Get into the Christmas festive spirit at these hotels in Asia

Christmas is an ideal time to reunite with family and friends, but it can also bring stress if you’re unprepared. Don’t worry—hotels across Southeast Asia are offering delightful Christmas-themed activities and dining experiences for a joyful holiday season.

From Singapore to Thailand, Vietnam to Indonesia, and the Philippines, these hotels are brimming with festive cheer. So, grab your Christmas list and explore the enchanting celebrations awaiting you at these hotels.

Melia Chiang Mai, Thailand marks first Christmas with a host of merry events

To kick off the festive season, Meliá Chiang Mai presents a Mediterranean-inspired celebration. The hotel will be hosting lavish buffets on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Celebrate the holidays with a Festive Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two at Ruen Kaew Lounge. From December 1, 2022 until January 31, 2023 between 2:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m., you can indulge in delightful Spanish delights including sweet and savory Spanish favorites as well as a choice of either two glasses of Sangria or Spanish Cava. The dish is perfectly complemented by tea and coffee.

On Christmas Day, experience the exquisite flavors of Northern Thailand in Mai Restaurant & Bar with a four-course set dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Delight your palate with either slow and tender roasted beef filet steak with spicy toasted rice gravy, root vegetables and potatoes or wok-fried Andaman tiger prawns partnered with New Zealand mussels, squid and lotus stems presented alongside salted egg rice.

For more information and reservations, email fb@meliachiangmai.com or call +66 52 090 699.

Alma Resort Vietnam unveils giant gingerbread house for Christmas

A giant gingerbread house and glittering winter wonderland display, a Christmas choir involving youngsters from a local orphanage, and an artists-in-residence program will be among a broad spectrum of festivities at Alma Resort.

The 30-hectare beachfront resort will host events, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve cocktail parties and dinners, as well as champagne breakfast, wine and cheese tasting, and buffets from December 15, 2022, until January 1, 2023.

The festive program’s activities for children will range from baking, singing, dancing and piano classes to face painting, Christmas craft-making and a kite-flying competition, topped off with Christmas movies at Alma Cinema and visits by a gift-toting Santa Claus, colorful clowns and Alma’s teddy bear mascot.

For more information and reservations, email info@alma-resort.com or call +84 258 399 1666.

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana in Indonesia offers seven days of holiday festivities

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is keeping things festive over the holiday period with seven days of dining experiences and Balinese cultural performances.

Things kick off with a four-course Christmas Eve dinner to live music and finish on January 2nd with an omakase-style, chef’s choice menu.

Other highlights include the Kecak Dance and Royal Balinese Dinner on December 30. The powerful torch-lit performance reenacts scenes from the Ramayana, with mock battles, monsters, and chanting that will echo in guest’s memory for years to come. The performance is followed by a three-course family-style Royal Balinese meal.

On New Year’s Eve, there will be a series of family-friendly day activities, including Balinese street food-making, Balinese offering-making, and an introduction to local dance and musical instruments.

For more information and reservations, email reservation@tanahgajahubud.com.

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas at Banyan Tree Krabi, Thailand

Celebrate this holiday season with a White Christmas Dinner at the magnificent Banyan Tree Krabi‘s Naga Kitchen Restaurant, situated on Tubkaek Beach along the majestic Andaman coast. Join dinner on December 24th from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Indulge in a delicious roast turkey feast with brussel sprouts and cranberry sauce at the carving station, or opt for alternatives such as tiger prawn, rock lobster, Australian ribeye beef, smoked salmon, or an assortment of cheese. For only 2,600 THB net per person, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and serenaded by live entertainment. An evening to remember awaits.

Step into the Local Night Market at Banyan Tree Krabi and discover a treasure trove of unique handicrafts, locally-infused products, and culinary delights. You’ll not only get to take home something that speaks volumes about your travel experience in this part of Thailand, you will also be contributing towards local businesses and helping to improve the lives of those living there.

For more information and reservations, email naga-krabi@banyantree.com or call +66 075 811 888.

Savor the seasonal splendor at Banyan Tree Samui

On December 18, Banyan Tree Samui began its Christmas festivities with a delectable High Tea Buffet and a complimentary bottle of Sparkling Wine for all bookings of two persons or more.

On Christmas Eve, you can experience a spectacular array of menus and venues. Allow yourself to be swept away by the incredible view from The Edge restaurant’s grandiose Christmas Eve Gala Dinner Buffet; served between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. for your dining pleasure.

