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12 Stunning Christmas Displays Across the World

These hotel destinations elevate the holiday spirit with gorgeous decorations and fanciful seasonal experiences

By Jill Sieracki
Grand hotel lobby with a large, decorated Christmas tree and elegant staircase surrounded by festive greenery and lights.
Claridge's. Photo: Courtesy of Claridge's

The winter season can be one of the most magical times for travel as dreamy hotel destinations across the globe embrace the holiday splendor, transforming facades, lobbies, and restaurants—even select private suites—with dazzling displays of lights, garland, and other festive accoutrements.

Of course, it’s not enough to just deck the halls with ribbons and bows; the most celebrated properties also craft whimsical experiences sure to put guests in the holiday spirit. Here, a look at some stunning examples across the globe ready to extend season’s greetings to travelers from near and far.

Grand entrance with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and a large Christmas tree in the background.
One&Only Le Saint Géran. Photo: Courtesy of One&Only

1. One&Only Le Saint Géran | Mauritus

Most come to this gorgeous beachfront resort for white sand and turquoise water, but during the holidays, the hotel sparkles with seasonal splendor. Guests can browse the holiday market Santa’s Grotto for artisan-made gifts or stock up on Brunello Cucinelli pieces during the pop-up trunk show. Then, ring in the new year at the region’s newest pool bar, Riva, where lively parties keep spirits high.

Elegant entrance with festive Christmas trees adorned in red and gold ornaments, surrounded by wrapped gifts and warm lighting.
Photo: Vanessa Tierney

2. The Peninsula | New York

Manhattan is filled with famous Christmas trees—from The Metropolitan Museum of Art to that showstopper in Rockefeller Center. At The Peninsula, towering conifers are just a piece of the festivities. Here, guests can take in all the wonderful decorations on their way to Pen Top: Chesa, an Alpine-style chalet serving fondue and seasonal cocktails, or afternoon tea, crafted in collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden’s famed train show. Seasonal hotel packages cater to both the naughty and nice, with decadent spa offerings for those looking for winter rejuvenation or exclusive experiences like gingerbread decorating, a VIP ticket to the Sweet Shoppe, or a tour of the city’s treasured holiday displays.

Exterior of a decorated restaurant with festive wreaths and garlands, outdoor seating area, and large windows on a city street.
L’Oscar London. Photo: Courtesy of L’Oscar London
Cozy library with decorated Christmas tree, red bows, golden lights, gifts, teddy bear, bookshelves, and framed photos.
L’Oscar London. Photo: Courtesy of L’Oscar London.
Festive hallway with decorated Christmas trees, presents, suitcases, and directional signs under arched ceilings and warm lighting.
L’Oscar London. Photo: Courtesy of L’Oscar London.
Festively decorated fireplace with garland, bookshelves on sides, and warm lighting in an elegant library setting.
L’Oscar London. Photo: Courtesy of L’Oscar London
Elegant dining room with decorated Christmas tree, round tables with flowers, warm lighting, and wood accents.
L’Oscar London. Photo: Courtesy of L’Oscar London

3. L’oscar | London

This Jacques Garcia-designed masterpiece in London looks even more fantastical dressed for the holidays in garlands, bows, and jingle bells. At L’oscar, a 39-room, boutique hotel occupying a Baroque former church in Bloomsbury, guests are transported on board the Polar Express with a whimsical installation crafted by Heidi Designs. Window displays evoke the magic of Christmas toy shops while delicious cocktails, including a magical limited-edition concoction served in Christmas bauble, tantalize all the senses.

Luxurious hotel entrance with festive decorations and a sleek black car parked in front.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Photo: Courtesy of The St. Regis
Decorated Christmas tree with gold and teal ornaments, musical instrument shapes, and star decorations, viewed from below.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Photo: Courtesy of The St. Regis

4. The St. Regis | Washington, D.C.

St. Regis hotels from New York to Washington, D.C., are partnering with Ladurée to bring a little French joie de vivre to the festive season. In the U.S. capital, the St. Regis unveiled a towering tree decked in glittering gold as well as a whimsical macaron cart fully stocked with irresistible treats in everyone’s favorite flavors, like vanilla, pistachio, raspberry, caramel, and more. 

Elegant Christmas tree adorned with gold ornaments and surrounded by wrapped gifts in a stylishly decorated room.
The Kensington Hotel. Photo: Justin De Souza
Elegant staircase decorated with festive garland and ornaments, with cozy armchairs and framed paintings in a warmly lit room.
The Kensington Hotel. Photo: Justin De Souza

5. The Kensington Hotel | London

The Doyle Collection hotels announced a “Step Into Christmas” collaboration with Waterford, which includes specialty cocktails served in glamorous crystal from the Irish brand to dazzling trees dressed in unique ornaments, including examples by Elton John. At the London location, The Kensington, frosted garland and a towering tree sparkle with Waterford decorations while the guest suites house the brand’s Irish Lace decanter set, ready for a holiday nightcap.

