The Jetsetter's Festive Calendar
Between the glow of Diwali lamps and the glitter of New Year’s confetti is when the world becomes a carousel of fireworks, fêtes, art fairs, and snow-dusted soirées and the true jetsetter wouldn’t dream of staying put.
From palatial celebrations to champagne-fuelled skiing, this is the well-heeled wanderer's week-by-week guide to being exactly where the world is happening, all the way until the clock strikes midnight on December 31.
Week 1 – Diwali in Udaipur
To-do: Witness fireworks over Lake Pichola, enjoy a palace-lit Rajasthani feast, take a private boat ride to Jag Mandir and watch the ghats glow with a thousand diyas.
Where to stay: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
Week 2 – Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City
To-do: Join the Day of the Dead parade on Paseo de la Reforma, explore traditional ofrendas (altars) in Coyoacán, sip mezcal in Polanco and shop artisanal crafts at San Ángel.
Where to stay: Las Alcobas
Week 3 – Dubai Design Week
To-do: Tour cutting-edge installations at Dubai Design District (d3), browse global design pop-ups, shop couture at The Dubai Mall and dine at Alserkal Avenue’s art-meets-food hotspots.
Where to stay: Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Week 4 – Christmas Lights in London
To-do: Stroll beneath twinkling lights at Oxford Street and Regent Street, ice skate at Somerset House, sip martinis at The Connaught Bar and catch a holiday show in the West End.
Where to stay: The Connaught
Week 5 – Thanksgiving in New York
To-do: Watch the Macy’s Parade from a private suite, indulge in a Michelin-starred Thanksgiving dinner, shop Fifth Avenue windows and spend the evening at a Broadway premiere.
Where to stay: Aman New York
Week 6 – Autumn Leaves & Culture in Tokyo
To-do: Admire autumn foliage at Rikugien Gardens, attend a private tea ceremony, explore Tsukiji’s freshest bites and book a front-row seat for Kabuki Theatre.
Where to stay: Hoshinoya Tokyo
Week 7 – Art Basel in Miami
To-do: Browse avant-garde exhibitions, hop aboard yacht parties, sip cocktails at beachfront installations and dance the night away in South Beach.
Where to stay: Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Week 8 – Christmas Markets & Opera in Vienna
To-do: Sip mulled wine at Rathausplatz, shop hand-blown ornaments at Schönbrunn, enjoy the Vienna Boys’ Choir and dress up for an evening at the State Opera.
Where to stay: Palais Coburg
Week 9 – Wrap Christmas in St. Moritz
To-do: Ski the powdery slopes, try polo on the frozen lake, sip champagne at après-ski lounges and indulge in fondue by a roaring fire.
Where to stay: Kulm Hotel
Week 10 – NYE Fireworks in Sydney
To-do: Celebrate with a Bondi beach brunch, cruise Sydney Harbour by yacht, enjoy rooftop cocktails in The Rocks and toast midnight under the world’s most iconic fireworks.
Where to stay: Crown Towers
