Our Luxury Calendar provides a comprehensive overview of the top events unfolding around the world every month. Some are micro-luxuries (like a really good book) and others are on a grand, epic scale. Personally, if schedules and money were no object, and we could do anything we’d like, here are our top picks for the best luxury calendar events and experiences in the world in December 2023. Consider it your luxury calendar of the can’t-miss events in fashion, art, music, sports, travel and culinary arts in December 2023.
luxury events calendar: how to have a brilliant december
The luxury flock touches down in glamorous locations both sub-zero and tropical this month. From the famous Christmas markets of Europe and the annual Audi FIS Ski World Cup in St. Moritz to Art Basel Miami and the Antigua Yacht Show in the Caribbean, sparkle abounds.
And if it’s tradition that you seek, you will find no shortage of that either. From enduring holiday traditions like Big Band Holidays at Jazz at Lincoln Center, a family-friendly abridged version of The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera or the return of the annual Habits de Lumière in Epernay, the whole world lights up on December.
December will also see the arrival of the final big film releases of the year, including Hayao Miyazaki’s latest movie; the final movie in the DC Extended Universe; the origin story of Willy Wonka; and the tragic story of the Von Erich family.
The top events on the luxury calendar for December 2023, including fashion, art, culture and travel.
the best events in the world of luxury on the calendar in december 2023
It’s hard to narrow the list down to just the top 25 picks in the world of luxury in December 2023, but here goes.
we want to see
1. miami art week and art basel miami
Miami Art Week is here! The Floridian bacchanal will bring hundreds of galleries and many more culture vultures to the Magic City. Chief among the main attractions? Art Basel Miami, featuring significant work from the masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well as a new generation of emerging stars – December 8 – 10
2. alvin ailey american dance theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is back in residence at City Center in Midtown for its annual 5-week run. It’s the troupe’s 65th anniversary. This year’s programs include new works by Amy Hall Garner and Elizabeth Roxas-Dobris – and of course, performances of the iconic and beloved Revelations – through December 31
3. the magic flute at the metropolitan opera
The Metropolitan Opera is bringing back its family-friendly holiday presentation of The Magic Flute. This abridged version of Mozart’s musical fairy tale features Julie Taymor’s magical staging. Tenors Piotr Buszewski and Joshua Blue share the role of Tamino, the brave prince on a quest to win the clever princess Pamina, sung by sopranos Janai Brugger and Liv Redpath – December 8 – 30
4. the nutcracker at covent garden
Sure, there are thousands of performances of Tchaikovsky’s 1892 work The Nutcracker all over the world in December. Which one is for you? Personally, we love the idea of the Royal Ballet’s production of the The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden – December 6, 2023 – January 13, 2024
5. henry taylor: from sugar to shit, hauser & wirth, paris
American artist Henry Taylor is currently the subject of a major survey, B Side, at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York (through January 2024). We just saw it, and it’s a must-see. For those in Paris this month, there’s another must-see show of Taylor’s work. At Hauser & Wirth, the LA-based artist presents paintings alongside lesser-seen sculptures and assemblages made through a process of ‘hunting and gathering’ that provide exuberant, poignant and wrenching views of Black life in America – through January 7, 2024
we want to read
6. kerry james marshall: the complete prints: 1976–2022
Though best known as a painter, Kerry James Marshall has also produced a vast oeuvre of sketches and drawings that has been seldom seen and rarely documented. Now, in this comprehensive overview, we are treated to the sight of over 200 works. While some have entered prominent museum collections, many exist only in private collections or the artist’s archive and are being shared publicly for the first time in this new volume – Publication date: November 21, 2023, $125.00.
7. deborah roberts: twenty years of art/work
This is a definitive look at two decades of work by the artist Deborah Roberts offers a comprehensive view of one of today’s most significant social observers. An extensive plate section is accompanied by a heartfelt foreword penned by Dawoud Bey on “the tragic mischaracterization of Black children” – a theme that has been explored in many ways throughout the artist’s work – Publication date: December 5, 2023 – $32.50.
we want to watch
8. renaissance: a film by beyoncé
Renaissance is the documentary concert film of Beyoncé’s blockbuster 2023 world tour. The superstar directed the movie herself, and in addition to concert footage, the nearly three-hour movie includes behind-the-scenes footage featuring Queen Bey herself, as well as her daughter Blue Ivy. For the premium experience, opt for watching it on IMAX or Dolby Cinema- Opens December 1
9. the boy and the heron
The Boy and the Heron is the latest Japanese animated fantasy movie written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. A tale of a 12-year old boy grieving the loss of his mother, the English voice cast Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill, Florence Pugh and Willem Dafoe among others – Opens December 8
10. wonka
Wonka delves into the origin story of chocolatier Willy Wonka (played by Timothée Chalamet). Following his journey from a young man selling chocolate in a small shop to becoming the eccentric genius we all know so well, this is a fresh take on the Roald Dahl tale that seems certain to be a blockbuster – Opens December 15
11. the iron claw
The Iron Claw is a bio-pic based on the life of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and his family. Despite their success in pro sports, after a number of personal tragedies, the family came to be believed to be cursed. Starring Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich; Maura Tierney as Doris Von Erich; and Lily James as Pam Adkisson – Opens December 22
12. the color purple
The latest film version of The Color Purple, based on the acclaimed 1982 novel by Alice Walker, is directed by Blitz Bazawule. Fantasia Barrino stars as Celie, and among the other luminaries in the cast are Taraji P. Hensen and Ciara. This adaptation is said to show the male characters in a more compassionate light than its predecessor, while still ultimately celebrating the power of sisterhood and strong Black women – Opens December 25
we want to hear
13. trinity church wall street: handel’s messiah
For a stunning and unique production of Handel’s Messiah, head to St. Paul’s Chapel at Trinity Church, where Dr. Ryan James Brandau and Trinity’s orchestra and choir perform on period instruments in a majestic and sacred space – December 13 – 15
14. big band holidays at jazz at lincoln center
With soulful big band arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, the annual Big Band Holidays concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center is an uplifting holiday tradition not to be missed – Dec 15 – 19
The top events on the luxury calendar for December 2023, including fashion, art, culture and travel.
