The holidays are a time when loved ones around the globe gather to share a hearty meal and creative cocktails that sparkle with seasonal flair. For travelers, this magical time of year calls for imbibing in local drinks, such as cozy mugs of mulled wine at bustling European Christmas Markets, festively flavored concoctions in American speakeasies, and even elegant, traditional tea ceremonies in Japan.
Whether steeped, stirred, or shaken, every sip is a journey. Looking to toast to the season by experiencing global drinking traditions firsthand? These Hilton hotels are eager to welcome wide-eyed wanderers and pour a glass of holiday cheer.
Warm Up with a Mug of Glühwein in Germany
Germany’s signature winter scent can be found at holiday markets throughout the country. Wafting from every stall is the unmistakable aroma of cinnamon, clove, and citrus that defines Glühwein. This warm mulled wine is Christmas in a cup, and no seasonal celebration is complete without a toasty mug of this deliciously festive and nostalgic brew.
For a tempting taste, head to Juliet Rose at Hilton Munich City, where the Petal & Spices Glühwein infuses this classic with roses and hibiscus, offering a delicate, floral twist on an age-old favorite. Or head north to Berlin for a different type of holiday event. Winter Wonderland at Hilton Berlin, running Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, greets guests with a glowing mulled wine stand serving classic Glühwein and aromatic punch to enjoy while surrounded by twinkling lights and winter delicacies.
From Bavaria to Berlin, this sweater weather staple is sure to delight the senses.
Continue the Celebration in the Netherlands
Spending the holiday season in the Netherlands is a delightfully understated affair. Christmas Markets here are smaller and cozier than those in neighboring Germany, making for a quieter wintertime escape. The focus for locals is on spending quality time together, with dinner tables filled with roast dinners accompanied by jenever, a Dutch version of gin, along with warming sips like hot chocolate and, of course, glühwein.
In Amsterdam, the season shines especially bright during the Amsterdam Light Festival, when artists from around the world create stunning light installations that illuminate the city’s waterways. And at DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, guests can take their light-filled escape to new heights at the hotel’s LuminAir rooftop, where the pop-up Chalet in the Clouds, named the best cocktail bar in the Netherlands, brings cheese fondue, mulled wine cocktails, and skyline sparkle together in the ultimate festive getaway. It’s the perfect setting to get an authentic Dutch taste of the season.
Meanwhile, those seeking an upscale winter retreat can head to Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, where this festive season the Vault Bar reimagines the classic Hot Toddy with a touch of Dutch charm. The Toddy in Amsterdam, crafted with fortified wine, Dutch Jenever, and the delicate spice of speculaas, is a luxurious nod to local tradition; rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s the ideal companion after a day exploring the nearby ice-skating rink at the Rijksmuseum, offering a sophisticated way to toast the season in true Amsterdam style.
Seek Serenity in a Cup in Japan
In Japan, the changing seasons are celebrated through reflective rituals. One of the country’s most iconic traditions is a tea ceremony, and during the holiday season, this custom takes on added significance. Families and friends gather to share quiet moments of reflection, appreciating the artistry, precision, and seasonal symbolism that each cup represents. For travelers, this time-honored tradition provides a welcome dose of warmth and mindfulness.
Eager to join in? Then head to Conrad Tokyo, where guests can experience modern luxury alongside ancient traditions. Here, seasonal tea offerings highlight unique blends, creating the perfect moment of calm amid this vibrant city’s winter bustle.
Toast to New Traditions in Austria
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When dreaming of the enticing flavors of Austria, travelers are drawn to the country’s rich Kaffeehauskultur (coffeehouse tradition). In fact, this cultural heritage is so robust that it’s even been recognized by UNESCO as an integral part of the country’s ethos. And in Vienna, winter makes the city’s already charming café culture even more enchanting. Here, beneath the glow of candlelight, holiday cheer mingles with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and warm spice. Traditional Wiener Kaffeehäuser (Viennese coffeehouses) fill with merrymakers who linger for hours over exquisite espresso drinks, pastries, and conversation.
But in recent years, the city’s cocktail scene has also been making waves, with contemporary takes on classic concoctions delighting tastebuds. At OXBO at Hilton Vienna Waterfront, this new tradition can be found in their signature OXBO Negroni, which is barrel-aged for a month and infused with cinnamon spice to deliver a joyous mixture that’s ideal for the holiday season.
