Moscow is opening its festive doors to travellers from India with the return of its much-loved “Journey to Christmas” festival, running from 12 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Part of the larger “Winter in Moscow” project, the month-long celebration transforms Russia’s capital into a grand winter stage filled with lights, traditions, fairy tales, and seasonal cheer.

For an entire month, Moscow’s streets, squares, and boulevards come alive with sparkling decorations, festive markets, cultural performances, and the comforting aromas of holiday food. Indian travellers, who are increasingly exploring Moscow for its snow-filled winters and rich heritage, will find the festival an immersive way to experience the city’s authentic Christmas and New Year celebrations.

At Manezhnaya Square, visitors can step into the “City of Christmas Tree Ornaments”, a nostalgic market inspired by early 20th-century cotton toys. The space features classic Russian New Year characters like Ded Moroz and Snegurochka, along with vintage fairy-tale figures, mini performances, and traditional Soviet-era festive dishes. The setting feels like a walk through an old holiday storybook, perfect for photographs and family-friendly experiences.

Tverskaya Square showcases decorations inspired by Moscow’s most iconic landmarks. At its heart stands an eight-metre Christmas tree, handcrafted by local artisans and adorned with oversized hand-painted ornaments and glowing golden icicles. Miniature silhouettes of the Bolshoi Theatre, VDNH pavilions, and Kremlin towers turn the installation into a living tribute to the city’s architectural heritage.

One of the festival’s biggest highlights is the 22-metre natural fir tree at Manezhnaya Square — the city’s second-tallest after the Kremlin tree. Decorated with over 10,000 ornaments and five kilometres of lights, the tree celebrates traditional Russian festive art. Hand-painted decorations, silk pennants, silver and gold icicles, and classic cotton figurines give it a warm, nostalgic charm that appeals to visitors of all ages.

The festival offers a packed calendar of activities for children and adults alike. Young guests can enjoy hands-on workshops such as ornament making, candle crafting, glass painting, and New Year cooking studios. Visitors can also enjoy theatrical performances based on Russian fairy tales, sports zones, curling schools, and over 170 festive ice shows, including classics like Swan Lake, Snow White, and The Twelve Months.

Adding an interactive touch is the “Journey for the Dream Gift” quest, where visitors collect stamps from different festival zones and exchange them for prizes, learning about traditions from across Russia along the way.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with festive markets across the city offering traditional Russian dishes, fresh pastries, aromatic teas, signature winter drinks, and special grill menus. Tverskoy Boulevard and areas near TSUM will also host exhibitions of designer Christmas trees and artisanal gift stalls selling ceramics, handmade souvenirs, and seasonal treats. The charitable initiative “The Kind Christmas Tree” invites visitors to help fulfil holiday wishes by scanning QR codes placed on festive trees.

As the centrepiece of the “Winter in Moscow” celebrations, Journey to Christmas brings together tradition, culture, entertainment, and warm hospitality. For Indian travellers looking for a true winter holiday — complete with snow, festive markets, cultural performances, and family-friendly fun Moscow’s Christmas festival promises a memorable and magical seasonal escape.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel and LAY Beach Club, both launched on February 14 this year near Bangkok, are celebrating their very first Christmas with a series of festive events. From lavish buffets to seaside countdown parties, the celebrations bring together food, music, and holiday cheer.

At Meliá Pattaya Hotel, the festive mood begins at Yítong Chinese Restaurant with the Christmas Eve Dinner, a luxurious buffet held on December 24 from 7 pm until late, offering Chinese favourites along with Western seasonal dishes. The celebration continues on Christmas Day, December 25, with a Traditional Christmas Day Buffet at Sanehh Sarae and DEN from 1 pm to 4 pm. Guests can enjoy roast turkey with all the trimmings, international selections, and rich desserts, along with an optional free-flow package of wine and beer. Both Christmas buffets, with an optional beverage package.

New Year’s Eve at Meliá Pattaya brings two grand celebrations on December 31 from 7 pm onwards, set against Pattaya’s stunning fireworks. Yítong Chinese Restaurant will host a New Year’s Eve Chinese Kitchen Party featuring signature dishes and festive specials, with a free-flow package available that includes wine, beer, and a midnight sparkling wine toast. Guests can also welcome 2026 at Yítong Sky Bar with the New Year’s Eve Countdown party, which includes gourmet canapés, free-flow wine and beer, and a midnight glass of sparkling wine. The hotel is also offering a NYE Sparkling Staycation package for stays from December 31 to January 1, inclusive of the New Year’s Eve dinner buffet and daily breakfast.