we want to check out
15. the hyde park winter wonderland
We don’t know anyone – of any age – who doesn’t love the annual Winter Wonderland experience in Hyde Park, London. Now in its 16th year, expect magically-lighted fairground rides; Santa Land (including Santa’s grotto); and several charming Christmas markets. Plus the largest outdoor skating rink in the U.K. – through January 1, 2024
16. the strasbourg christmas market
Located in the heart of the Grande Île in Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage site, the Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe. Offering “an authentic Alsatian Christmas” experience, the market is home to over 300 wooden chalets and – of course – a magnificent illuminated Christmas tree – through December 24
17. the antigua yacht show
The 62nd edition of the Antigua Yacht Show welcomes superyachts, brokers, captains and crews to the beautiful shores of Antigua. In addition to the yachts themselves, a special highlight is the annual culinary competition, with superyacht chefs creating a “Caribbean Sunday ‘funday’ Brunch.” Event organizers say that “despite the fire at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Business Complex that took place on 2nd October into the early morning of 3rd October,” the show will go on – December 4 – 9
18. audi fis world cup, st. moritz
Three days of Olympic caliber skiing will be on display from the best female alpine skiers in the world at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland – December 8 – 10
19. rolex sydney hobart yacht race
Close to 120 yachts will set sail on a grueling 628-nautical-mile-long course when the 78th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race gets underway on Boxing Day. The competition concludes with fireworks lighting up the sky on New Year’s Eve – December 26 – 31
20. the king george vi steeple chase
Taking place on Boxing Day is the King George VI Steeple Chase, the second-most prestigious steeplechase horse race in England (surpassed only by the Cheltenham Gold Cup); it’s run in Kempton Park and is open to horses aged four years or older – December 26
we want to check into
21. &beyond punakha river lodge, bhutan
This new, all-inclusive lodge is the first-ever in Asia for &BEYOND. The Punakha River Lodge promises unique ways to “explore the last remaining Himalayan kingdom.” Conde Nast Traveller notes that the property is “set right on the banks of the Mo Chu River. Safari-style tents, one-room River House Suites with a hot tub and a family suite with a private pool have all been built in the traditional Bhutanese style. As has the spa and yoga studio. Travelers can take cooking classes, visit local farms and try their hand at rafting, fishing or archery.” Yes, please!
22. one&only aesthesis, athens, greece
The newly-opened One&Only Aesthesis in Athens, Greece is “set within 21 hectares of protected forest reserve in Glyfada,” and yet just a short drive from the city center. “Rooms pivot around the Athenian Riviera views and coastline, mezes and authentic Grecian dishes will spotlight locally sourced ingredients, and the spa will offer treatments hand in hand with Chenot Spa.”
we want a taste of
23. the “miracle on” pop-up bars
The beloved pop-up Miracle Bar themed experience is a world-wide phenomenon with plenty of fans who look forward to its arrival every year. For New Yorkers, all you need to know is that Miracle has taken over The Cabinet in Manhattan for Miracle on 9th Street and Thief in Brooklyn for Miracle on Union, serving up holiday cocktails like Christmapolitan, Elfing Around and Snowball Old-Fashioned. For all locations around the world, look here – through Dec 31
24. gingerbread nyc: the great borough bake-off
At the second annual Gingerbread NYC: The Great Five Borough Bake-Off, local bakers have transformed gummy bears, Rice Krispies Treats, Hershey’s Kisses, M&Ms, PEZ, mini croissants, candy canes and pounds of icing into strikingly realistic gingerbread renderings of New York City neighborhoods at the Museum of the City of New York – through Jan 8
25. habits de lumière, epernay, france
The annual Habits de Lumière in Epernay (the capital of Champagne) celebrates three days of events, drinks and food along the famous Avenue de Champagne. There are installations in the streets; an exhibition of vintage cars; street theater; and live music. Many of the major Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne are open to the public. There will be Champagne bars, illuminations and tastings. The Festival also has a spectacular fireworks display – December 8 – 10
what else is going on in december 2023?
notable commemorations and holidays
In addition to Christmas on the 25th, there are many other holidays and commemorations of note. For instance, December 1st is World Aids Day, dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.
National Day in the United Arab Emirates, on December 2nd, celebrates the union of the original seven emirates in 1971 with fireworks, car rallies and dance shows.
Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 7th and ends on the evening of the 15th. Boxing Day is December 26th. The African-American celebration of Kwanzaa begins that same day.
new year’s eve
And of course there is New Year’s Eve on December 31st. In Spain and Mexico, many will mark the occasion by eating a grape with each of the twelve chimes when the clocks strike midnight. France and other French-speaking areas will see families will celebrate le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre.
In London, Big Ben will chime – in New York, a crystal ball will drop. Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight to banish bad thoughts and behavior in Japan. In Singapore, “wishing spheres” bear the written wishes of thousands of people.
For each country in its own way, it’s a moment of renewal, rejoicing, redemption and hope. Wherever December takes you, we hope it’s luminous.
what to do in december 2023
That’s it. Our luxury calendar of the best luxury events and true luxury experiences in December 2023. What are you most excited about, dear reader?
