EUROPE & THE AMERICAS

December 6-9 FÊTE DES LUMIÈRES

The city of Lyon lights up every year with a festival inspired by a tradition that dates back to 1852, whereby locals placed lit candles on their windowsills as a symbol of gratitude to Virgin Mary. This year, more than 40 light installations illuminate the streets, bringing out the city’s beauty.

December 13-16 PALM BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Back for its 12th year, the epicurean festival, held at various locations throughout The Palm Beaches in Florida, is jam-packed with events. The line-up features notable chefs such as Alon Shaya, Amanda Freitag and Edward Lee, as well as new activities such as One Caribbean Night, a themed dinner held at Avocado Grill in Palm Beach Gardens.

December 31 HOFBURG SILVESTERBALL

Ring in 2019 with Hofburg Vienna’s annual gala ball and dinner, under the direction of internationally acclaimed costume and stage designer Christof Cremer and renowned concert organiser Herbert Fischerauer. With a theme inspired by the opera La Traviata and its message of joy, this year’s event involves more than 120 artists in a programme ranging from waltz to jazz to electronic beats, with dancing throughout the night.