Illuminate Diwali Spirit with Special Events and Celebrations at Hilton

Photo Credit: wong yu liang/Shutterstock

The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is one of the most vibrant and significant celebrations in the Hindu calendar. This ancient festival, which falls on Nov. 12 this year, signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Across the world, families come together to illuminate their homes with colorful lamps, exchange gifts and indulge in delicious feasts.

Hilton hotels and cities worldwide also help families celebrate this special time with events and experiences so travelers can immerse themselves in the magic, no matter where in the world they may be.

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

With stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is a most vibrant and spectacular setting that beckons travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The waterfront resort is offering a special Diwali event on Nov. 11 and 12 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Themed the “Diwali Spice Market” at the Capila Pool Bar & Grill, guests will be transported to the heart of India with tandoori and tikka meats, freshly grilled paneer, traditional Masala chai served on a bike and a range of Indian-inspired beverages. Kids will have their own corner with special activities throughout the night. For reservations and inquiries, email dineatcapila@hilton.com.

Hilton Palacio del Rio

As the largest Diwali event in the U.S., San Antonio’s Diwali SA celebrates its 15^th anniversary in 2023 with its celebration taking place on Nov. 4. Held at the Arneson Theatre and Hemisfair from 4:30 p.m. - midnight, the free event is a dazzling spectacle of dance, music and mouthwatering Indian cuisine that captures the essence of San Antonio’s sister city, Chennai, India. When it’s time to rest, Hilton Palacio del Rio awaits just on the other side of the river with its own River Walk-facing rooms and dining at the River’s Edge, which serves traditional Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Rincon Alegre Lobby Bar, perfect for light evening fare; and Durty Nelly’s, where nightly sing-a-longs take place.

Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown

Seattle’s free year-round cultural events known as Seattle Center Festál features Diwali-Lights of India on Nov. 11 from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Held at the Armory Food & Event Hall, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of this iconic festival, right in the shadow of the Space Needle. Enjoy dazzling dance performances, savor delicious Indian cuisine and shop for exquisite handicrafts before unwinding after the festivities at Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown, just three blocks away. The hotel offers free hot breakfast daily, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and pet-friendly accommodations during your stay.

Hampton Inn Chicago North-Loyola Station

Known as “Little India,” Chicago’s Devon Avenue is a magical place to experience Diwali, as the avenue comes alive with a riot of colors, joyful music and the tantalizing aroma of Indian spices wafting through the air. In celebration of Diwali, the streets are adorned with intricate decorations and storefronts showcase vibrant attire and intricate jewelry. Less than 30 minutes from Devon Avenue sits Hampton Inn Chicago North-Loyola Station. Its comfortable accommodations, warm hospitality and convenient location make it an ideal homebase for visiting the buzzing avenue, and its rooftop terrace provides beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka

Spend a dazzling Festival of Lights with those near and dear to you savoring the finest festive flavors at the Colors of Diwali Dinner Buffet. Taking place on Nov. 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka, highlights include special biryani, tandoori-spiced fried chicken with curry leaves, Gulab Jamun and Payasam. The buffet is offered within the hotel’s Makan Kitchen, an authentic regional Malaysian restaurant with an interactive show kitchen and several cooking stations featuring specialties from Malay, Peranakan, Portuguese, Chinese and Indian cooking to give a true flavor to the area’s local cuisines.

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park

Extending heartfelt greetings for a radiant Diwali, the dual properties are sharing a thoughtfully curated assortment of lavish gift hampers. Designed to include all the cherished delicacies and delightful bites held close during the festive season, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park are offering assorted gift baskets to add to room bookings, including gourmet chocolate, laddu, pak, peda, burfi, spiced nuts and chocolate-covered fruits. Contact the hotel directly to purchase.

• Hilton has signed two new properties under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands: Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point
• Set to open in 2026, the two hotels will bring Hilton’s world-class hospitality to the Aseer Region

ABHA, Saudi Arabia – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced it has signed two hotels under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands in Abha city’s iconic The Point development. The properties have been signed with Red Sea Aseer Fund, a fund made up of unitholders from Red Sea Markets and the Tourism Development Fund, and a project developed by SEDCO Development and managed by Saudi Fransi Capital. The announcement follows the signing of Hilton´s Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Development Fund to develop iconic leisure tourism destinations in the Saudi Arabia.

Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point will feature a combined total of 250 guest rooms, suites, and residences, paired with state-of-the-art facilities for guests to enjoy. The shared amenities are complete with an indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, multiple dining outlets, and a children´s pool and kids club. The hotels will also be well-positioned to cater for large-scale leisure and business events, with 600 square metres of outdoor event space, a 500-square-metre ballroom, and 250 additional square metres of meeting space.

Work on Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point has already received a number of prestigious accolades, particularly for the interior design of the properties, winning "Highly Commended" in the Saudi Commercial Interior Design Awards, Interior Design of The Year: Concept category; "Best Future Concept" in the Commercial Interior Design Awards: Hospitality category; as well as "Highly Commended" in Global RLI Awards, RLI Future Project.

Located in The Point, the hotels will be adjacent to a mixed-use urban centre featuring world-class retail, food, and family entertainment offerings, as well as medical and sporting facilities. Less than 15 minutes from Abha International Airport – and with road networks leading to the surrounding cities of Jeddah, Makkah, Jazan, Riyadh, and Taif – the hotels are set to become a well-connected, frequently-visited urban destination, and position Abha as a leading leisure tourism destination in Saudi Arabia which is targeting 10 million visitors annually.

Commenting on Hilton’s growth in Saudi Arabia, Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said. “Saudi Arabia’s rapid evolution continues to provide exciting growth opportunities for Hilton, and we’re working with our owners to introduce more award-winning hospitality brands in locations throughout the country. Unlocking and pioneering destinations is part of Hilton’s DNA and these latest signings are strong examples of our diversified growth in up-and-coming, large-scale developments as well as our commitment to grow in secondary cities with our world leading portfolio of brands.”

Commenting on the signings, Mohammed Alawi, chairman of the Executive Committee, Red Sea Markets Co Ltd, said, “Hilton has continued to meet Saudi Arabia’s drive for travel and tourism, and the recent signings of these properties in Abha are strong examples of the company’s commitment to development in secondary cities and to cater towards an ever-evolving tourism demographic and more diversified product offering. We’re thrilled to be partnering on Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point and look forward to expanding Hilton’s world-class hospitality to more guests across Saudi Arabia.”

With plans to more than quadruple its presence in Saudi Arabia over the next few years, Hilton is leveraging key real estate developments, including business and leisure travel destinations, to underpin the expansion of its domestic portfolio.

Hilton currently operates 16 hotels in Saudi Arabia with plans to open over 50 new hotels across 10 of its brands, making the country the company’s largest pipeline market in the EMEA region. Projects include the introduction of new brands such as LXR Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton. The company plans to grow its portfolio in Saudi Arabia to a total of more than 75 properties over the coming years.