Festive Escapes: Christmas in New York & London

There’s a certain magical glow that illuminates the streets of New York and London this time of year, making these iconic cities perfect for travellers seeking a blend of luxury, culture, and festive cheer.

Whether strolling through the twinkling lights of Manhattan or relishing the timeless charm of Mayfair, these destinations offer a winter holiday like no other. Elevating this experience are world-class hotels such as The Mark New York and Maybourne Hotels in London – Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught – all proudly represented by our team at MAIA, a luxury brand communications agency based in the UAE.

The Mark New York: Upper East Side Elegance

Situated in Manhattan’s prestigious Upper East Side, The Mark New York embodies the pinnacle of luxury travel. Designed by legendary interior designer Jacques Grange, the hotel seamlessly blends bold modernity with timeless sophistication. From the intimate Courtyard Junior Suite to the sprawling 10,000-square-foot Penthouse, the largest hotel suite in North America, every space offers unparalleled comfort and style.

Discover festive culinary masterpieces at The Mark Restaurant, where Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has crafted exclusive menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, or enjoy the Parisian elegance of Caviar Kaspia, known for its decadent caviar dishes in a chic art-deco setting.

The Mark also caters to holiday shoppers with 24/7 access to Bergdorf Goodman, New York’s premier luxury department store. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Rockefeller Center tree, marvelling at the Fifth Avenue window displays, or enjoying a festive carriage ride through Central Park, The Mark ensures your holiday experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Maybourne Hotels: London’s Festive Icons

Claridge’s: The Quintessence of Christmas

No luxury travel to London is complete without a stay at Claridge’s, where the annual unveiling of its Christmas Tree has become a cultural highlight in Mayfair. This year’s 20-foot tree, created by long-time friend of the hotel Sir Paul Smith, sits in a Signature Striped barrel adorned with vibrant baubles, ribbons and over 100 bespoke birdhouses. Collaborations with Nik Ramage and Studiomama elevate the tree to new artistic heights, while the Paul Smith Merrymaker fragrance and a chorus of birdsong echoing throughout the lobby add a touch of whimsy to this enchanting installation.

Claridge’s blends timeless elegance, festive artistry, and impeccable hospitality, making it the perfect destination for luxury travellers seeking a magical London holiday experience.

The Berkeley: A Modern Winter Wonderland

For those who prefer contemporary flair, The Berkeley in Knightsbridge offers a chic and innovative take on the holiday season. Its rooftop will be transformed into an other-worldly escape, featuring cosy custom-made ski gondolas overlooking Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and serving seasonal treats such as Swiss raclette, chocolate fondue, and of course, a ‘ring for Champagne’ bell for grown-ups and gingerbread s’mores for the little ones.

The luxury hotel’s collection of contemporary yet elegant rooms and suites are the perfect place to unwind after exploring London’s Christmas markets or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere of the city.

The Connaught: Artistic Festive Splendour

In Mayfair, The Connaught shines with its celebrated Connaught Christmas Tree, designed this year by acclaimed British artist Conrad Shawcross RA. Standing nine meters tall, the tree is adorned with 90 bespoke lanterns crafted from aluminium and hand-painted in silver, with a radiant star symbolising hope.

Inside, the hotel offers refined festive dining experiences at three Michelin-starred restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Jean-Georges at The Connaught, overlooking the sparkling lights of Mount Street, or at the cosy yet sophisticated Connaught Grill.

Looking for somewhere warmer to spend the festive season? We proudly represent luxury hotels in destinations such as the UAE, Oman, and the Maldives – all perfect for a holiday in the sun. Discover more here.