The Journal

Although Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with the United States, its spirit of gratitude, family, and shared celebration has found a welcoming place in the UK. Each November, American visitors and British residents come together to mark the occasion, bringing a little taste of the States to the UK through traditional feasts, seasonal menus and memorable gatherings.

Few cities embrace the festive season quite like London. As winter arrives, the capital’s streets, parks and historic neighbourhoods take on a distinctly seasonal character, from illuminated shopping streets to traditional markets and festive events. Brimming with festive spirit, the London holiday season is unlike any other. The highlight of London’s Christmas season is the annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland theme park.

A home is defined by more than its size or architecture; it is shaped by the moments shared within it. From everyday routines to milestone celebrations, the most meaningful family homes are designed to bring people together while offering space to relax, grow, and enjoy time apart. Whether set in the countryside, at the coast, or in the heart of a city, the right home offers a setting in which family life can unfold naturally.

Ten years ago, Sotheby’s opened a gallery in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to pay tribute to a region with a voracious appetite for international art, culture and luxury. This year, that gallery reopens, and for collectors in the UK the news is more relevant than the distance might suggest. The Gulf and London have long been connected by capital, travel and taste, and a renewed Sotheby’s presence in Dubai strengthens a link that many British clients already value.

For decades, wealth in America was often expressed through grand entrances, sprawling mansions, and homes designed to make an immediate impression. Today,  a different aesthetic is gaining attention among some of the country’s wealthiest buyers. Rather than announcing their status, they are increasingly drawn to homes that offer exceptional craftsmanship and a sense of privacy.