Let the Festivities Planning Begin

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa—some of the calendar’s biggest holidays anchor the tail end of the year, but it’s never too early to start planning for them. Whether you’re hoping to gather the entire extended family for a festive reunion or celebrate with just your nearest and dearest, Four Seasons will help you craft a holiday experience for the books. From seasonal events to special menus, these four properties go above and beyond to spread joy and mirth.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Christmas Market Prague
The Christmas tree at the Old Town Square’s Christmas Market.

If a classic old-world holiday experience is what you’re after, Prague should be high on your list of destinations to consider for your end-of-year vacation. The Czech Republic’s capital city has charmed many a travel writer with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture; now imagine the city all decked out for the holidays. It’s a veritable winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale.  

Bonus: No need to pack presents. Just a seven-minute walk from Four Seasons Hotel Prague is the Old Town Square, site of the city’s largest Christmas Market (and tallest Christmas tree). Sip on mulled wine, treat the kids to gingerbread, and shop for handmade souvenirs to bring home. This year, the market starts November 26 and ends January 6.  

Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Room
Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Room

After a day of exploring, retire to the hotel, itself decorated to the nines, and indulge in the Dior Afternoon Tea at the Gallery lounge (preferably by the fireplace), where you can warm up with a spot of tea and a selection of canapés, scones, and desserts.  

When you book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague, you also have at your disposal its incredible curated experiences—including a private tour through the Old Town Square Christmas Market, an evening ride in an antique car to take in the city’s holiday lights and decorations, and cultural happenings like Advent concerts at the National Library of the Czech Republic in the Klementinum.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

Broadway in Nashville
Lower Broadway in Nashville. Photograph by mana5280 on Unsplash.

Nashville’s nickname is Music City—for good reason. It’s a mecca for country music buffs and live music aficionados. And come winter, the city adds carols and jingles to its musical repertoire.  

 This season, holiday-themed shows happening in Tennessee’s capital city will include Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry House; screenings of Elf and Home Alone accompanied by live music at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center; A Drag Queen Christmas at Ryman Auditorium; and Nashville Ballet’s Nashville’s Nutcracker at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall.  

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Mimo
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Mimo

 At Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, the holidays are all about delighting guests with special treats and events. At the Festive Carolers Dinner, carolers spread cheer from table to table, singing Christmas classics. At the Christmas Day Brunch, Santa Claus drops in for a thrilling visit, and guests get to try their hand at gingerbread house decorating. And on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Mimo, the hotel’s Tuscan-inspired restaurant, hosts a special prix fixe, four-course dinner. At evening’s end, every guest receives a holiday gift to take home.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Christmas in London, Photo by Arafat Khan on Unsplash
Christmas in London. Photograph by Arafat Khan on Unsplash.

Love Actually. A Christmas Carol. Bridget Jones’s Diary. The Holiday. Some of our favourite Christmas movies (and likely yours, too) take place in London, the city that popularized beloved Victorian-era traditions—decorated trees and storefronts, Christmas crackers, holiday cards—that continue to this day.  

In addition to Christmas markets, ample shopping, and holiday lights viewing, London also offers plenty of places to ice skate. These outdoor venues, often surrounded by historical beauty, include Somerset House, where in late November the imposing and vast neoclassical site’s outdoor courtyard is transformed into an ice rink. Another magical spot for skating: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the biggest outdoor rink in the United Kingdom. Here, you can glide beneath 100,000 twinkling lights to a Christmas soundtrack.  

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Christmas
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Christmas

 Hyde Park is, conveniently, just a one-minute walk from Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Located on a quiet corner in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel goes all out for the holidays with elegant decorations and special menus at the French-inspired, Michelin-starred Pavyllon London, helmed by chef Yannick Alléno. And should you need help arranging exclusive, unique experiences across the city, the hotel’s concierge team—the largest in London—is ready to assist.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre  

Christmas in Dubai
Dubai decorated for the holidays. Photograph by mahyar motebassem on Unsplash.

Travel to Dubai during the holidays, and you’ll encounter lit trees, holiday markets, even Santa and his elves—but you’ll experience these traditions in warm, parka-free weather. That said, should you want a taste of wintry weather, simply head over to Ski Dubai, a gargantuan indoor ski resort where you can ski, snowboard, sled, and even meet some penguins. It’s housed in the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest malls in the world.  

 Speaking of malls, luxury shopping is practically a sport in Dubai, and with the winter months comes the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, five weeks in December and January when stores offer irresistible discounts. And because Christmas isn’t a national holiday there, stores stay open, and you won’t have to wait for Boxing Day to shop.  

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, Mina, Festive
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, Mina, Festive

 Outdoor excursions also abound in Dubai: desert safaris, yacht adventures, hot-air balloon rides, and cultural sightseeing can all be arranged when you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre. The boutique hotel is a quiet oasis in the middle of the financial district, close to downtown and just minutes from the beach. Though small, with just 106 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel offers a range of dining options, from afternoon tea at Penrose Lounge and French Mediterranean dishes at Michelin-recommended Mina Brasserie, to small bites at Luna Dubai and Middle Eastern meze poolside, both on the roof with skyline views.    