Beachfront dining is available at Sands Restaurant from December 24 to 26 with a Festive 5-Course Christmas Gala Dinner Buffet or a special Candlelit Set Dinner on the beach.

And on Christmas Day, festive feasts include a Christmas BBQ at Sands with a fire show and live music, while award-winning Saffron Restaurant provides a traditional Festive Set Dinner.

For more information and reservations, email saffron-samui@banyantree.com or sands-samui@banyantree.com or call +66 077 915 333.

Santa Claus is coming to Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, Vietnam

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort is truly transforming the holidays with its amazing lineup of celebrations and festivities. From a dazzling Christmas tree lighting ceremony to photos with Santa, beach bonfires complete with marshmallow roasts and scrumptious ‘lobster, prawn and steak’ nights – no one will be left out!

The resort’s festive program kicked off on December 18 with a tree lighting ceremony accompanied by cocktails and canapes and a visit from Santa.

Sasa restaurant is setting the stage for a lavish celebration with its Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve buffets that feature an array of fresh seafood delights, Asian delicacies, and classic Christmas favorites.

Breeza Beach Club will host its ‘Ho Tram Seafood Market’ feast on Christmas Eve; the lobster, prawn, and steak night on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; a steak night on December 30; and a countdown party on New Year’s Eve.

For more information and reservations, email info@meliahotram.com or call +84 254 3789 000.

A Christmas meal to remember at Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo, a Forbes five-star property overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens, is offering several sophisticated menus at its upscale restaurants.

Indulge in a luxurious dinner experience at Esterre, an exquisite French fine-dining restaurant that serves contemporary haute cuisine. For just JPY40,700 per person, you can savor the tantalizing flavors of dishes such as scallops and lobster across several courses.

Grand Kitchen, nestled by a picturesque moat, will be serving up exquisite delicacies such as olive-fed wagyu from Shodoshima Island at JPY16,500 for dinner. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this unforgettable experience!

At the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki GO, the set menu includes such unique offerings as grilled fugu (blowfish) and blue lobster with lunch or dinner reservations at JPY35,200 per person.

At the hotel’s pastry shop, Sweets & Deli, beautifully crafted Christmas cakes are available for purchase from December 21 to 25.

Read also: What to expect at this luxury hotel in Tokyo’s 10th anniversary stay package

‘Tis the season to be jolly at The Anam Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Get ready for the holidays with The Anam Cam Ranh‘s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, festive caroling, wine and cheese tastings, cocktail parties, outdoor cinematic screenings of holiday-themed movies, and more.

Following the tree lighting event and choir performance accompanied by mulled wine, fruit punch, hot chocolate, and cookies in the resort’s lobby on December 23, The Colonial restaurant will host exquisite French five-course and seven-course dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, respectively.

Immerse yourself in authentic Vietnamese culture with Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar‘s special holiday events. On December 24, the restaurant will offer a buffet dinner filled to the brim with fresh seafood. Then, on New Year’s Eve, ‘Mama’s Cooking’ takes over—mothers of the staff whip up traditional dishes just like they do for their own families.

To make the holiday celebrations at this luxurious resort in Vietnam even more enjoyable, in addition to the general manager’s cocktail parties on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve held on the resort’s lush lawns, they will also be serving tapas and cocktails at Saigon Bar as part of their festive program.

For more information and reservations, email info.cr@theanam.com or call +(84) 258 398 9499.

Eat, drink and be merry at Melia Phuket Mai Khao, Thailand

Melia Phuket Mai Khao will celebrate Christmas with a festive dinner on Christmas Eve and a barbecue pool party on Christmas Day.

The resort’s Gaia Beach Club will serve a family-themed set menu dinner on Christmas Eve, accompanied by a gift-toting Santa Claus as well as a DJ spinning the decks.

The following day, Gaia will host a Christmas Day barbecue lunch and pool party at the adjacent beach pool framed with cabanas and sun lounges.

Along with delicious popsicles, charming floating lilos and live DJ entertainment, an exciting tropical piñata filled to the brim with toys and sweets will be hung from a tree for kids to break apart.

The resort’s Elyxr Café will serve organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines from December 22, 2022 to January 7, 2023.

For more information and reservations, email info@meliaphuketmaikhao.com or call +66 76 563 550.

Fusion gets festive throughout Vietnam

From cookie decorating classes in Saigon to wreath making in Hue, Fusion Hotels and Resorts around Vietnam are rolling out a range of Christmas-themed activities for guests.

