These 6 Hotels Go All Out for the Holidays in Europe

Holidays at home can be wonderful, but it’s hard to top a dreamy, festive vacation at a hotel that’s bursting with holiday magic. From glittering galas to gourmet menus, you can live your holiday fantasy this winter at hotels in six of Europe’s most charming cities.

If your holiday wish list includes warming your hands on mugs of mulled wine, dancing at parties while the snow swirls outside, singing holiday tunes beneath shimmering garlands and sparkling lights, cozying up in a Santa-style bathrobe, or all of the above (and more), these hotels can make those dreams come true.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Feel at Home in Dublin

During the holidays, The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection feels like a luxe home away from home — with lavish decorations at every turn, extravagant dining throughout December and even a visit from Santa Claus in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge. The hotel’s food and drink menus are inspired by seasonal flavors, with everything from festive spiced cocktails and warm hot chocolate to decadent afternoon tea with live music.

For frost-nipped walks, St. Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens are right on the hotel’s doorstep. And the shops of nearby Grafton Street and George’s Street Arcade sell local jewelry, art and vintage curios — perfect for last-minute gifts.

Cozy Up for a Classic London Christmas

Every December, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is transformed into a festive fairy tale in honor of its Victorian roots. Its iconic sweeping staircase is flanked by two magnificent fir trees decked from head to toe in dazzling (yet sustainable) lights — while a third tree twinkles merrily at the entrance.

Enter through the hotel’s festive archway to discover an enchanting scene: Think live carols being sung on Fridays and Saturdays, afternoon tea with mince pies and Champagne, and a lavish Christmas Day feast — featuring roast turkey with all the trimmings — served in the Booking Office 1869 restaurant.

Loosen Your Belt for Berlin’s Foodie Fantasy

From sweet treats on arrival to Santa-style bathrobes, staying in a Christmas Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin is like starring in a festive movie — complete with front-row views of the famous Potsdamer Platz and its gorgeous Yuletide market. Add opulent Champagne brunches, traditional roast goose dinners with wine pairings, and a five-course banquet at top-rated POTS restaurant on December 24th, and you have the recipe for sheer foodie heaven.

Staying for New Year’s Eve? With free-flowing Champagne, swinging live music and a six-course banquet, this is one of the hottest tickets in town.

Go Alpine-Chic in Paris

With its lush secret garden and gleaming art deco mosaics, Le Patio — the courtyard restaurant at Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris — is spectacular year-round, but winter brings extra wow-factor. Think snuggly chalet-style seating, hearty mountain-inspired dishes and lashings of mulled wine to toast the season. It’s an Alpine oasis in the heart of Paris.

Throughout December, the entire hotel sparkles with festive spirit. In the afternoon, try tea with home-baked gingerbread and brioche. Also mark your calendar for the extraordinary brunch on the 25th, featuring fresh lobster, langoustine vol-au-vents and a chocolate Yule log.

Devour a Gingerbread House in Warsaw

The festive dessert menu at Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw is worth a trip to Poland in its own right. When the city outside is swirling with snow, you can sink your spoon into traditional Polish cheesecake — a rich confection of cream, butter and twaróg (soft cheese) — or dark chocolate pudding with mead-marinated plums. Or try the hand-painted chocolate baubles and gingerbread houses decorated with candy.

In early December, the hotel also has a starring role in Warsaw’s famous Christmas Lights Opening Ceremony and hosts carol concerts from its light-decked corner balcony.

Stay in a Christmas Suite in Prague

Wake up in a winter wonderland at Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague.

The hotel’s Christmas Fairytale Tower Suite shimmers with delicate baubles, ruby-red poinsettias and glittering fir trees. There are presents to open, daily in-room treats to savor and the city’s multiple holiday markets are just a short walk away.

This unique hotel is inspired by its adjoining 13th-century Augustine monastery, which makes its seasonal celebrations even more magical: In addition to festive banquets on December 24th and 25th, you can toast New Year’s Eve with Champagne and a six-course dinner at its annual gala — a decadent, glamorous soiree.

The Christmas suites are available from mid-November until January.