It’s officially our favourite time of the year. Time slows down, window displays of our favourite stores transform into magical tableaux that invite you to stop and dream, even if just for a brief moment, the air becomes nippy, and twinkling lights sparkle amidst the festive spirit. And if you’re in Europe, this is fairy-tale season. With mountains carpeted in a fresh blanket of snow, Wham’s Last Christmas plays at every corner, and The Bicester Collection’s Villages offer the promise of the ultimate winter escape you didn’t know you needed. With curated gifting options, limited edition seasonal menus, immersive experiences, and the brand’s signature storytelling and décor touches, from France to Spain, The Bicester Collection’s Villages are inviting guests to oomph up their holiday sojourn.
Here’s every reason—and your cue—to celebrate the festive cheer with seasonal indulgence, style, and effortless comfort.
Bicester Village, United Kingdom
Located a convenient 40-minute train ride from London, Bicester Village invites you to spend a day in a festive fairy-tale with thoughtfully curated activations, vibrant decor, and unmissable savings. Step into the village and you’ll be showered with snowfall, making for the perfect photo op. Wander through the Village Square and corridors while humming to Christmas carols that play softly in the background. Every Thursday, you can also join in a festive sing-along led by The Blend Choir in the Village Square. If you happen to be travelling with your family, a mid-afternoon meet-and-greet with Santa and his sleigh might just be the perfect pick-me-up. At the Lu Tua pasta restaurant, you can learn the art of wrapping gifts, or attend the Village Workshop where you’ll discover a curated space for personalising your luxury items. For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, Bicester Village is also set to welcome new boutiques such as Missoma, Jo Malone, Christian Louboutin Beauty and Birkenstock, among others.
In what is also the first time ever, London’s beloved Fortnum & Mason has also launched its first store outside of Piccadilly Circus, at Bicester Village. Don’t miss the Fortnum & Mason On the Go hospitality kiosk that has on offer a carefully curated selections of sweet and savoury sourdough crumpets, paired with warm drinks to keep you cosy, this snow season. Thoughtfully created by chef Tom Moore of Moore’ish Crumpets, the sourdough crumpets are topped with artisanal ingredients such as cream cheese and pickled cucumbers and strawberry and champagne preserve with Ivy Farm butter.
Earlier this month, Bicester Village also opened its doors to The Double Red Duke, a charming English restaurant that serves up a whole lot of warmth along with its signature dishes, including Fish & chips with peas & tartare sauce, Flat iron steak, Veal chop and Rotisserie half chicken, with burnt lemon & garlic mayonnaise. To finish, in true Double Red Duke style, Apple & Blackberry crumble with Neal’s Yard double cream and Sticky toffee pudding with scoops of vanilla ice cream, are the decadent touches to a perfect day of celebration, shopping, and indulgence.
La Vallée Village, France
This sparkle season, The Bicester Collection’s La Vallée Village near Paris becomes both muse and maker for an enchanted escapade. Step into this storybook haven, where rows of fairy lights cast a warm and intimate glow over the Village courtyard, art installations at every corner and little pockets of surprises waiting to add to your festive fervour. Located just outside of Paris, La Vallee Village makes for a perfect morning-to-evening sojourn, full of celebration, joy, and indulgence. From live pianists and snow machines to a fun photo-op against a sleigh, the Village will host 25 days of festive magic. Guests can spend their day shopping at the timeless favourite or venture into newly opened stores such as Jacquemus, Birkenstock, Lululemon and Watchfinder. Members will also find a Membership Advent Calendar and Gift Guide for the perfect shopping experience.
This year, the Village also celebrates 25 years of innovation, creativity, and excellence, offering guests a deeply personal experience with each visit. In honour of the milestone, they have designed new Personal Shopping Suites, away from the bustle of the boutiques, and Expert Personal Shoppers curate selections tailored to each guest’s style preferences.
