Ho-Ho-Hosting Festive Events in December

Of Santa Hats and Lighting Candles

In Dublin, members got around to an early start with their Christmas Celebration on 7 December. A warm and welcoming atmosphere, lots of socializing, and a raffle surprise were all on offer — and even Santa joined in!

Ambassadors in Stockholm and Uppsala, meanwhile, joined forces for a very special Combined Christmas Party. With the whole venue exclusively reserved for InterNations, members had no excuse not to join in on the karaoke. 😉

Things seem to have been a little tamer (though no less fun!) in Copenhagen. Earlier this month, the DinnerNations Group welcomed members to a traditional Danish Christmas dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in town.

Christmas is not the only festivity that’s coming up in December, of course, as noted by the Chicago Professional Networking Group. Their Happy Hour for the Holidays on 17 December was in celebration of the whole joyous season, remembering Hanukkah, Kwanza, the winter solstice, and more.

This year, Hanukkah starts at nightfall on 25 December and ends on 2 January. These eight days are an important Jewish festival, celebrating the recovery of Jerusalem and honoring God’s miracles — which is also symbolized by the daily lighting of a candle. If you’re in Frankfurt, you can join the Happy Hangouts Group at their visit to the city’s Hanukkah celebrations on 29 December.

Fancy a Cuppa?

You know what else seems to have been popular this month? Tea!

From the Budapest Ladies Group’s Tea & Treats event on 6 December to the San Francisco Culture and Arts Group’s Holiday Tea Outing on 1 December (pictured below), the charm of a nice blend, scones, and sandwiches never seems to wear off.

The Stockholm Coffee Break Group took a slightly more scientific approach. By attending a Japanese Tea Sampling, members expanded their palate and learned from Sweden’s only certified tea advisor — and could take home a few samples!

The Paris Healthy Food Group, meanwhile, had a taste of Japan at their Tea Time Event at France’s First Matcha Café on 8 December. From hot and cold drinks to matcha ice cream and pastries, attendees discovered all enticing forms of this popular beverage.

Giving Back This Season

It’s important to remember people who’re less fortunate than you. Our Changemakers Groups are pros at that (not only during the holiday season!) and are busy in December, too.

The Dallas Changemakers, for instance, joined forces with Stewpot’s Youth Program to wrap presents for disadvantaged kids earlier this month and learn about the program’s other volunteering opportunities.  

Making a difference in the lives of children in need while spreading Christmas joy is the motto of the Dubai Changemakers’ upcoming Picnic Potluck on 22 December. Attendees can look forward to festive activities (including a gingerbread house competition), outdoor games, and the knowledge that their toy donations will put a smile on children’s faces.

Sharing a meal is also on the agenda for the London Changemakers. Around Christmas, they will once again help with the preparations for the Sant’Egidio Christmas Dinner for the Homeless. No one deserves to be alone around the holidays, after all.

New Year Celebrations

If you’re in Sydney on 31 December, you can be one of the first to welcome 2025! For example, the Fun & Cultural Networking Group is celebrating New Year’s Eve by the Bay. Attendees can look forward to dinner, drinks, and a great view of the harbor and its famous fireworks.

Amazing views of the festivities are also in store for members in Kuala Lumpur. The La Dolce Vita Group invites you to their New Year’s Eve Event at a rooftop bar.

Or if you’re more in the mood for fine dining, the Milan Mini Events Group has a special New Year’s Eve menu lined up for their Celebration Dinner Party. Though it seems like the event is nearly fully booked, so better be quick!

Speaking of eating out: the Lima Cultural & Miscellaneous Group is hosting their New Year’s Special Dinner a few days early on 27 December. Exquisite flavors, an enchanting atmosphere, and wonderful outfits — sounds like the perfect occasion to look back together and toast to the upcoming year.

Whether on the date, before, or after, there are many more events lined up to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025. Just have a look at your own Events calendar.

We wish you a great start to the new year!

Want to take the lead? If you enjoy organizing activities and sharing your interests with other members, find out how to get involved as an event host.