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January signals an energising beginning to the global social season, setting a polished tone for the months ahead. For those who shape their travels around culture, style, speed, and high society, the luxury calendar for January offers a concentrated sweep of world-class experiences across continents. Paris prepares its runways, St. Moritz readies its frozen lake, the art world unveils its first major fairs of the year, and sporting capitals stage events that attract a familiar blend of champions, collectors, celebrities, and well-heeled travellers. This guide brings together the defining moments of the month, curated with the elevated touchpoints that matter to the elite traveller.
Fashion and Style
Paris Fashion Week – Men’s
Paris, France | 20–25 January 2026
The January men’s shows gather designers, editors, and celebrities who descend on Paris for previews of the season’s sharpest tailoring and emerging luxury trends. Private car services line the avenues around the Palais de Tokyo and the Accor Arena, while top maisons host intimate salon presentations and invite-only dinners at hotels such as Cheval Blanc Paris and La Réserve. For collectors of limited-edition pieces, capsule drops and backstage appointments offer early access long before they reach boutiques.
Haute Couture Week
Paris, France | 26–29 January 2026
The pinnacle of Parisian fashion remains couture week, where craftsmanship and imagination reach exceptional heights. Showgoers often book penthouse suites at The Ritz or Hôtel Plaza Athénée for dressing services, fittings, and private jewellery selections. After the shows, couture houses host small gatherings in historic townhouses for clients to view pieces up close, often in candlelit salons attended by creative directors and atelier leads.
Berlin Fashion Week
Berlin, Germany | 30 January – 2 February 2026
Berlin’s fashion week blends contemporary aesthetics with a cultural edge, attracting those who appreciate independent designers and conceptual presentations. VIP guests are chauffeured to shows held in industrial-modern venues and to private viewings in Mitte studios. Evenings reflect Berlin’s creative spirit, with reservation-only dinners at restaurants like Nobelhart & Schmutzig or stylish hotel bars at SO/ Berlin Das Stue and Hotel de Rome.
Automotive and High-Speed Icons
Rolex 24 at Daytona
Daytona, Florida, USA | 22–25 January 2026
One of motorsport’s most anticipated endurance races draws racing legends, elite teams, and collectors of supercars. Trackside suites offer panoramic views and gourmet hospitality, while luxury marques host VIP paddock access and behind-the-scenes garage tours. Visitors often pair the weekend with yacht charters along the Intracoastal Waterway or stays at private estates in Palm Beach, complete with chauffeured transfers to the speedway.
Winter Sport, Society Polo, and Alpine Elegance
Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Switzerland | 23–25 January 2026
Polo on a frozen lake is one of the Alps’ most glamorous traditions, drawing royalty, philanthropists and society names to St. Moritz. The exclusive VIP zone provides fine dining curated by leading chefs, flowing champagne and front-row views of the action. Guests often arrive by helicopter from Zurich or Milan, then head to Badrutt’s Palace or Kulm Hotel for fireside après-polo receptions and designer-hosted afterparties.
The Ice St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Switzerland | 30–31 January 2026
This concours d’élégance celebrates rare heritage cars displayed directly on the frozen lake. Collectors showcase impeccably restored classics and limited-production icons, attracting enthusiasts who fly in for private showings and invitation-only dinners. The event pairs beautifully with long Alpine weekends featuring spa suites, discreet shopping at Via Serlas, and snow-dusted views from mountain-top dining rooms.
Art, Design, and Collecting
San Francisco Art Week 2026
San Francisco, USA | 17–25 January 2026
The city’s leading galleries, museums, and private foundations come together for a week of curated exhibitions, studio tours, and collector previews. Private drivers ferry guests between venues, including VIP hours at SFMOMA and exclusive receptions with cultural patrons. Luxury-minded attendees often stay at hotels such as the St. Regis San Francisco for proximity to the arts district and its network of private member clubs.
Art Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, USA | 28 January – 1 February 2026
Art Palm Beach attracts collectors of modern, contemporary, and emerging works, with special exhibitions dedicated to glass art, sculpture, and design. VIP ticket holders enjoy early buying access and invitation-only talks with artists and gallerists. Many combine the fair with stays in Palm Beach’s most elegant hotels, along with dinners at The Breakers and private estate gatherings across the island.
Art Genève
Geneva, Switzerland | 29 January – 1 February 2026
This lakeside fair is known for its refined curation, representing blue-chip galleries, design houses, and contemporary installations. Its understated elegance appeals to seasoned collectors who prefer smaller fairs with exceptional quality. Private jet arrivals are common, and many visitors combine the fair with discreet jewellery showings in Geneva’s top maisons or Michelin dining along the Rhône.
Film, Culture & Ideas
Sundance Film Festival – Final Park City Edition
Park City & Salt Lake City, USA | 22 January – 1 February 2026
The final Sundance to take place in Park City carries special significance. Industry leaders, filmmakers, and cultural tastemakers gather for premieres, panel conversations, and intimate screenings. Luxury travellers book mountainside chalets with private chefs and transport arranged between events. The most exclusive celebrations take place in member-only lounges and chalet parties hosted by studios and streaming platforms.
Sport, Equestrian & High-Society Racing
Australian Open 2026
Melbourne, Australia | 12 January – 1 February 2026
The first Grand Slam of the year blends world-class tennis with a lively social atmosphere. Courtside superboxes offer premium hospitality, meet-and-greets with players, and curated menus by leading Australian chefs. Many guests base themselves at Crown Towers or the Park Hyatt, appreciating their concierge services, river views, and seamless transfers to Melbourne Park.
AlUla Desert Polo 2026
AlUla, Saudi Arabia | 16–17 January 2026
Set among sandstone canyons and desert panoramas, AlUla Desert Polo is one of the region’s most visually striking sporting events. High-profile guests arrive for two days of polo, cultural programmes, and open-air dining under the night sky. Luxury experiences include private 4×4 transfers across the desert, helicopter sightseeing over Hegra, and stays at Habitas AlUla or Banyan Tree, with villa suites overlooking the valley.
Dubai Racing Carnival – Fashion Friday at Meydan
Dubai, UAE | 23 January 2026
Fashion Friday is where racing and style converge, celebrated with designer outfits, millinery showcases, and VIP suites overlooking Meydan’s sweeping track. Hospitality packages include gourmet dining, reserved lounges, and private terraces, making it a favourite for those who appreciate racing in a polished, glamorous setting. Many extend their weekend with stays at the Address Sky View or the Bulgari Resort Dubai, ensuring a continuation of Dubai’s high-luxury rhythm.
A Refined Start to the Year
January delivers a considered mix of culture, fashion, sport, and alpine allure, offering touchpoints that feel purposeful rather than rushed. For travellers shaping the first chapter of their year with clarity and elegance, these events provide meaningful momentum to carry into the seasons ahead.
