Asia's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

December 2025 has arrived, bringing a vibrant festive atmosphere across Asia. Restaurants and hotels are rolling out a variety of year-end offers, inviting guests to participate in the season's celebrations. It is an ideal moment to enjoy distinctive culinary experiences and create memorable gatherings as the year draws to a close.

Four Seasons Bangkok's Festive Afternoon Tea

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River celebrates the festive season with an elevated Holiday Afternoon Tea experience that combines premium teas, refined savoury and sweet bites, a touch of champagne, and sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. The media preview showcases a limited-time menu crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Andrea Bonaffini, reflecting the warmth, creativity, and indulgence of the holiday season. Featuring seasonal ingredients, meticulous technique, and Chef Bonaffini's distinctive artistic flair, the experience highlights exquisite creations such as Young Coconut Panna Cotta with Cashew Milk and Kristal Caviar, Sicilian Red Prawn with Tangerine and Lemongrass, and a whimsical Petit Mignon collection of festive sweets—including the Christmas Ball, Snowflake, and Gingerbread Man. Curated from start to finish, this festive afternoon tea presents a memorable blend of flavour, craftsmanship, and holiday spirit along the riverfront.

For more information: https://www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/

Festive Celebrations at Devasom Khao Lak

Devasom Khao Lak, a premier luxury resort on Thailand's Andaman coast, celebrates the 2025 festive season with A Midsummer Night's Dream, an enchanting Christmas Eve gala dinner set on the pristine beachfront at Devasom Beach Grill and Poolside, featuring live jazz, classic Christmas carols, stage performances, and a gourmet Christmas carvery under the stars. The festivities continue with a seven-course Christmas Day feast of modern holiday favourites, including fresh local seafood, and culminate on New Year's Eve with Time Travel, a gala journey through the decades from ancient Thai elegance to disco 80s and a futuristic finale, accompanied by live jazz, midnight fireworks, and beachfront dancing. Seasonal wellness offerings, including Aqua Sound Bath sessions, spa treatments, and guided mindfulness practices with visiting expert Rhythm of Sati, complement coastal adventures such as private longtail boat cruises, snorkelling in the Similan Islands, and swimming in hidden coves, creating a luxurious holiday experience that blends celebration, relaxation, and the natural beauty of Khao Lak.

For more information: https://www.devasom.com/khaolak/

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's Season Unfold

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, celebrates the festive season with riverside charm, refined dining and thoughtful experiences throughout December. The Authors' Lounge offers a Festive Afternoon Tea featuring holiday-themed savouries, warm scones and seasonal pastries. At the same time, The Mandarin Oriental Shop presents elegant Festive Hampers filled with classic treats and artisanal delights. Gourmet holiday dishes are also available for enjoyment at home, including roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, Beef Wellington and seafood towers. Christmas Eve features a riverside buffet with live entertainment and fireworks, alongside special multi-course dinners at Lord Jim's, Le Normandie and Baan Phraya. New Year's Eve continues the festivities with the Fabulous '50s celebration at Riverside Terrace, complemented by exclusive dining options across the hotel. The Festive Wonders room offer adds seasonal comfort with savings, breakfast and family activities. Throughout the season, the hotel upholds its tradition of warmth, elegance and memorable celebrations by the River of Kings.

For more information: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/bangkok/chao-phraya-river

A Tropical Beach Christmas at Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui, an all-pool-villa beachfront resort in Koh Samui, has unveiled a series of gourmet feasts and dazzling celebrations across its three restaurants over Christmas. The tropical island festivities begin at The Edge, offering spectacular vistas across the sapphire seas of the Gulf of Thailand. Its Christmas Eve Gala Dinner 2025 features a variety of international culinary delights — an oyster bar, a seafood market, a carving station, and a salad bar — accompanied by live music from 7 pm. A culinary journey is underway at Saffron, where, each evening from Dec. 24 - 26, a 5-course set menu is presented in a sophisticated and tranquil setting. Recognised by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, Saffron specialises in contemporary Thai cuisine. At Beachside, fine delicacies such as slow-roasted butterball turkey, Alaskan snowfish, and grilled tiger prawns are offered with a 3-course set lunch and a 5-course set dinner, prepared daily by Chef Rainer and his culinary team from Dec. 24 - 26.

