Since 1914, InterContinental Athénée Palace has been one of the places where Bucharest gathers for its most memorable evenings. As winter settles over the city, the hotel comes alive in the glow of chandeliers, crystal and gilded interiors, and this year it brings the entire festive calendar under a single mood: La Saison Lumière.
The concept, Lumière | Heritage | Celebration, draws on the hotel's Belle Époque character and the city's "Little Paris" identity. It invites guests to discover the festive season through a distinct lens, where timeless rituals meet contemporary elegance and every gathering becomes a moment to remember.
The first glow
The season opens on 3 December with The First Light of the Season, a tree-lighting evening in the historic setting of Les Colonnades and the Regina Maria Ballroom. As the Christmas tree comes to life, the hotel is transformed into a luminous winter setting. Festive melodies from around the world create a gentle musical journey through cherished Christmas traditions and cultures, accompanied by festive canapés and delicate desserts. A Christmas raffle celebrates the joy of giving.
Rituals of the season
From 4 December onwards, Café Athénée offers a Festive Afternoon Tea, an elegant afternoon ritual reimagined for winter. Seasonal sweet and savoury creations, from delicate bites to festive patisserie, arrive on a tiered stand in the timeless atmosphere of the Palace. It is an invitation to slow down and linger a little longer. The café also presents Les Délices de la Saison, festive dishes inspired by the flavours and traditions of winter, each with an innovative twist.
At JORJ Restaurant, Les Saveurs de la Saison brings classic festive ingredients into the restaurant's distinctive contemporary style. Indulgent foie gras, tender lamb and Josper-finished black cod are followed by decadent chocolate, cranberry and winter citrus desserts.
A Christmas tale
On 20 December, JORJ becomes a place where little dreams come to life. In A Christmas Tale at the Palace, children build their very own gingerbread house, add their own touch to a sweet Christmas tradition, and then meet Santa Claus to share their wishes for Christmas Day. Meanwhile, the whole family can enjoy cranberry scones, seasonal fruit tart and mini Christmas creations. It is an afternoon meant to be remembered long after Christmas morning.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
On 24 December, Christmas Eve, Illuminated lets the evening unfold around the table at JORJ. A delicate foie gras amuse-bouche opens a four-course dinner of smoked trout, scampi tortelloni and tender duck breast, concluding with a comforting dessert of baked apple, cinnamon and vanilla. It is meant for those closest to you, with the anticipation of Christmas in the air.
On 25 December, La Saison Lumière reaches its grandest expression. La Grande Fête de Noël takes place at the Le Diplomate Ballroom, beneath its historic chandeliers, in one of Bucharest's most iconic spaces. The Grand Christmas Brunch (Le Grand Brunch de Noël) brings together an indulgent selection of fish and seafood, cherished Christmas favourites, vibrant carving stations and lavish desserts, composed to make Christmas Day a feast for the senses.
New Year's Eve, two ways
On 31 December, from 20:00, the hotel offers two very different evenings.
La Grande Nuit Lumière at Le Diplomate Ballroom is an extraordinary New Year's Eve gala inspired by the glamour, artistry and joie de vivre of the Belle Époque. The ballroom becomes a stage for an evening of timeless elegance, with a luxurious menu of refined flavours and indulgent sweet temptations. Adi Nour and WOW Entertainment provide the soundtrack, an unforgettable night of music, glamour and celebration. When midnight arrives, the Belle Époque shines once more.
Minuit à JORJ is the contemporary alternative: an evening of elegant flavours and effortless celebration, built around a menu curated with creativity and craft for the occasion. As the hours unfold, the music takes over and the restaurant comes alive with the anticipation of midnight. At JORJ, midnight is not the end of the night. It is where the celebration truly begins.
Stay, unwind, celebrate with your team
Guests of the Christmas Brunch or either New Year's celebration can extend the evening with Winter Dreams at the Palace, a festive accommodation package. Rooms look out over the snow-dusted rooftops of the old city toward the Romanian Athenaeum, and on 1 January a late breakfast rewards late partiers.
Teams can also mark the season at the Palace. Celebrations at the Palace is a versatile concept suitable for intimate gatherings, lounge parties, cocktail receptions and seated dinners in Le Diplomate Ballroom or the more intimate Regina Maria and Enescu Rooms, with festive buffet menus, live-cooking and carving stations, all tailored to the occasion.
Planning your festive season
- Full programme, menus and reservations: Festive Season 2026 at InterContinental Athénée Palace
- Festive enquiries: buhap.festive@ihg.com | +40 21 303 3777
- Address: Str. Episcopiei 1-3, Bucharest