WanderlustHow to celebrate the festive season around the world

The festive season is a time for family, friends to come together over incredible food, exchanging thoughtful gifts and celebrate common bonds, and it’s what makes this time of year so magical. If you’re considering escaping with your loved ones this winter, there are still endless ways you can keep the festive cheer alive. From glamorous New Year’s Eve parties in Dubai and kids’ extravaganzas in London to traditional German festivities in Frankfurt, have yourself a merry little Christmas with our favourite ways to celebrate the festive season in luxury and style.

 

Put the children in charge in London

For families, there’s no finer city to spend the festive season in than London. The jolly pantomimes, the dreamy window displays at Hamley’s, the twinkling lights of Regent Street. This Christmas why not give them the best gift ever with Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah’s Children in Charge package? During the festive period, children will stay for free with the bonus of complimentary Christmas films, cookies, hot chocolate and a personalised toy box filled with a hand-picked selection of latest toys, crafts and books. On the doorstep of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland fair, the hotel is perfectly positioned to explore the capital’s Yuletide fun.

 

Party by the pool at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab

While many seasonal celebrations welcome sub-zero temperatures, in Dubai Christmas comes with a side order of sunshine. For New Year’s Eve celebrations of a more exotic variety, there’s nowhere better to party than poolside at the legendary Burj Al Arab. Hotel guests can ring in 2020 from a private Royal Cabana by the magnificent infinity pool, alongside beautifully presented dishes and live entertainment. Have an unforgettable start to the New Year with a complimentary bottle of signature Champagne per cabana. And then at the stroke of twelve, watch dazzling fireworks illuminate the Burj Al Arab’s sail silhouette.

 

Witness TaiKoo Hui Mall's Christmas wonderland in Guangzhou

Christmas in China is an enchanting experience and the shopping malls bring a slice of seasonal cheer when Shen Dan Lao Ren (Santa) pays a visit. Each year, Guangzhou’s upscale TaiKoo Hui Mall pulls out all the stops to create a magical atmosphere. Aside from the world-class shopping to be had (pick up gifts from Cartier or Louis Vuitton) the glittering interior showcases the most incredible Christmas decorations. Twinkling 20-foot Christmas trees preside over snowy scenes, while local school children perform seasonal songs. Experience the wonder of Guangzhou at Christmas with a stay at Jumeirah Living Guangzhou.

 

Shop ‘til you drop at Frankfurt’s famous Christmas Market

One of Germany’s largest and oldest seasonal fairs dating to 1393, Frankfurt Christmas Market delivers seasonal charm in abundance. Located on the historic Römerberg square, the fair is abuzz with a whirl of fairground rides and pretty craft stalls, while the scent of warm gingerbread perfumes the crisp air. Embrace the yuletide spirit with a steaming mug of glühwein as you meander around the market, and shop for beautiful handmade gifts. You’ll unearth local handicrafts like traditional wooden toys, intricately carved beeswax candles and hand-blown glass ornaments. Jumeirah Frankfurt's Christmas Market package transports you to the heart off Christmas in Germany. After a day shopping its market you can relax in the Talise Spa’s sauna before heading for a three-course dinner at Max on One Grillroom.

Usher in the New Year, 300 metres above ground in Abu Dhabi

Views don’t get more spectacular than gazing down over Abu Dhabi from its highest restaurant, Observation Deck at 300. Located on the 74th floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the sky-high spot promises a night to remember at the stroke of midnight. With floor-to-ceiling windows and 360-degree panoramas across the city, Observation Deck at 300 is where you want to be as fireworks explode across the Emirate.