For more information: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Style at Red Sky's Gala Dinner

Red Sky will host a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration welcoming 2026 with exceptional dining, festive energy, and panoramic views of Bangkok's fireworks from 19:00 to 02:00. The exclusive eight-course menu by Executive Chef Andrea Montella and Chef de Cuisine Luca Russo features oyster and Champagne amuse-bouche, Imperial Oscietra caviar, King Crab salad with mandarin essence, pan-seared foie gras with pomegranate balsamic, Risotto al Franciacorta with white truffles, Black Cod with clams, charcoal-grilled Japanese A5 tenderloin with hazelnuts and glazed chestnuts, and a Veuve Clicquot Champagne parfait with raspberries. Live music accompanies the evening, creating a glamorous atmosphere. The gala dinner is priced at THB 17,555++ per person, including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label N.V. per couple.

For more information: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/restaurants-and-bars/venue

An Illuminating Visit to Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo is preparing for one of the merriest times of the year with 'A Tokyo Christmas', a stay package encompassing fine dining, Christmas treats and in-room decorations, along with a privately guided experience of one of the city's most popular sights, Tokyo's winter illuminations. The festive Christmas experience includes a two-night stay – choice of Premier Suite or Executive Suite accommodations, Club Lounge privileges – including afternoon tea and evening cocktails & canapés, choice of daily breakfast at the Club Lounge or in-room, a 5.9-foot-tall in-room Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments, a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut and a tin of Christmas biscuits, an artful Christmas cake made in-house at Sweets & Deli, and a Christmas dinner at Grand Kitchen. In-house guests can also book a 'Tokyo Illuminations' tour, a four-hour experience chauffeuring guests around the city to several areas featuring impressive installations. Rates for 'A Tokyo Christmas' start at JPY 941,000, limited to stays between December 20-25, 2025.

For more information: https://en.palacehoteltokyo.com/

Tofurkey or Turkey at TIA Wellness Resort

This December at TIA Wellness Resort, a Christmas-inspired afternoon tea menu is offered with classic flavours. There are eggnog cupcakes, Christmas scones with orange and strawberry jam, turkey sandwiches with cranberries and pickled red cabbage, and additional sweet treats enjoyed with a glass of champagne or a selection of Ronnefeldt tea. The special presentation is available from December 1st - 26th, 11 am - 4 pm, for VND 1,600,000++ for two. The resort is also offering a decadent Christmas Eve feast, 'Ray of Christmas,' with a fully plant-based option available. The six-course menu is accompanied by live piano music. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings are available with a selection of organic wines from Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand and Australia. The dinner is served at The Dining Room from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Prices start at VND 1,600,000++ per person (menu only) for the plant-based option and VND 2,050,000 for the regular menu. Wine pairings are at an additional cost.

For more information: https://tiawellnessresort.com/en/

Fabulous Festive Fare at Banyan Tree Krabi

Recently lauded as the "Finest Hotel in Thailand" by US guidebook Fodor's and the recipient of Two Keys by MICHELIN, Banyan Tree Krabi boasts all the hallmarks of a spectacular venue for Christmas dining. The beachfront resort's Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at The Naga Kitchen is set to be an exquisite international buffet, accompanied by live music and a spectacular fire show. Gourmet options include a salad bar, a bread station, a cheese and charcuterie selection, a live truffle risotto station, and a chef's carving station. At the same time, those seeking fresh seafood can enjoy seabass and prawn ceviche with coconut, and lobster bisque with cognac. A live ice station provides smoked salmon, sushi and sashimi, Fine de Claire oysters, rock lobster, prawns, New Zealand green-lip mussels, clams, crab and local scallops. Festive desserts include Christmas fruit stollen, croquembouche Christmas tree, Christmas fruit cake, American baked cheesecake and Christmas log cake. The Christmas Day Set Dinner from 6:30 pm - 10 pm on 25 December features an elegant 6-course menu that reflects the warmth of tradition and the joy of Christmas.

For more information: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi

It Takes a Gingerbread Village To Celebrate Christmas at Alma Cam Ranh

Alma Resort, a 30-hectare beachfront retreat on Vietnam's Cam Ranh Peninsula, hosts a lineup of festive experiences, culinary delights and family-friendly activities. An enchanting gingerbread village in the Alma Food Court allows children to explore edible creations while parents take photos. On 13 December, the main lobby hosts a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony with thousands of twinkling lights, festive cocktails, canapés and carols by a children's choir. Guests may also purchase decorated Christmas trees at Alma Mart to bring the holiday spirit into their rooms. At Alma Kids' Club, a daily advent calendar turns the countdown to Christmas into a shared activity, with children unwrapping a new surprise each day. From Dec. 20-30, traditional aromatic mulled wine is served in the lobby and Food Court, evoking the cosy magic of European Christmas markets, while Santa Claus appears for photos and family portraits on 23, 24 and 25 December.

