Whispers of the ENCHANTED forest...
This season, Athénée Palace becomes The Enchanted Forest - a realm of glittering light, elegance, and festive wonder waiting to be discovered.
Discover our exclusive Christmas special menus and Brunch crafted by our talented chefs, perfect for that festive gathering with family and friends. As the countdown begins, join us for dazzling New Year’s Eve parties that sparkle with champagne, live music and gourmet delights in a glamorous setting. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or welcoming the New Year, our curated holiday experiences promise unforgettable moments in the heart of Bucharest.
OUR SIGNATURE FESTIVE EVENTS
Afternoon Tea with santa
Step into a storybook afternoon where Santa visits the enchanted forest, children build gingerbread dreams and joy fills every sparkling tier.
21 December, 14:00 - 16:00 hrs, in JORJ Restaurant
FESTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES
Tales of Magic in Café Athénée
A festive set menu where each course tells a story from the forest - ocean mist, winter warmth, and the sweet finale of a Bûche de Noël blooming in snow.
The perfect reason to meet your loved one for a festive season rendez-vous!
1 December - 5 January, in Café Athénée
FESTIVE indulgence
CHEF'S TABLE WITH MICHAEL PASSARELLI
An intimate dining experience designed for groups seeking something truly extraordinary. Watch as each course is masterfully prepared before your eyes—a fusion of creativity, flavor and storytelling. With a bespoke menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients and refined technique, Chef Passarelli invites you to savor not just a meal, but a moment of connection.
For enquiries, contact buhap.events@ihg.com
Festive SPA SPECIALS AT spa INTERCONTINENTAL
Celebrate the season of radiance and renewal with our exclusive holiday spa experiences — the perfect way to unwind and glow before the
New Year. Choose between:
Holiday Glow – a radiant full-body experience to leave your skin luminous and refreshed
Unwind Before the New Year – release tension and find balance with deeply soothing massages
NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
The Enchanted Grand Gala - New Year’s in Le Diplomate
As midnight nears, the forest glimmers gold - a night of fine dining, live music and timeless glamour welcoming the New Year.
Artists Adi Nour and the team of WOW Evenimente will set the stage for a night of exceptional entertainment, blending live music performance with dance and just the right energy that keeps the dance floor alive till dawn.
31 December, starting 20:00, Le Diplomate Ballroom
A Celebration of Taste – New Year’s in JORJ
An intimate soirée where refined flavors, a seven-course gastronomic performance and the hush before midnight make the moment unforgettable.
Indulge in an evening of elegance, exquisite taste and festive charm, enhanced by the vibrant beats of our guest DJ, setting the perfect rhythm for a night to remember.
31 December, starting 20:00, JORJ Restaurant
WINTER DREAMS AT THE PALACE
Sleep among the whispers of the forest — luxurious suites, festive indulgence, and the magic of the season wrapped around you.
Guests of the Christmas Brunch or the New Year's celebrations benefit from special accommodation rates.
Please contact buhap.reservations@ihg.com for details and bookings.
Frequently asked questions
1. What Christmas and New Year’s events are organized at InterContinental Athénée Palace in December 2025?
In December 2025, Athénée Palace organizes a series of traditional festive events, such as: the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, “Afternoon Tea with Santa Claus”, Christmas Brunch, special gourmet menus, themed spa experiences, and two New Year’s Eve parties – in the Le Diplomate Ballroom and in JORJ Restaurant.
2. When does the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony take place and how can one participate?
• The ceremony takes place on December 2, 2025, starting at 19:00, in Les Colonnades and Le Diplomate.
• Participation is based on prior reservation via the dedicated form.
• The price for adults is 270 Lei, and for children up to 12 years old it is 135 Lei.
3. What does the event “Tea and Stories with Santa Claus” involve?
• An event dedicated to families, held on December 21, between 14:00–16:00, at JORJ Restaurant. Tea and Stories with Santa Claus includes a gingerbread workshop, a meeting with Santa Claus, and an elegant tea experience with seasonal treats.
