la saison lumière
As winter settles over Bucharest, Athénée Palace comes alive in the glow of candlelight,
crystal and gilded interiors.
La Saison Lumière invites you to discover the festive season through the very distinctive Athénée Palace lens - where timeless rituals meet contemporary elegance and every gathering becomes a moment to remember under the heritage of tradition.
OUR SIGNATURE FESTIVE EVENTS
the first light - Tree Lighting Ceremony
Set within the historic Les Colonnades and Le Diplomate Ballroom, the evening brings together the glow of our Christmas tree, the beauty of the hotel’s heritage interiors and festive melodies inspired by Christmas traditions from around the world.
Guests will enjoy a refined selection of festive canapés and desserts, while a special Christmas raffle celebrates the spirit of giving — bringing the joy of a thoughtfully offered gift into the evening.
A beautiful way to mark the beginning of the festive season — surrounded by light, music and the unmistakable atmosphere of Athénée Palace.
3 December 2026, 19:00
Les Colonnades & Le Diplomate Ballroom
270 Lei / adult, 135 Lei / child (6 - 12 years old)
christmas tale @ the palace
afternoon tea with santa
On 20 December, families are invited to JORJ for a festive afternoon filled with delicious treats and a little Christmas magic.
Children will create their very own gingerbread house, adding their own touch to a sweet Christmas tradition, before meeting Santa Claus and sharing their wishes for Christmas Day.
While the little ones enjoy their festive adventures, the whole family can delight in a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats.
With Santa and his little helpers, festive treats and the joy of creating something together, A Christmas Tale at the Palace is an afternoon to be remembered long after Christmas morning.
20 December, 15:00 - 17:00 hrs,
JORJ Restaurant
250 Lei / adult, 125 Lei / child (up to 12 years)
lA grandE FÊTE de noel
This Christmas Day, La Saison Lumière reaches its grandest expression at Le Diplomate Ballroom.
Beneath the glow of its historic chandeliers and surrounded by the timeless elegance of one of Bucharest’s most iconic spaces, gather with family and friends for Le Grand Brunch de Noël — an abundant celebration of seasonal flavours, festive traditions and the joy of being together.
Celebrate the season of light and beauty in the grandeur of Le Diplomate — where tradition meets contemporary elegance and every detail is illuminated by the highest craft.
Live music by Viorica Pintilie
25 December 2026 , 13:00–17:00
Le Diplomate Ballroom
800 Lei / adult - Full package
700 Lei / adult — Drink & Drive package
400 Lei / child between 6 - 12 years old
FESTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES
les délices de Café Athénée
As the season unfolds, Café Athénée presents Les Délices de la Saison — a collection of festive dishes inspired by the flavours, aromas and traditions of winter with an innovative twist.
From elegant savoury creations to indulgent seasonal desserts, each dish offers a refined taste of the festivities, created to be savoured in the timeless setting of Café Athénée.
4 December - 5 January
Café Athénée
Afternoon Tea, saison LUMIÈRE EDITION
Café Athénée invites you to pause for an elegant afternoon ritual, reimagined for the festive season.
Enjoy an exquisite selection of seasonal sweet and savoury creations, thoughtfully composed to accompany the gentle ritual of afternoon tea. From delicate bites to festive patisserie, each detail is designed to capture the warmth, refinement and indulgence of La Saison Lumière.
4 December - 10 January, daily 15:00 - 18:00 Café Athénée
les saveurs de JORJ
This festive season, JORJ welcomes the flavours of winter with Les Saveurs de la Saison — a collection of seasonal creations where classic festive ingredients meet the restaurant's distinctive contemporary style.
From indulgent foie gras and tender lamb to Josper - finished black cod, each dish brings together rich seasonal flavours, refined technique and unexpected accents.
4 December - 5 January,
JORJ Restaurant
FESTIVE indulgence
CHRISTMAS EVE, ILLUMINATED
Let Christmas Eve unfold around the table at JORJ.
On 24 December, gather with loved ones for an elegant festive dinner inspired by the flavours of the season.
Thoughtfully composed by Chef Michael Passarelli and unmistakably JORJ, the four-course experience brings together seasonal ingredients, contemporary technique and the warmth of sharing a special evening around the table.
24 December, 19:00,
JORJ Restaurant
a seson for celebrating together
The festive season is a time to gather, celebrate achievements and share memorable moments with those who made the year possible.
