Two very different events take place this month. The first is Vintage Weekend, held from 5-8 December in Florida, at Key Largo’s Ocean Reef Club. A stunning collection of antique and classic yachts, automobiles and aircraft are celebrated over the four days. The second is the thrilling Sydney Hobart Race in Australia. Testing conditions at sea always make this a nail-biting race, attracting sailors from the world over. With the event running from 26 December to 1 January, race goers can also enjoy Sydney’s unmissable New Year fireworks display.

Fashion

When it comes to fashion, December is all about donning your finest. The more sparkle and sequins the better when getting into the festive spirit, and there is no better place to showcase your look than at a gala or ball. There are many events, each more glamourous than the next including the Cancer Research Emeralds and Ivy Ball in London on 14 December, and Unicef’s Snowflake Ball on 3 Decemberin New York. Enjoy famous music acts, inspirational speeches, free flowing champagne and raising money for a good cause.

Arts

The internationally acclaimed modern contemporary art fair, Art Basel Miami runs from 5-8 December in Miami, USA. This art fair has a strong yachting presence, with Sanlorenzo acting as a host partner. Snap up some of the best new works from both famous artists and rising stars, either for yourself, or as a Christmas gift for someone special. If you can’t make it to the Miami edition, Art Basel also holds events in Hong Kong and Basel, in March and June respectively. There are few things more festive than watching a performance of the Nutcracker. Most ballet companies put on a performance of this Christmas classic throughout December, including the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum and the superb dancers at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg.

Sports

December is a wonderful time to embrace the cold weather and enjoy the snowy beauty of the ski slopes. Tie in your visit to the famous ski resort of Val d’Isère with their ski championships, Critérium de la première Neige, which run from the 13-22 of December and include four ski world cup races. Spend the days on the slopes yourself, or cheer on the world’s best skiers as they complete for first place.

Travel

There is nowhere better to see in 2020 than on the party island of St Barts. The island’s famous New Year’s Eve celebrations see a gathering of hundreds of superyachts, supermodels and the super-rich, and a charter vacation is the best way to be part of the action. Start with the New Year’s Eve Regatta, where beautiful sailing yachts race each other across the turquoise waters, then start the partying. At the stroke of midnight, an explosion of fireworks and a cacophony of yacht horns celebrate the entry into 2020.

For expert advice on how to make the most of December from your own private superyacht reach out to the IYC team today.

For more information on IYC’s range of services please contact the IYC office most convenient to you. IYC has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Miami, Nantucket, Great Lakes, London, Monaco, Greece, Russia, Croatia, Montenegro, Scandinavia and Malta. To contact an IYC office click here.