At Fusion Suites Saigon, in addition to cookie decorating for all ages, there will be a free-flow canape afternoon and a festive set menu for the holiday.

Fusion Suites Vung Tau will be offering a special Seafood & Roast Carvery buffet accompanied by live music, a lucky draw, and Christmas surprises.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a hot spring resort surrounded by forest, is making the most of its location with a forest laurel wreath session. The resort is also offering free gifts for children and will host an indulgent buffet on Christmas.

Fusion Resort Phu Quoc’s festive gifts come in the form of special on-site offers with stays booked over the Christmas period, including an on-site F&B credit of VND 1,000,000 per room per night in addition to daily breakfast anytime, anywhere, and a daily spa treatment. GLOW, which comes under the Fusion umbrella, is also offering stay perks with up to 15% discount off the best rate and 20% off F&B with the code FHGNY23TH at the time of booking.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon, the newest member of the Fusion family, has several days’ worth of activities, including a gingerbread house and Christmas tree decoration, in addition to a Christmas buffet and chef’s table.

The beachfront property, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, will host a three-course menu with wine pairings to celebrate the day.

Celebrating the Yuletide at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This Christmas season, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi once again transforms into a winter wonderland with elegant, classic-style nutcrackers, bringing the holiday to life with renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre.

Throughout the holidays, the Metropole will host exclusive dining events at its award-winning restaurants Le Club (home to the hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea and evening jazz), angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World cuisine) and the recently renovated modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu.

Many of these special meals include optional wine and Champagne pairings. The festivities kick off Christmas Eve and continue through into the New Year. Marking the holiday spirit in its 122nd year, Vietnam’s most storied hotel will display a towering Christmas tree strewn with colorful ornaments at Le Balcon in the Metropole Garden.

For more information and reservations, email h1555-fb6@sofitel.com or call +84 24 3826 6919 ext. 8215.

A cornucopia of Christmas delights at The Reverie Saigon, Vietnam

The festive season at The Reverie Saigon promises enchantment and beauty, whimsy and spectacle, much as guests have come to expect from the bold and extravagant 286-room hotel that epitomizes the best of Italian design.

Ice sculptures, crystal trees, polar bear doormen, and the silver castle of the Snow Queen bring the hotel’s winter wonderland theme to life.

A cornucopia of delights is on offer this year, from traditional French favorites at Café Cardinal to exquisite Cantonese cuisine at The Royal Pavilion and Michelin-star-caliber Italian fine dining at Da Vittorio Saigon.

Offerings include a special festive season menu (served from November 28 to December 30, excluding December 24 and 25), a classic Christmas Day brunch (from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), and La Fête de Noël (a Christmas feast accompanied by fine French wines and champagne available on December 24 and 25), in addition to holiday high tea service and festive dining enjoyed at home.

For more information and reservations, email restaurant@thereveriesaigon.com or call +84 28 3823 6688.

Flea market and movies at Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay, Philippines

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is transforming its Lagoon Garden into a winter wonderland this festive season. On December 18, the resort staged a “Christmas Flea Market” with stalls selling traditional goodies, sweet and savory snacks, warm drinks, souvenirs, and more.

As the sun sets, all ages are invited to the resort’s “Movie Marathon” — all your favorite Christmas-themed movies screened under the stars, accompanied by light bites and healthy refreshments. What a wonderful way to make lifelong memories with your loved ones!

The Christmas Flea Market runs from December 18 to 31, and the Movie Marathon, which is free for in-house guests and day pass holders, is available from December 18 to 30.

For more information and reservations, email hotel.boracay.reservations@movenpick.com.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

Savor the tastes of this season with Four Seasons Singapore’s delectable festive takeaways, available until December 25. Every item is freshly prepared on order, so don’t forget to place your orders at least 72 hours ahead of time for when you choose to collect them.

Treat yourself to a special Festive Weekend Afternoon tea between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Enjoy scrumptious Christmas-inspired patisseries, seasonal Christmas Pudding Scones with Brandy Clotted Cream, along with finger sandwiches and other delightful dishes. Ignite the festivities with a festive Gingerbread Craft Cocktail or sip on Executive Pastry Chef Audrey’s signature Valrhona Hot Chocolate to get you in the holiday spirit.

For more information and reservations, please call + (65) 6831 7253 or email festiveseason.sin@fourseasons.com.

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and, of course, good food. This year, why not try out one of the festive dining experiences offered by some of Asia’s top hotels? From Christmas markets to movie marathons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones and get ready to celebrate in style!