lobbies with life-sized gingerbread houses and themed winter chalets.

Apart from the Christmas décor, culinary chefs design special holiday packages, ranging from Christmas dinner buffets and New Year’s Eve tasting menus to themed room service. Recipes are planned in advance so that core ingredients (like roast turkey, root vegetables, or stocks) can be repurposed across multiple days. High-demand items are reserved months in advance to prevent holiday shortages.

Best 10 hotels from around the world to celebrate Christmas 2026

The holiday season is the perfect time to escape to a luxury hotel with family and loved ones and immerse yourself in a festive wonderland. Make this Christmas truly unforgettable with a celebration filled with warmth, elegance, and magical holiday moments. To make your wish come true, here is a list of the best luxury properties worldwide for you to mark your Christmas celebrations in a grand style this year.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland

It is a 5-star alpine resort located in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This place is famous for its fairytale-like historic stone tower, panoramic views over Lake St. Moritz and the Swiss Alps. Visit to enjoy its grand Christmas Tree Lighting event, held in early December. Guests receive signature white-glove service starting at the railway station, where a private Rolls-Royce chauffeur picks you up, per Notable Travels. The hotel also offers various activities like skating, tobogganing, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy

A legendary 16th-century Renaissance estate, Villa d’Este is located on Lake Como, Italy, per its official website. It marks its holiday season with a Christmas light ceremony. Indulge in the gastronomic excellence of the place through a new tasting menu. Villa d’Este organizes special events for its guests to experience the charm of the Christmas season.

The Plaza, New York, U.S.

The Plaza, located in New York, U.S., transforms its property into a Nutcracker-inspired theme for the 2026 season, in collaboration with the French ballet Maison Repetto, per WWD. One could also enjoy the Eloise-themed holiday tea and special afternoon teas, in addition to the seasonal Santa visits.

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna, Austria

According to Virtuoso, Hotel Imperial in Vienna, Austria, was originally built as the residence of Prince Philipp of Württemberg and opened for the 1873 World Exhibition. This place transforms into a winter wonderland with giant Christmas trees and festive lights. It offers exclusive holiday packages for guests, including a welcome glass of champagne and holiday treats.

The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland, U.K.

The entire property at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland transforms into a woodland-inspired setting, filled with fairy lights and festive flora and fauna. If you are looking for warm, cozy vibes against the backdrop of the Ochil Hills, this hotel should be on your list.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

During the holiday season, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam hosts exclusive holiday brunches, lunches, and multi-course dinners across its dining venues. It also sets up a seasonal pastry shop for guests and hosts special wine-exploration events.

Hôtel de Russie, Rome

Celebrate Christmas at Hôtel de Russie in Rome this season if you are a foodie. The place is known as a premier destination for food enthusiasts during the festive season. The hotel’s renowned culinary venues, Le Jardin de Russie and Stravinskij Bar, feature special Christmas dinners and brunches crafted by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona, U.S.

If you are planning to celebrate Christmas in the U.S., then there is no better place than Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The place sets up dozens of fire tables, igloos, and dedicated roasting areas, where guests can roast marshmallows and have hot chocolate. It has special adult areas like Chateau Champagne offering private seating and lively musical nights.

Claridge’s, London, U.K.

Looking for an old-school holiday experience? Claridge’s in London, U.K. is the place for you. Each year, during the festive season, this place welcomes its guests with Champagne, yuletide treats, and a private Christmas tree.

Ritz Paris, Paris, France

Ritz Paris in France decks up with a gigantic gold-and-silver Christmas tree that sits by its stairway and is the place’s center of attraction. Enjoy exclusive crafted Christmas menus by chef Eugénie Béziat. Guests can also immerse themselves in traditional English-style Christmas tea time and yule logs. The menu includes some signature pastries by François Perret, who left the Ritz Paris in 2025. The current head pastry chef is Olivier Lainé, per their official website.

Each hotel on this list offers traditional programs, festive dining, and immersive seasonal atmosphere. From the alpine views of Badrutt’s Palace and the lakeside beauty of Villa d’Este to the iconic grandeur of The Plaza and Claridge’s, these top 10 hotels offer unforgettable experiences for guests looking to spend quality time with loved ones this holiday season.

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