What if your next festive holiday was more than just a destination?
This Christmas and New Year, Belmond invites travellers to make the journey part of the celebration, with a collection of luxurious festive experiences spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.
Think beautifully dressed carriages, Christmas markets, candlelit dinners, champagne countdowns and sun-soaked escapes. From iconic luxury trains to legendary hotels, these are the kind of holiday experiences made for making memories — and, naturally, filling your camera roll.
Here are 10 Belmond festive escapes to put on your 2026 holiday moodboard.
1. Christmas, but make it British — aboard the British Pullman
Step aboard the British Pullman, A Belmond Train for a distinctly British festive experience.
The historic train returns for Christmas and New Year’s Eve journeys, complete with seasonal menus, bespoke cocktails, Christmas crackers and elegant dining.
For something extra special, the Celia carriage, designed by Baz Luhrmann and production designer Catherine Martin, transforms into an intimate setting for private festive celebrations — from Christmas gatherings to a glamorous New Year’s Eve complete with a four-course menu, private DJ and midnight toast.
Festive journeys aboard the British Pullman and private celebrations aboard Celia are available on selected dates throughout November and December 2026 HERE.
2. A European Christmas aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Few things say festive glamour quite like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train.
This winter, its legendary carriages embrace the magic of Christmas with festive décor, seasonal menus and live musical moments.
Journeys to Vienna add another layer of festive charm, taking travellers into the heart of the city’s Christmas markets, illuminated squares, artisan stalls and seasonal treats.
Festive experiences are available on selected Venice Simplon – Orient – Express winter journeys throughout November and December 2026 HERE.
3. Ring in 2027 at Copacabana Palace
For a New Year’s Eve with serious energy, Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro is calling.
Guests can expect a glamorous evening overlooking Copacabana Bay, with a sumptuous banquet dinner, signature cocktails, DJs and front-row views of the city’s dazzling fireworks.
The hotel is also entering a new chapter with the reopening of its Pool Wing following a major renovation, alongside new dining and wellness offerings.
Book HERE.
4. A Malaysian festive journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express
Closer to home, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train brings festive luxury to Malaysia.
Expect festive décor, live piano performances, singers, carols and seasonal favourites as the train travels through the country.
Christmas Day brings a special gala menu by Culinary Curator André Chiang, while New Year’s Eve builds towards a midnight celebration at Kuala Lumpur station, followed by live entertainment and late-night bites aboard the train.
Festive Celebrations in Malaysia (23 December) and New Year Celebration in Malaysia (31 December) are available to book HERE.
5. A Tuscan Christmas at Villa San Michele
For a slower, more romantic festive escape, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence offers Christmas in the heart of Tuscany.
Festive décor, twinkling lights, seasonal dining and wellness experiences set the mood, alongside live concerts, Panettone and Rum tastings and local craft workshops.
Guests can also discover the new Spa by Guerlain before ending the season with a Christmas brunch or New Year’s Eve dinner accompanied by live music.
Discover the initiatives taking place from 15 October 2026 to 3 January 2027 HERE.
6. Discover Portuguese festive charm at Reid’s Palace
Over in Madeira, Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel celebrates the season through Portuguese craftsmanship and gastronomy.
Festive highlights include a Christmas installation by luxury house Alameda Turquesa, a limited-edition afternoon tea created with pastry chef François Perret, traditional workshops and elegant seasonal dining.
Come New Year’s Eve, the celebrations culminate with live entertainment and views of Funchal’s world-famous fireworks.
A festive offer including a minimum three-night stay, afternoon tea for two and Christmas dinner for two is available on selected dates from 1 December 2026 to 24 December are available to book HERE.
7. Spend Christmas on the Italian Riviera
Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino brings festive magic to one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal villages.
The iconic Piazzetta receives a festive makeover, while local restaurants and boutiques add to the winter atmosphere.
Expect seasonal seafood dining, Christmas-inspired treats and artisanal flavours, balanced with guided meditation walks and scenic hikes along the Portofino coastline.
The Discover Portofino package is available to book from 1 October to 6 January 2027 HERE.
8. Trade winter for sunshine in Anguilla
Not into chilly Christmas mornings?
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla offers a very different festive mood — think turquoise waters, white sand and Caribbean sunshine.
This season also marks the arrival of Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain, while culinary experiences include the tenth edition of the property’s Culinary Shores series.
Basically, Christmas can come with a beach view.
Discover the festive experiences throughout November, December and January HERE.
9. Reset before the New Year on the Andean Explorer
For those who want to end 2026 feeling refreshed rather than rushed, the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train offers a transformative wellness journey through Peru.
The experience combines yoga, meditation and mindfulness with the extraordinary landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
As South America’s first luxury sleeper train, it offers a beautifully slow way to pause, disconnect and welcome the new year with renewed clarity.
Discover the initiatives taking place from 15 October 2026 to 3 January 2027 HERE.
10. Do Christmas like London’s Chelsea set
At The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, Christmas arrives with quintessentially British flair.
Think mince pie and beef Wellington cookery masterclasses, festive afternoon tea, mulled wine, hot chocolate and indulgent seasonal menus.
Guests can also enjoy a festive day trip aboard the British Pullman before returning to the comfort of the hotel — because sometimes the best kind of Christmas shopping comes with a luxury train ride.
Book HERE.
Your Festive Escape Starts Here
From European Christmas markets and luxury train journeys to Caribbean sunshine, Tuscan indulgence and Malaysian festive celebrations, Belmond’s 2026 festive programme proves that the holiday season does not have to look just one way.
Whether your dream Christmas is wrapped in snow, served with champagne or spent barefoot by the sea, there is a Belmond journey waiting to make the final weeks of 2026 feel a little more extraordinary.
All pictiures courtesy of Belmond.
Read also: #PamperMyTravels: From Luxury Suites To Dining Concepts — What’s New At Temple Tree Resort Langkawi