At LAY Beach Club, the festive cheer continues by the sea. The Christmas Eve by the Sea event on December 24 offers an international buffet with holiday favourites, live entertainment, and a relaxed beachfront vibe. Christmas Day Brunch on December 25 features carving stations, gourmet treats, and holiday-inspired dishes from 1 pm to 4 pm. The celebrations extend to December 26 with a Boxing Day BBQ filled with premium grilled meats, seafood, sides, and salads in a chilled-out setting. The Christmas Eve and Boxing Day buffets and Christmas Day Brunch will add a perfect tone for celebration. A free-flow wine and beer package is also available at each event.

LAY Beach Club will close the year with the New Year’s Eve Seafood Buffet & Countdown Party from 7 pm until late, offering guests a front-row view of Pattaya’s spectacular fireworks. The evening will feature fresh seafood, shellfish, gourmet dishes, live music, and a glass of sparkling wine at midnight.

“Our ‘A Season to Sparkle’ program is extra special as it makes for our first Christmas welcoming guests, as we reflect on what has been a remarkable debut year for our hotel,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “From refined Chinese feasts high above Pattaya to relaxed beachfront brunches with toes in the sand, every celebration with us this festive season will be one joy with Mediterranean flair.”

Meliá Pattaya Hotel is a 12-storey urban resort with 234 rooms, offering views of the Gulf of Thailand. The property features a diverse dining landscape including Yítong Chinese Restaurant and Sky Bar, DEN with Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, and Sanehh Sarae inspired by flavours from the coastal villages of Bang Saray.

LAY Beach Club, located on Beach Road, features a hydro bar where the pool merges with the ocean, surrounded by loungers, cabanas, and a Mediterranean-style lounge with a chic rooftop overlooking Pattaya Beach.

For more information or to make a booking at Meliá Pattaya Hotel, guests can visit the official website.

Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has officially made its debut in Nepal with the launch of Moxy Kathmandu. Designed for travellers who enjoy playful energy and creative spaces, the hotel brings Moxy’s bold personality to the cultural and contemporary heart of Kathmandu.

Moxy Kathmandu is located in Durbarmarg, one of the city’s most vibrant business and entertainment districts. With Tribhuvan International Airport just 15 minutes away, the hotel serves as a convenient base for guests looking to explore the city. Popular attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, the peaceful Swayambhunath Stupa, and the bustling lanes of Thamel are easily accessible. The neighbourhood also connects guests to Kathmandu’s emerging modern culture, including indie cafés, art galleries, rooftop lounges, and lively music venues.

Speaking about the brand’s entry into Nepal, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, said, “Moxy’s bold, playful spirit is perfectly suited for a city like Kathmandu, where tradition meets vibrant modernity. As demand for experiences that are both unconventional and culturally connected increases, Moxy Kathmandu brings eclectic youthful energy to match the pace of the city. We are proud to introduce this lifestyle brand to Nepal - our first in the country and third in South Asia as we expand our portfolio in the region to attract travelers seeking style, energy, and authenticity.”

Staying true to the Moxy experience, guests are welcomed at The Moxy Bar, which doubles as the hotel’s check-in. A complimentary handcrafted cocktail sets the tone for a stay filled with fun and spontaneity. The open lobby is adorned with modern artwork inspired by Nepali culture, creating a lively space where guests can meet, relax, and enjoy vibey music. A dedicated recreation zone offers air hockey, board games, and interactive corners that enhance the social atmosphere. Adding to the excitement is the signature Moxy Hookup, which surprises guests with perks such as free drinks, local snacks, exclusive discounts, or unique gifts.

The hotel features 101 smartly designed guestrooms that balance comfort and functionality. Each room is equipped with plush bedding, walk-in showers, 55-inch HD Smart TVs, motion-activated LED lights, peg walls, modular furniture, and intuitive layouts that allow guests to personalize their stay. A well-equipped Fitness Center keeps up with the active lifestyle of today’s travellers.

Moxy Kathmandu also elevates dining with two standout lifestyle spaces. LA HACIENDA, Barra y Cocina Latina, located on Level 11, offers a Latin American culinary journey curated by Mexican Chef Martin Hernandez Lopez, paired with sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. The venue’s striking design, led by New York-based Mexican designer Pablo Castellanos, blends storytelling with modern aesthetics. CARIÑO, Terraza Latina brings a relaxed open-air vibe, perfect for sipping handcrafted cocktails while enjoying the city skyline. Both outlets aim to attract international travellers and locals with their global flavours and lively ambience.

Sharing his excitement for the launch, Subarna Thapa, Captain, Moxy Kathmandu, said, “Kathmandu is a city full of character. It’s ancient yet modern, vibrant yet laid-back, always moving, always evolving. That’s what makes it the perfect match for Moxy. We’re bringing a hotel experience that’s bold, social, and full of personality, where guests don’t just stay, they plug into the city’s energy, and we can’t wait to see it come to life.”

With its energetic design, social spaces, and youthful spirit, Moxy Kathmandu marks a fresh chapter for lifestyle hospitality in Nepal.