At Athénée Palace, La Saison Lumière sets the scene for corporate celebrations with an elegant selection of bespoke experiences, exceptional festive cuisine and historic spaces filled with character.
Whether you are planning a glamorous lounge party, a lively cocktail or themed celebration, an elegant seated dinner or an off-site event, our team will help bring your vision to life.
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:
Winter Warmth, a deeply restorative ritual designed to release tension and soothe both body and mind, combining a hot stone massage with a head massage.
Silent Night Ritual, a luxurious journey of renewal, designed to leave you beautifully restored from head to toe, combining a Golden Glow Scrub with the flowing movements of a Californian Wave Massage and of a Clear Skin Express Facial.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
LA GRANDE NUIT LUMIÈRE
New Year’s in Le Diplomate
On 31 December, the magnificent Le Diplomate Ballroom becomes a stage for an evening of timeless elegance. Beneath its grand chandeliers and surrounded by the splendour of one of Bucharest’s most iconic historic interiors, welcome the New Year in an atmosphere where the past is beautifully brought to life.
A luxurious festive menu sets the tone for the evening, with an abundant succession of refined flavours, elegant culinary creations and indulgent sweet temptations, designed to make every moment at the table part of the celebration.
As the night unfolds, Adi Nour and WOW Entertainment bring their own energy and brilliance to the ballroom, creating an unforgettable soundtrack for a night of music, glamour and celebration.
31 December, starting 20:00, Le Diplomate Ballroom
2,000 Lei / adult; 1,000 Lei / child up to 12 yo
MINUIT À JORJ – New Year’s in JORJ RESTAURANT
This New Year’s Eve, discover Minuit à JORJ — an evening of contemporary elegance, exceptional flavours and effortless celebration.
On 31 December, JORJ sets the scene for a night made for lingering. Expect a sophisticated culinary experience where bold flavours, refined ingredients and beautifully crafted dishes come together in a menu created especially for the occasion.
As the hours unfold, the atmosphere grows, the music takes over and the restaurant comes alive with the anticipation of midnight.
Raise a glass, gather your favourite people and let the evening carry you towards the moment when one year gives way to the next.
31 December, starting 20:00,
JORJ Restaurant
1,600 Lei / adult; 800 Lei / child up to 12 yo
WINTER DREAMS AT THE PALACE
Enhance your celebration with a luxurious stay at our hotel and enjoy special accommodation rates if you are also a guest of our Christmas Brunch or of our New Year Celebrations in
Le Diplomate or JORJ Restaurant.
Immerse yourself in the elegance of heritage, waking up to the refined atmosphere that perfectly complements your festive experience.
On January 1st, a late breakfast rewards late partiers.
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 2026?
In December 2026, 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 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony take place and how can one participate?
• The ceremony takes place on December 3, 2026, 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 between 6 - 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 20, between 15:00–17:00, 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, together with live music by Viorica Pintilie
• Reservations are required and are made directly through the hotel via the dedicated form.
• There are three package options: menu with non-alcoholic beverages package at 700 Lei /adult, menu with full alcoholic beverages package at 800 Lei / adult, and children’s package for ages 6–12 at 400 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.
7. What themed spa treatments are available in December?
At Spa InterContinental Bucharest, three seasonal spa rituals are available:
Winter Warmth, a deeply restorative ritual designed to release tension and soothe both body and mind, combining a hot stone massage with a head massage.
Silent Night Ritual, a luxurious journey of renewal, designed to leave you beautifully restored from head to toe, combining a Golden Glow Scrub with the flowing movements of a Californian Wave Massage and of a Clear Skin Express Facial.
They are ideal for relaxation before or after the holidays.
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 La Belle Epoque
• 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 La Belle Epoque
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 “Minuit a JORJ" for New Year’s Eve mean?
A gastronomic concept featuring festive dishes created by Chef Michael Passarelli, accompanied by a live DJ and ARYA band. A gourmet New Year’s Eve, perfect for those who desire a modern and refined experience, focused on the gastronomic dimension.
- The full menu can be viewed here.
- Reservations are required and are made directly through the hotel via the dedicated form.
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.
• €155 / night for the period 23 - 29 December 2026
• €210 / night for the period 30 December 2026 - 2 January 2027
For details, please contact the Reservations Department at buhap.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 2026 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