The Art of Festive Season

“Polar bears” designed by Jeff Leatham in Philadelphia, windows into magic worlds in Paris, a fiery display in Langkawi: The celebration of the season is in full swing at Four Seasons destinations worldwide. Here, we share some of the photo-worthy experiences and activities that will ensure this joyous time of year is merry and bright.

The City of Brotherly Love looks more like the North Pole at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, where Artistic Director Jeff Leatham has created an Arctic wonderland of silver and white baubles, alcoves filled with twinkling fir trees, and snow-white florals. The dramatic centrepiece? A large, mirrored polar bear, flanked by custom-made trees. Don’t miss a prime photo opportunity on the Hotel’s Fifth Floor, where a life-sized reflective reindeer keeps watch over the festivities. Follow a trail of flocked Christmas trees and white poinsettias and amaryllis to JG SkyHigh, offering a special festive brunch every Sunday in December, or dine above the clouds at Jean-Georges Philadelphia, reopening with classic dishes and new culinary creations curated by Chef de Cuisine Cornelia Sühr.

Hiking through the jungle, cruising through the mangroves, exploring the coastline by kayak. After a day of adventure in this island playground, a bonfire on the beach is a cosy way to unwind in the evening. Gather around the flickering flames under a canopy of stars and raise a glass to your time together at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Things really heat up on New Year’s Eve with the addition of traditional Malaysian fire dancers, who put on a glowing performance as you enjoy a merry feast and welcome the new year.

Can you blame St Nick for soaking up a little sun before making the trek back to his home at the icy North Pole? Join the jolly old elf on Christmas Day with a party at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Head to Virador Beach for Santa’s Annual Beach Party, with activities for guests of all ages – live music, games, festive snacks and, of course, photos with the guest of honour. Young explorers will discover the “pura vida” way of appreciating life at special outbound camp experiences as part of the Resort’s Papagayo Explorers program, with sports and exploration adventures focused on boosting confidence, inspiring perseverance and team building.

Give yourself the ultimate holiday gift at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where two seasonal spa treatments will help you greet the new year in fine form. The 120-minute Winter Warmer treatment relieves winter stiffness and improves sleep with a frankincense cleanse and a massage meant to protect the aura and release muscle tension, while a hot poultice of warm and earthy cinnamon, cloves and ginger soothes and calms the senses. The Triple C Lift and Glow Facial helps erase the harsh, drying effects of winter weather; the 60-minute facial uses vitamin C serum and a hydrating body serum, double-masking using glycoprotein and collagen, and the latest transdermal technology to reveal tighter and brighter skin.

The City of Lights exudes charm year round, but during festive season it becomes magical. Make the most of this special time with help from the experts at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, where the concierge team can tailor an itinerary of unforgettable experiences – glide across the ice at a skating rink overlooking landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Hotel de Ville, for example, or stroll through picturesque Christmas markets. You’ll be dazzled by Parisian traditions like the fantastical scenes filling les vitrines de Noël – elaborately decorated windows at the city’s iconic department stores. Our favourite? The life-size, smiling “gingerbread” figures at Bon Marché Rive Gauche, standing shoulder to shoulder amid candy canes and golden lights. As for the Hotel itself, thanks to Artistic Director Jeff Leatham’s breathtaking holiday decorations, you’ll feel as though it’s been transformed into your own personal vitrine de Noël.

Many families celebrate the holidays with their own time-honoured traditions – a comforting meal, treasured decorations, special activities. Start a new family tradition at Four Seasons Hotel Boston, where the beloved annual Teddy Bear Tea returns this year as an overnight experience. December 18–22, guests young and old will receive a warm welcome from Truffles the Bear before tea service in their suite, savouring the holiday treats and the memorable time together. Other festive highlights at the Hotel include Puppy Dog Story Time and Cupcake Decorating Classes for kids, while adults will enjoy cider tasting and holiday horoscopes, plus an Adult Gingerbread House Decorating Contest and Urban Grape Wine Tasting and Creative Cheese Boarding sessions.

In wintertime, it’s easy to see Prague’s hilltop castle, narrow cobbled streets and towering spires as a setting straight from a fairy tale. Experience the city’s Old World charm during a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague, where you can step into a horse-drawn carriage that whisks you to Old Town Square as you sip mulled wine and snack on roasted chestnuts. Browse the square’s traditional Christmas market stalls for handcrafted ceramics, jewellery, wooden toys, clothing and treats, and then climb the stairs to Observation Bridge and take in the scene of twinkling lights as carollers rejoice – a picture-perfect holiday moment.