Tall Christmas tree with silver decorations in front of a brick building with red roof and white-framed windows.
The Pulitzer Amsterdam. Photo: Courtesy of The Pulitzer Amsterdam

6. Pulitzer | Amsterdam

Amsterdam hotel Pulitzer continues its tradition of inviting a fashion designer to craft their holiday tree. This year, Dutch couturier David Laport conjured the exuberant decoration, Festive Sparks, which takes inspiration from one of Pulitzer’s newest private accommodations, the Flower Suite. Transforming a towering conifer with firework-like blooms, the modern design offers a striking contrast to the property’s configuration of 17th- and 18th-century canal houses.

Christmas tree with gold decorations in a marble hallway with elevators and ornate ceiling.
Riggs Washington DC. Photo: Courtesy of Riggs Washington DC

7. Riggs Washington D.C.

Following last year’s colorful design by Galerie Creative Mind Christopher John Rogers, this year’s holiday tree at Riggs Washington D.C. by Dutch couture designer David Laport celebrates the former bank building’s golden age with oversize pleated bows and other gilded baubles.

Christmas tree with lights and ornaments in a city square at dusk, surrounded by historic brick buildings and decorated trees.
The Connaught. Photo: Courtesy of The Connaught.
Entrance of Connaught Hotel decorated with lights and Christmas tree at night.
The Connaught. Photo: Courtesy of The Connaught

8. The Connaught | London

Nestled alongside Tadao Ando’s meditative artwork Silence, the annual Christmas tree at The Connaught calls on another creative talent to craft a holiday display both festive and unique. This year, Swiss-born contemporary visual artist Urs Fischer decked a 31-foot-tall Nordmann Fir with glowing spheres featuring AI-generated faces in a new adaption of his 2022 installation People, first revealed at Gagosian New York.

Grand hotel lobby decorated with a large, colorful Christmas tree near a sweeping staircase and sparkling chandeliers.
The holiday decoration at Claridge’s in London, designed by Daniel Lee of Burberry. Photo: Courtesy of Claridge’s

9. Claridge’s | London

In Mayfair, Burberry chief creative officer Daniel Lee has conjured a holiday display at Claridge’s that nods to the signature motifs of the maison. In the lobby, a 16-foot tree is adorned with over 600 bows made from Burberry fabrics, bells, and chess-piece ornaments evocative of the fashion brand’s Equestrian Knight Design.

Large decorated Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments in a historic building courtyard during daytime.
Lotte New York Palace Photo: Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Hotel lobby with grand staircase, decorated Christmas tree, and festive garlands, creating a luxurious holiday ambiance.
Lotte New York Palace. Photo: Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Festive living room with decorated Christmas tree, beige sofa with a teddy bear, and a coffee table with a wreath.
Hotel suite. Photo: Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Gingerbread house with intricate icing decoration, colorful candy details, and small Christmas trees on display.
Gingerbread Palace. Photo: Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace

10. Lotte New York Palace

This Manhattan landmark transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. A towering tree greets guests at the front courtyard, however the true holiday spirit can be experienced in the signature suites, where Balsam Hill has transformed accommodations into the Arctic Forest, Nordic Frost, Parisian Palace, and Golden Glow, complete with decorated trees, twinkling lights, and holiday confections.

Festive room with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, golden ornaments, and nutcracker figures in a luxurious setting.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. Photo: Courtesy of The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Festive holiday lights and decorations adorn a building's exterior and staircase, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. Photo: Courtesy of The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Pathway with trees and bushes adorned with festive string lights and a decorated Christmas tree in a garden setting at dusk.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. Photo: Courtesy of The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Festive holiday decoration with metallic balls and foliage on ornate gate at Excelsior Grand entrance.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. Photo: Courtesy of The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

11. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria | Sorrento

The Amalfi Coast resort, The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, turns into a winter wonderland with dazzling decorations both inside the majestic property and throughout the dreamy gardens. During the month-long festivities, guests can experience an enchanting singing festival on December 12, a decadent zeppole tasting with Christmas carols on December 21, and unique holiday flavors by Chef Antonino Montefusco, including traditional panettone or a Christmas Eve feast of Neapolitan dishes.

Elegant bar with gold counter, floral arrangement above, rows of bottles on shelves, and stools in a dimly lit setting.
The Dewberry. Photo: Andrew Cebulka
Cozy room with a brightly lit Christmas tree by large windows, surrounded by candles and chairs.
The Dewberry Photo: Andrew Cebulka

12. The Dewberry | Charleston

During the holidays, Charleston, South Carolina, pulls out all the stops with holiday decorating and festive displays all across town. At perennial favorite The Dewberry, decoupage artist John Derian transformed the seasonal displays with whimsical woodland elements that nod to his earlier collaboration with the hotel. Playful mushroom shape ornaments dangle from the Christmas tree surrounded by moss and faux bois, while handmade paper flower company The Green Vase crafted robust garlands draped across the hotel’s popular gathering space, The Living Room.