• Participation is based on prior reservation via the dedicated form.
• The price for adults is 250 Lei, and for children up to 12 years old it is 125 Lei.
4. What does the Christmas Brunch in Le Diplomate Hall include, how much does it cost and how can I reserve?
• The Christmas Brunch takes place on December 25, 2025, between 13:00–16:00, in the Le Diplomate Hall.
• It includes a wide selection of gourmet dishes, themed desserts, and a Christmas carols program performed by the Cantus Mundi children’s choir / a project supported by Madrigal.
• Reservations are required and are made directly through the hotel via the dedicated form.
• There are three package options: non-alcoholic beverages package at 600 Lei /adult, alcoholic beverages package at 700 Lei / adult, and children’s package for ages 6–12 at 300 Lei. Children under 6 participate free of charge.
5. What special menus are available during the holiday period at InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest?
• Café Athénée: festive menu and themed afternoon tea
• JORJ Restaurant: seasonal signature menu created by Chef Michael Passarelli
• Christmas Eve Festive Dinner (December 24): a refined menu served in an elegant setting.
All menus and details are also available in the festive brochure.
6. What does the “Chef’s Table with Michael Passarelli” experience involve?
• An exclusive culinary experience with dishes prepared in front of guests and an intimate atmosphere. It is one of the most highly regarded gourmet experiences in Bucharest.
• Reservations are made through the hotel’s events team at buhap.events@ihg.com for groups of minimum 6 and maximum 12 people.
7. What themed spa treatments are available in December?
At Spa InterContinental Bucharest, three seasonal spa rituals are available:
• Festive Glow (exfoliation + candle massage + light therapy)
• Pre-New Year’s Relaxation (hot stone massage + scalp massage)
• Winter Rejuvenation (toning + facial massage)
They are ideal for relaxation before or after the holidays. More details can be obtained on the dedicated page.
8. How does the New Year’s Eve Gala in Le Diplomate Hall take place?
The New Year’s Eve Gala starts at 20:00 and includes a festive dinner, live music, dancing, and a sophisticated menu. It is one of the most elegant New Year’s Eve parties in Bucharest, held in an iconic historic setting. Dress code: Black Tie.
Artistic program – Le Diplomate New Year’s Eve Gala:
The Wow Events band will bring to the stage:
• A piano, violin and cello trio, performing a mix of classical and jazz melodies that will create the musical setting of a fairytale world – “The Enchanted Forest”
• A dance show of approximately one hour, performed by two soloists and three pairs of ballerinas, a complete music and dance performance that will recreate in Le Diplomate the magical and cinematic atmosphere of an enchanted forest
Artist Adi Nour returns to Athénée Palace together with his band with a complete show:
- pieces from both Romanian and international repertoire – swing music, music from the 1940s–60s and evergreens
- interactive step and tap dance demonstrations
9. What does “A Celebration of Taste” at JORJ for New Year’s Eve mean?
A gastronomic concept featuring seven culinary moments, created by Chef Michael Passarelli, accompanied by a live DJ. A gourmet New Year’s Eve, perfect for those who desire a modern and refined experience, focused on the gastronomic dimension.
10. Are there accommodation offers for Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Bucharest at InterContinental Athénée Palace?
Guests attending the Christmas Brunch or the New Year’s Eve parties benefit from special accommodation rates.
• €150 / night for the period 23 - 29 December 2025
• €210 / night for the period 30 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
For details, please contact the Reservations Department at bvuhap.reservations@ihg.com
11. Can I attend the events without staying at the hotel?
Of course. All gastronomic and entertainment events can be booked separately, without the obligation to stay overnight, subject to availability.
12. Where can I see the menus and prices for the 2025 holiday events?
The complete menus and prices are available in the official festive season brochure, accessible on the website under the section “Winter Holidays”.
13. How can I organize a private Christmas or New Year’s Eve event?
For corporate or private events (family dinner, company party, festive cocktail), the hotel’s events team offers full planning services and customized menus.
View the special festive event packages here or contact the team by email at buhap.events@ihg.com