Belmond has unveiled its 2026 festive season programme, rolling out a series of curated celebrations across its portfolio of luxury trains and hotels in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The lineup is designed to appeal to travel professionals seeking high-end seasonal packages for discerning clients, with each property and rail journey offering a distinct interpretation of Christmas and New Year's Eve.
British Pullman: new private events carriage and champagne partnerships
In England, the British Pullman will operate its traditional festive journeys, combining classic British holiday charm with elevated service. The train’s elegant décor and seasonal menus return, alongside a continued collaboration with Veuve Clicquot. New for 2026, the Celia carriage—designed by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin—offers an intimate setting for private events, complete with a champagne reception and live entertainment. This addition gives agents and operators a fresh product to sell for corporate groups or exclusive celebrations.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: European Christmas markets
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will capture the romance of a European Christmas, with festive décor and live music enhancing the journey. Passengers can combine the rail experience with visits to Vienna’s famous Christmas markets, a popular add-on for clients seeking a cultural festive break. The train’s classic Art Deco carriages remain a draw for luxury travellers.
Copacabana Palace: New Year’s Eve gala and renovated pool wing
In Rio de Janeiro, the Copacabana Palace will host a grand New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a banquet dinner and fireworks over Copacabana Bay. The hotel also unveils its newly renovated Pool Wing, introducing a new Italian restaurant and a wellness centre. These upgrades are expected to boost the property’s appeal for both leisure and MICE segments, offering a refreshed backdrop for events and incentives.
Eastern & Oriental Express: festive journeys through Malaysia
In Southeast Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer festive journeys through Malaysia, with live performances and a gala menu curated by André Chiang, the train’s culinary curator. A unique platform celebration in Kuala Lumpur will showcase Malaysia’s cultural heritage, providing a distinctive experience for international guests. This aligns with broader trends in experiential travel, as seen in Le Méridien Phuket’s local culture programme.
Industry implications and booking outlook
Belmond’s festive programme underscores the growing demand for immersive, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences during the holiday season. For travel advisors and tour operators, the new offerings—particularly the Celia carriage and the Copacabana Palace renovations—provide fresh inventory to market to high-net-worth clients. The company’s focus on cultural authenticity, from Vienna’s markets to Kuala Lumpur’s platform celebrations, reflects a broader shift toward destination-driven storytelling.
Travel professionals should note that festive rail journeys and hotel packages often sell out well in advance, especially on iconic services like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Early booking is recommended for clients planning 2026 holiday travel. For those seeking additional festive inspiration, InterContinental Chiang Mai’s autumn events and Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi’s Lebkuchen addition highlight how hotels are diversifying their seasonal offerings.
Belmond’s 2026 programme also aligns with the broader luxury travel trend of combining rail and hotel experiences. Agents can leverage these packages to create multi-destination itineraries, pairing a festive train journey with a stay at a Belmond property. The company’s investment in design and culinary partnerships—such as the Luhrmann-Martin carriage and André Chiang’s menu—positions it as a leader in experiential luxury.
As the festive season approaches, Belmond’s offerings provide a compelling case study in how heritage brands can innovate while preserving their classic appeal. For travel professionals, the key takeaway is the importance of curating unique, culturally rich experiences that resonate with modern travellers’ desire for authenticity and exclusivity.
