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As the year draws to a close, December opens the doors to the world’s most glittering events – where couture meets craftsmanship, and global icons converge across continents. Our luxury calendar for December charts the defining occasions of the season, from the ateliers of New York to the racetracks of Abu Dhabi and the fireworks of Sydney. Each gathering offers not only prestige but access – the kind reserved for those who travel by private jet, dine with designers, and collect art before it ever reaches public view. This is where the year ends at its most exquisite.
Art and Culture
Chanel Métiers d’Art 2025
New York, USA | 2 December 2025
Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show returns to New York for its 2025/26 collection, spotlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of its artisan houses. Expect an audience of cultural luminaries, Hollywood icons, and fashion royalty gathering in a venue chosen for its architectural drama. Private transfers by limousine or helicopter are arranged for Chanel’s inner circle. Stay at The Carlyle or The Mark for discreet luxury favoured by the brand’s most loyal guests.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Miami, USA | 5–7 December 2025
The crown jewel of the international art circuit returns to Miami Beach, bringing together blue-chip galleries, global collectors, and contemporary visionaries. VIP previews, yacht soirées, and private gallery dinners unfold across the city, where every rooftop and oceanfront villa becomes a canvas for creativity. Stay at The Faena or Four Seasons Surf Club for unrivalled proximity to the action, or book a helicopter transfer to Palm Beach for off-grid serenity between parties.
Fashion and Entertainment
The Fashion Awards 2025
London, UK | 1 December 2025
London’s Royal Albert Hall once again hosts fashion’s most glamorous night, honouring the creative forces shaping global style. The evening blends red-carpet spectacle with philanthropy, raising funds for the British Fashion Council Foundation. Expect couture gowns, celebrity stylists, and champagne receptions before private after-parties across Mayfair and Chelsea. Stay at Claridge’s or The Lanesborough for their seamless chauffeur arrivals and impeccable discretion.
London International Animation Festival (LIAF)
London, UK | 28 November – 7 December 2025
Europe’s leading animation festival celebrates artistry and imagination at the Barbican, with premieres, workshops, and BAFTA-qualifying screenings. For collectors and patrons, private viewings and filmmaker dinners in Mayfair or Soho add a bespoke touch to the experience. Nearby luxury stays – The Connaught, Rosewood London, or Claridge’s – offer cinematic comfort, while private cars whisk guests between screenings and soirées with effortless ease.
Sports and Automotive
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE | 4–7 December 2025
The Formula 1 season finale transforms Yas Marina into a spectacle of speed, glamour, and celebration. VIP guests enjoy Paddock Club hospitality, private yacht access, and track-side suites with gourmet dining. Exclusive after-parties hosted by global DJs take over the desert and marina rooftops, attended by celebrities and racing legends. Stay at Emirates Palace or Qasr Al Sarab, where private chauffeurs, helicopter transfers, and bespoke concierge services ensure the weekend unfolds in seamless luxury.
Luxury Lifestyle and Design
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
Dubai, UAE | 5 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Dubai’s retail season reaches new heights as DSF takes over the city with exclusive brand activations, luxury pop-ups, and glittering events. From champagne receptions at The Dubai Mall to private fashion showcases, this is shopping elevated to spectacle. Many luxury travellers book into Bulgari Resort Dubai or Jumeirah Al Naseem, where personal stylists and chauffeured cars are available on call. Expect fireworks, waterfront concerts, and invitation-only launches – the perfect prologue to New Year’s celebrations in the Emirates.
Sole DXB 2025
Dubai Design District (d3), UAE | 12–14 December 2025
Sole DXB returns as Dubai’s premier street-culture festival, blending music, art, fashion, and design into three charged days. Headliners include Kaytranada, Tyla, and Miguel.
Beyond the concerts, expect talks and panels, pop-up brand experiences, sneaker swaps, vintage markets, and sporting activations such as streetball tournaments. As part of the broader DSF programming, it offers a cultural counterpoint to the luxury retail rush.
For those in the upper echelons, private viewing lounges, branded VIP zones, chauffeured transport from hotel to d3, and bespoke hospitality packages will elevate the festival experience.
Year-End Celebrations
Sydney New Year’s Eve
Sydney, Australia | 31 December 2025
Sydney’s fireworks over the harbour mark one of the first global welcomes to the new year. The “House of Splendour NYE” at the Sydney Opera House offers premium views, haute cuisine, and curated entertainment for an elite few. Luxury yacht cruises glide beneath the illuminated bridge, serving champagne and canapés under the stars. Stay at Park Hyatt Sydney or the Four Seasons for private balcony views of the midnight spectacle.
New Year’s Eve at The Ritz London
London, UK | 31 December 2025
A timeless celebration unfolds within The Ritz’s gilded halls, where a black-tie gala dinner and live orchestra welcome the new year in classic British elegance. Guests dine on Michelin-starred menus, raise a glass beneath chandeliers, and dance until dawn. Those wishing to continue the revelry retreat to Mayfair’s private clubs for after-hours exclusivity – with chauffeurs waiting to ferry them home in quiet comfort.
New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Dubai, UAE | 31 December 2025
A spectacle of light and luxury defines Dubai’s New Year’s Eve, as fireworks ignite across The Palm and Burj Khalifa. Stay at Atlantis The Palm for its world-famous gala dinner and open-air celebration, or charter a private yacht for front-row views on the water. Gourmet dining, live performances, and opulent décor make it a night to remember, with Rolls-Royce transfers and helicopter charters completing the billionaire-level experience.
The Season’s Grand Finale
December’s calendar offers a fitting crescendo to the year – a celebration of creativity, craft, and culture across the world’s most exclusive settings. Whether it’s admiring haute couture in New York, bidding at an art fair in Miami, or watching fireworks from a private yacht in Sydney, the month is a masterclass in refined indulgence and global connection.