Find Your Holiday Cheer at Four Seasons

An indoor winter wonderland designed by Jeff Leatham in Philadelphia, windows into magic worlds in Paris, a fiery display in Langkawi: The celebration of the season is in full swing at Four Seasons destinations worldwide. Here, we share some of the photo-worthy experiences and activities that will ensure this joyous time of year is merry and bright.

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Arctic artistry in Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love looks more like the North Pole at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, where Artistic Director Jeff Leatham has created a modern festive display. Flocked Christmas trees and festive florals are adorned with warm twinkling lights, while a life-size reflective reindeer keeps watch over the merrymaking. Don’t miss the most coveted ticket in town at the New Year’s Eve celebration. The iconic Hotel will play host to an extravagant event featuring ice sculptures, sumptuous food stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, awe-inspiring entertainment and live musical performances as well as a front-row seat for the city’s magnificent fireworks.

Holiday happenings in Philadelphia

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Dream by the fire in Langkawi

Hike through the jungle, cruise through the mangroves, explore the coastline by kayak. After a day of adventure in this island playground, a sunset picnic on the beach is a cozy way to unwind in the evening. Gather under a canopy of stars and raise a glass to your time together at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. The festive revelry really heats up on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display and traditional Malaysian fire dancers, who put on a glowing performance as you enjoy a merry feast to welcome the new year.

Celebrate in Langkawi

Hot Holiday

A special visitor in Costa Rica

Can you blame St. Nick for soaking up a little sun before making the trek back to the North Pole? This year, join the man in red himself – plus the jolliest bunch of elves and even a grinch – at Santa’s Annual Beach Party at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica. In addition to the unforgettable Christmas Day bash, the family-friendly Resort offers a variety of activities and events throughout the festive season. Experience the flavours of a Latin American asado at Nemare, or immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture while picking up gifts at the Papagayo Street Fair. Want to explore even further? Set out on a journey into the Nicoya Peninsula – Costa Rica’s famed blue zone, one of only five places in the world where residents live exceptionally long, healthy lives – and visit traditional villages to experience the country from a local perspective. Families will also find plenty of adventure close by, with zip-lining, surfing, night hikes, coral snorkelling and loads of water sports available in and around the Resort grounds.

Plan your visit to Costa Rica

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Holiday magic in Paris

The City of Lights exudes charm year round, but during the festive season it becomes even more enchanting. Make the most of this special time with help from the experts at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, where the concierge team can tailor an itinerary of unforgettable experiences. Glide across the ice at a skating rink overlooking landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Hotel de Ville, or stroll through picturesque Christmas markets. You’ll be dazzled by Parisian traditions like the fantastical scenes filling les vitrines de Noel – elaborately decorated windows at the city’s iconic department stores. Our favourite? The can’t-miss display at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche. As for the Hotel itself, thanks to Artistic Director Jeff Leatham’s breathtaking holiday decorations, you’ll feel as though it’s been transformed into your own personal vitrine de Noel. Lose yourself in the vibrant hues and intricately crafted compositions adorning the Hotel’s common areas and celebrated Marble Courtyard. Take a seat for Executive Pastry Chef Michael Bartocetti’s Signature Tea Time at Le Cinq on December 17, or enjoy an immersive holiday dinner at one of the Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants. The entire month of December will be filled with glittering events combining some of the world’s finest gastronomy with all the magic of the season.

Spend the season in Paris

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Traditions with a twist in Boston

Many families celebrate the holidays with their own time-honoured traditions – a comforting meal, treasured decorations, special activities. Start a new family tradition at Four Seasons Hotel Boston, where the new Very Important Kid Package will delight young guests (and their parents) with an in-room enchanted tent setup, a personalized amenity and a Hotel scavenger hunt. In addition to the magical accommodations, you’ll find festive surprises throughout the Hotel, such as themed vaults and mystery closets for kids to explore, along with seasonal coffee specials at Sottovento that adults will love. Our favourite this year is the Boston Fog, a creamy tea latte made with a blend similar to the tea tossed into the Boston Harbor in 1773, served in honour of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. Have the Coffee Concierge deliver it to your room in the morning before you head out to explore the city’s historic sites or do some holiday shopping.

Festive toasts in Boston

Panoramic View Of Old Town And Temple Of Tyn In Prague.

Handcrafted gifts in Prague

In wintertime, it’s easy to see Prague’s hilltop castle, narrow cobbled streets and towering spires as a setting straight from a fairy tale. Experience the city’s old-world charm during a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague, where the attentive concierge team is eager to share local traditions, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems. Browse the traditional Christmas market stalls in nearby Old Town Square for handcrafted ceramics, jewellery, wooden toys, clothing and seasonal treats, then stay a little longer to hear choirs singing carols in the late afternoon. Grab a warm cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate from one of the stalls to make this outdoor shopping experience all the sweeter. Afterwards, climb the stairs of Old Town Bridge Tower and take in the twilight scene of twinkling lights – a picture-perfect holiday moment.

A winter wonderland in Prague

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Come celebrate festive with us.

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