The festivities begin with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Peacock Alley, where soft candlelight flickers through palm fronds and the melodies of the season echo across the lagoon. On Christmas Eve, guests gather beneath a star-draped canopy at the Grand Tent, where artful gastronomy, live music, and a touch of illusion combine to create a night of wonder.

On Christmas Day, laughter fills the air as Santa Claus and his helpers arrive at NAVA Beach, bearing gifts and stories for younger guests. Throughout the holidays, surprises unfold across the island, from “Cinema Under the Stars” at the Lagoon Pool to a Children’s Masquerade Parade that transforms little dreamers into part of the magic.

Every table tells a story this season. Across the resort’s 11 signature restaurants, guests are invited to indulge in festive menus that surprise as much as they satisfy.

At Terra, experience A Night of Champagne and Caviar high above the treetops, while The Rock invites wine lovers to journey through The Illusions of the Vine with rare vintages and tales told by candlelight. Yasmeen’s Twelve Days of Festivity reimagines Levantine feasts with a spirited twist, while ZUMA unveils a Japanese-inspired celebration of craft and elegance.

As evening falls, Amber becomes the stage for oysters and champagne pairings, Glow celebrates The Art of Botanicals with herb-infused creations, and Tasting Table hosts The Grand Feast, a lively showcase of international flavors and festive warmth. Every dish, every note, every moment is designed to enchant, creating a dance between illusion and indulgence that captures the essence of celebration.

Beyond the festivities, serenity awaits at Waldorf Astoria Spa, where visiting practitioners and resident experts guide guests through rituals that restore balance and awaken renewal. From sound healing and chakra alignment to acupuncture and pranic therapy, each experience offers a moment of stillness within the spectacle.

For younger guests, playful wellness moments abound, with children’s fitness adventures, mindfulness workshops, and mini spa journeys designed to nurture joy and imagination in equal measure.

For those seeking the ultimate expression of exclusivity, Ithaafushi, The Private Island transforms into a private stage for celebration. With its own team of chefs, butlers, and curators of experience, every gathering becomes a living illusion and a story written only for those who dare to dream.

As the final night of the year arrives, the island prepares for its most breathtaking transformation. Guests are invited to don their masks and step into The Grand Masquerade, an evening of enchantment, rhythm, and revelry that captures the spirit of new beginnings.

Set along the water’s edge beneath a sky ablaze with fireworks, the celebration features a spectacular feast of global flavors, live performances, and music that carries long into the night. With champagne flowing and waves whispering along the shore, the countdown to midnight becomes a moment suspended in time, a symphony of laughter, light, and pure island magic.