Pour a Traditional Port in Portugal
In Portugal, terraced vineyards cling to steep riverbanks. The grapes harvested here produce a special type of sweet, fortified wine. Whether tawny or ruby, Port wine is a Portuguese tradition in any season. But at Christmastime, this rich concoction is imbibed in indulgence, with locals and visitors alike relishing a glass fireside or alongside traditional desserts, adding to the festive feel of the season.
Those looking for a luxe holiday getaway filled with sunny skies and mild temps should head to Portugal’s southern coastline. Check into the breathtaking Conrad Algarve for striking ocean views served alongside the country’s finest wines and Michelin-starred dining.
Sip a Summertime Spirit in South Africa
South Africa’s position in the Southern Hemisphere means it’s warm and summery come Christmastime. Here, the festive table is often set outdoors, where locals toast with brandy and Coke or sip Amarula over ice, a smooth, velvety treat made from the native marula fruit.
In Cape Town, the holiday vibe is filled with coastal charm as the city’s beaches become hubs for holiday fun, while Table Mountain serves as the perfect backdrop for a spirited hike. Close to it all, the newly built Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof allows guests to enjoy days filled with adventure and evening nightcaps in a vibrant, modern setting.
Lap Up More Than Just the Views in Italy
Italy is a feast for the senses all year long. But come winter, it’s Venice’s holiday offerings that shine brightest as shimmering lights reflect in the waters of the city’s iconic canals. Visitors wander through the city’s Christmas Markets, sipping vin brulé (mulled wine) while browsing handmade Murano glass ornaments, while locals and loved ones gather for La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve) to feast on seafood before indulging in sweet holiday treats like pandoro and torrone.
For a tempting taste of the season, head to Skyline Rooftop Bar at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, which transforms into a haven of Italian holiday cheer from Dec. 8, 2025, to Jan. 7, 2026. Here, festive signature cocktails inspired by classic Italian flavors like lemon and Italian bergamot delight the senses, and those seeking even more of la dolce vita can book a special afternoon tea experience.
Savor Smoky & Smooth Scotch in Scotland
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is marked by Hogmanay, a celebration like no other, with whisky at its heart. And nowhere is this upbeat party more prevalent than in the epicenter of Edinburgh. Here, as bagpipes echo through cobblestone streets and fireworks burst above the castle, locals raise a dram to friendship, luck, and new beginnings. To really get in the spirit, join in the tradition of “first-footing,” where guests arrive at friends’ homes with gifts of Scotch, shortbread, and fruitcake to usher in good fortune for the year ahead.
For a front-row seat to these lively festivities, visitors can check into The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, where the winter season brings curated evenings of music and whisky, elegant cocktail hours, and the chance to raise a glass to Scottish heritage at the Caledonian’s Hogmanay ball, toasting to the year ahead with a rousing “slàinte mhath!”
Mix Up a Merry Martini in the United States
In 1920, the United States entered an era of Prohibition that saw liquor outlawed. But in bootlegging capitals like Chicago, backroom speakeasies gave rise to a host of newly concocted cocktails, unmarked doors and whispered passwords, and today that spirit of rebellion still lingers in Chicago’s chic cocktail lounges like Coq d’Or at The Drake Hotel. Steeped in history, Coq d’Or was the second establishment in Chicago to receive its liquor license after prohibition, making it the perfect place to toast the season in timeless style.
This year, this storied sanctuary is leaning heavily on holiday nostalgia with Merry Martinis, a rotating lineup of festive flavors like espresso, s’mores, and peppermint appearing on the cocktail menu in the twelve days leading up to Christmas. And guests can also enjoy the signature Executive Pour Martini, famously known as “the martini with a side of martini.”
Prefer something a little less boozy? Then visit The Palm Court, which hosts a holiday afternoon tea service, complete with carolers, fragrant blends, and tiered trays of gourmet sandwiches and sweets beneath the glow of the Magnificent Mile.
Those yearning for even more tastes of the past can head to Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, which is making it easy to sip through the season by reviving the Empire Martini, first poured in 1959 and once a highlight of The Empire Room’s dinner menu. Now, guests can order a modern take on this historic drink, made with citrus Vodka, Triple Sec, white cranberry juice, and Prosecco. Meanwhile, nearby Hilton Chicago raises a toast to local tradition with the Kitty O’Sheas Handshake, a playful pairing of Jeppson’s Malört and Harp Lager, served alongside a menu of seasonal cocktails like the Honey Pumpkin Whiskey Smash, Apple Cider Mule, Pom Pom Margarita, Sweater Weather, and Crimson & Fir.
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