From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene waters of Halong Bay, Asia transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. With an array of enchanting celebrations, gourmet feasts, and unique experiences, the region offers something special for everyone. From Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo to sparkling festivities in Chiang Mai, and even charitable markets in Hong Kong, travelers and locals alike can revel in the warmth and joy of the season. Let’s explore how these vibrant destinations are celebrating the holidays with culinary brilliance and holiday cheer.
Tokyo’s Christmas Elegance
Guests of Palace Hotel Tokyo over the festive season will enjoy the 16-foot Christmas tree standing tall in the lobby moat-side, along with their own in-room 5.5-foot-tall tree when they book the one-night stay package, ‘A Tokyo Christmas.’ Along with the decorated tree they’ll also enjoy an assortment of home-made Christmas cookies presented in a limited-edition tin. At the hotel’s one-Michelin-starred French restaurant, Esterre, a six-course Christmas dinner menu will feature lobster bisque, steamed ezo awabi (abalone) with barigoule-style vegetables, and beef tenderloin with truffled winter vegetables. At Wadakura, Palace Hotel Tokyo’s signature Japanese restaurant, the winter kaiseki course menu will be all about crab – including Kobako hairy crab, crabmeat dumpling, sashimi with Matsuba crab, and grilled Taraba crab with crab cream croquette.
Christmas Feasts in Bangkok
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit will host Christmas Eve feasts at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar and The Kites Eatery. LUZ will serve a Spanish set menu crafted by Madrid-born chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero in two sessions: 6-8 pm and 9-11 pm. The menu begins with ‘scallops with caramelised onion and Iberian ham’ and ‘crab cannelloni,’ followed by ‘beef tenderloin in puff pastry with foie gras and sweet wine sauce.’ After ‘traditional Spanish rice with seafood and octopus,’ dessert will be ‘Spanish crepe with vanilla cream and orange ice cream.’ Meanwhile, The Kites Eatery will feature a buffet from 6-10 pm, brimming with seafood on ice, salads, cheeses, a Japanese corner with assorted sashimi, a carving station, BBQ seafood and meats, main courses, paella, a chocolate fountain, and a variety of desserts.
Tis The Season to Give in Hong Kong
The Hari Hong Kong is pulling out all the stops to mark Christmas and New Year’s Eve with merry good cheer, hosting a Christmas market to raise money for charity, festive brunches, lunches and dinners, a stay replete with a chocolate muffin Christmas tree, and more. Situated in the heart of Wan Chai, the hotel’s Christmas Market at the lobby on Dec. 9 from 5pm will see service users from Hong Chi Association serve hand drip coffee and sell upcycling and handmade products. Second-hand books and toys will also be available, with all market proceeds going to Hong Chi to help provide education, training and other empowerment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Lang Co’s Festive Delights
Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam is offering a delightful lineup of festive Christmas events. The season kicks off with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with a festive canapé menu featuring mini banh mi, smoked salmon tartlets, and sweet treats like mince pies and rum chocolate bonbons. Guests can also enjoy a range of drinks, from wine to cocktails. On Christmas Eve, a grand cocktail reception and dinner await, showcasing a diverse menu with dishes from organic salads to seafood on ice, along with live food stations for Vietnamese rolls, noodles, and sushi. For mains, there are grilled selections, carving stations, and a variety of sides. Traditional Christmas desserts like yule logs, ginger cookies, and ice cream complete the evening. Christmas Day brings an indulgent brunch featuring classic holiday flavors. Diners can relish live grill options, a carving station with honey ham and roasted lamb, a pasta station, and seasonal desserts like chocolate yuletide logs and Christmas puddings.
Halong Bay’s Magical Christmas Cruise
Leading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise’s overnight cruises of UNESCO World Heritage-listed bays Halong and Lan Ha will celebrate Christmas Eve on December 24 with a wine toast, live band playing festive music, fireworks display and souvenir raffle. Throughout December and January, the overnight cruises will also host a special gala dinner on the sundeck featuring live music against stunning backdrops of both bays’ limestone karst-studded waters. Guests also have the option of starting Christmas Day with a tai chi session on the sundeck before a light breakfast is served at the piano bar and a full breakfast at the restaurant.
Sparkling Festivities in Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai is getting the mulled wine ready for its exciting Christmas and New Year’s festivities including sky-high parties, vibrant buffets, exquisite and four-course dinners. Ruen Kaew Lounge will serve mulled wine to a backdrop of classic holiday melodies from 5-10pm from Dec. 1–Jan. 31. Santa Claus will give children gifts as a live band performs at Laan Na Kitchen’s ‘Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet’ on Dec. 24 from 6-10pm. Eye Styles band will take to the stage with acoustic tunes under the stars at Mai The Sky Bar on the hotel’s 22nd floor for ‘Christmas Eve Sparkles in the Sky’ from 5-12pm. A four-course Northern Thai set dinner marking Christmas Day at 21st floor Mai Restaurant & Bar from 6-10pm.
Asia’s festive celebrations beautifully showcase the region’s diversity and charm, offering unforgettable holiday experiences that cater to every taste and style. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred Christmas feast in Tokyo, a magical cruise in Halong Bay, or a heartwarming charity market in Hong Kong, the season is filled with opportunities to celebrate, give back, and create lasting memories. As you immerse yourself in the flavors, traditions, and magic of the holidays across Asia, this festive season promises to be one of culinary delight and heartfelt cheer.