La Roca Village, Spain
Come winter season in Barcelona, Spain, the city sparkles with a different kind of wonder. It invites you to linger around Christmas markets, stare in awe at the vibrant decor, and indulge in traditional delicacies such as Epiphany cake and more. With the city and its culture as its muse, La Roca Village is presenting a new chapter of festive, themed ‘So Much More Than Gifting.’ It will showcase a thoughtfully curated creative collaboration with Lleida-born artist Lara Costafreda, whose poetic illustrations adorn facades and windows. Guests can immerse themselves amidst vibrant Christmas markets, live music, and creative workshops. Of course, no Christmas cheer is complete without a visit from Santa and his helpers, who will visit the Village every weekend.
For those who are members of The Bicester Collection, exclusive surprises, curated services, and bespoke experiences ensure that the celebration season is filled with magic, creativity, and unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
Las Rozas Village, Spain
The air is chilly and thick with the scent of churros, mixed with a woodfire and mulled wine. Creativity blooms in every corner, and a festive spirit wraps the Village. If you happen to be in Madrid for the season, discover the Experience Box, a unique luxury offering curated by The Palace Hotel, Madrid, in collaboration with Las Rozas Village. The Experience Box is a seamless blend of comfort, gastronomy and bespoke services that will most certainly elevate your holiday. When booking a three-night stay, the fourth night is complimentary, allowing guests to take in the indulgent experience. The Experience Box begins with a private transfer to Las Rozas Village, where guests are taken to The Apartment for a personalised shopping experience tailored to their tastes.
And there’s a lot more to offer at Laz Rozas village. It is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a meaningful artisanal initiative, ‘Mano a Mano’ that pays homage to sustainable craftsmanship, and regional design. This year, the Village has transformed into a showcase of handmade artistry featuring eco-conscious decorations, a sculptured Christmas tree made by Bucam & Cocol, and other fibre-based installations by Gabriela Sagarminaga and Raul del Chano. Of course, the festive chapter also includes new store openings with brands such as Nude Project, Birkenstock, and Eme Studios. Spend your day shopping, exploring an Advent calendar with daily prizes, and stop by gourmet stalls offering seasonal treats such as churros and hot consommé for a perfectly wholesome winter day.
Kildare Village, Ireland
Nestled in the Midland Region of Ireland, Kildare Village is a comfortable 60-minute drive from the city of Dublin. It is all set to celebrate A So Irish Christmas, blending local craftsmanship with unmistakably stunning festive charm and glimmer. Thoughtfully curated gift guides and Irish designers in residence will provide you with some much-needed gifting and artistic inspiration this season. From trying festive menus and exploring seasonal pop-ups to making a wish at the wishing tree and writing a note to Santa, The Bicester Collection’s Kildare Village offers a uniquely Irish take on the holidays. New openings at the Village include The Head Plan, Charles Tyrwhitt, a CK Pop-up, and more. Of course, at the heart of the Village experience lies a hands-free shopping service, charming photo opportunities, and exclusive member activities, ensuring every visit is memorable, effortless, and wondrous.
Fidenza Village, Italy
In Milan, the festive season arrive early with Fidenza Village unveiling gifting and partywear weekly drops. This, in addition to new openings, which include Oakley, Givenchy, Alberta Ferretti, Moschino and Jo Malone, makes for the perfect excuse to tick off everything on your Christmas shopping list. The experience is elevated with live music, workshops where you will learn the art of gift wrapping, and perhaps chance upon a lovely encounter with Santa and his helpers. A Christmas Market in the Village will offer curated tasting from Parma Menu Restaurants, Lindt, and Venchi that will leave you feeling warm, cosy and happy.
Wertheim & Ingolstadt Villages, Germany
Think cobblestoned paths, fairy-tale castles, snow-kissed hills, and art galleries galore as you explore The Bicester Collection’s stunning Villages in Germany. Early in October, the festive season was brought in with a lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa Clause to spread the Christmas cheer. And the celebrations didn’t end here. Santa becomes a beloved part of the Village, with breakfast opportunities, story-time sessions for children and even surprise visits to local nurseries. Guests can enjoy a Christmas Market, festive chic fashion, unforgettable gifting ideas and authentic German winter sportswear, all set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and seasonal décor.
Ultimately, The Bicester Collection invites travellers to step into a world offering immersive escapes that promise both enchantment and indulgence. Find out everything you need to know about The Bicester Collection’s festive season here.
Related: Travel Through Style, Taste And Culture With The Bicester Collection
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.