For more information: https://www.alma-resort.com/

Beats and Baubles Define Christmas at Meliá Chiang Mai

Meliá Chiang Mai transforms into a festive haven with a lineup of Christmas experiences that blend warm seasonal traditions with the hotel's signature Spanish flair. Guests ease into the holidays with 'Merry Mulled Melodies', where spiced mulled wine and live Christmas tunes set a cosy nightly mood at Ruen Kaew Lounge from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026. Festivities continue high above the city with the 'Tea & Tinsel Afternoon Tea' at Mai Restaurant & Bar, also from 1 December to 31 January, pairing Japanese-inspired savouries and sweets with sparkling wine and panoramic views. From Dec. 1-5, Madrid-born Chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero presents a banquet of Spanish cuisine as part of the hotel's 'Spanish Gastronomy Series'. The season's culinary pinnacle arrives on Christmas Eve with a lavish buffet at Laan Na Kitchen, featuring roasted whole turkey, honey-glazed ham, sashimi, sushi, poke bowls and handcrafted Christmas desserts, accompanied by live music and Santa's appearance for children. The celebrations continue at Chiang Mai's highest rooftop bar for the 'Beats & Baubles' Christmas Eve Party at MAI The Sky Bar with DJ sets, festive cocktails and skyline views.

For more information: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai

'Tis the Season to be Jolly and Charitable at The Hari Hong Kong

The Hari Hong Kong marks Christmas with festive menus, a tree-lighting ceremony, a Christmas market for charity, and a special holiday package. On 4 December from 4-6 pm, the hotel entrance transforms into a Christmas market. Members of Hong Chi Association, a local charity assisting people with intellectual disabilities, serve drinks and sell goods. All market proceeds go to the organisation, which supports over 7,000 people in need. The Christmas tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 5:15 pm, followed by a carol performance. The 'Festive Elegance at The Hari' package, available from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, also celebrates the hotel's fifth anniversary and includes a one-night stay in one of the hotel's luxurious rooms or suites, HKD 500 dining credit usable at Lucciola Restaurant, Zoku Restaurant, The Lounge, The Terrace or for in-room dining, daily breakfast for two, limited-time fifth anniversary gifts, a chocolate muffin Christmas tree presented in-room, 15% off festive menus and more. Italian restaurant Lucciola and Zoku, specialising in contemporary Japanese cuisine, serve special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day feasts.

For more information: https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/

Deck the Halls with Spanish Flair at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit embraces the festive spirit with Spanish menus and buffet feasts set against panoramic views of Bangkok's skyline. As part of the hotel's "Feliz Festiva" programme from 1 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar on the 33rd and 34th floors offers a rotating "Special Spanish Festive Menu" each week for four festive weeks from 1 December to 30 December. Each week's à la carte menu, crafted by Madrid-born Chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero, includes dishes such as Iberian bellota jamon croquettes with caviar, Spanish red prawn carpaccio, Spanish seabass with porcini and parmentier, cannelloni of beef oxtail, foie gras and black truffle mushroom, and caramel custard pudding with almond and Spanish nougat. LUZ also serves Christmas Eve and Christmas Day à la carte menus from 4 pm until midnight. The Kites Eatery, with soaring windows affording spectacular views, offers a Christmas Eve buffet dinner from 6-10 pm under the stewardship of Executive Chef Katisak Pinkaew, featuring seafood on ice, salads, cheeses, a Japanese corner with assorted sashimi, BBQ seafood and meats, a carving station, a selection of main courses, a chocolate fountain, desserts and more. Free-flow alcohol is optional.

For more information: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/bangkok/innside-bangkok-sukhumvit

A Luminescent Dreamscape at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the iconic 124-year-old Grand Dame of Hanoi, transforms into "A Luminescent Dreamscape" ahead of the holiday season, as a million lights and shimmering festive spirit blend seamlessly with the hotel's timeless elegance. Festive scenes and displays are paired with culinary offerings imbued with French sophistication and festive flair, evoking warmth, nostalgia, wonder, togetherness and the enduring charm of the holiday season. The Metropole Christmas Fair, held from Nov. 28-30, offers a celebration featuring Metropole-made specialities alongside local vendors presenting holiday handicrafts, gifts, decorations and more. Sweet delights, eggnog, mulled wine and gourmet bites from the grill and charcuterie stations add to the experience. The fair kicks off with the annual lighting ceremony on 28 November, launching the hotel's 2025 festive season. In keeping with tradition, a distinctive 15-metre-tall Christmas tree at Le Balcon is adorned with ornaments, bringing timeless French sophistication and joie de vivre to the heart of the hotel.

For more information: https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/

Credits

Article: Wariya Intreyonk

Photos: Wariya Intreyonk and Courtesies