The Dandelion Chandelier Planes, Yachts and Autos Luxury Calendar is all about speed machines on land, sea and air: yachting, classic car, boat and air shows; rallies, regattas; Formula 1 races; and luxury automotive events around the world. These are our top picks for the best December events in planes, yachts and autos. For the rest of the Luxury Calendar, click here.
december headlines from the world of planes, yachts and autos
This month will see glittering evening air shows that will light up the sky over the Netherlands, and extraordinary yacht shows and regattas in places like Italy, Antigua and Paris.
There’s even a glamorous yacht race in Sydney Harbor that will conclude with fireworks lighting up the sky on New Year’s Eve. Plus auto shows and auctions in warm climates like LA, San Diego and Bologna.
It’s a fast and furious (and fantastic) way to end 2018!
air expos and shows
This year marks the first-ever Scheveningen Light Air Show in the Netherlands. Taking place after dark, it will include LED lights and pyrotechnics on the stunt planes – Dec 1
Japan’s Nyutabaru Air Festival will include flight displays by various fighter aircraft belonging to the base, and exhibitions of equipment such as land, sea and fighter aircraft – Dec 2
yacht races, regattas and shows
The International Christmas J24 Match Race in Trieste, Italy will see athletes from all over Europe in the water for a weekend of match races – Dec 1 – 2
The 23rd annual Ocean Reef Vintage Weekend will bring the best cars, vintage airplanes and super yachts to Key Largo, Florida; in addition to tours and aerial displays, there are dinners, dances, and a beachfront reception – Dec 1 – 3
The 57th Antigua Charter Yacht Show will take place at the Nelson’s Dockyard Marina in English Harbour. This industry-only event encompasses yacht viewings, broker lunches, yacht hops and activity days; there will also be a culinary contest, with super yacht chefs creating a “Caribbean Sunday ‘funday”’ Brunch” – Dec 4 – 10
Hosted at the exclusive resort of Kata Rocks in Phuket, Thailand, the third annual Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous will bring together super yacht owners and the region’s best luxury yachts in a relaxed social environment – Dec 6 – 9
The annual Salon Nautique de Paris boat show creates “France’s biggest indoor port” – Dec 8 – 16
Woollahra Sailing Club will host the 24th edition of Sail Sydney – Dec 10 – 16
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race heads north out of Sydney Harbour before turning right towards Hobart, Tasmania, some 628 nautical miles away. The Hobart Village is also a wonderful place to take in the fireworks on New Year’s Eve – Dec 26 – Jan 1
Five hundred years after the historic French seaport of Le Havre was established, Taschen presents a facsimile reproduction of Les premières œuvres de Jacques Devaulx, pilote en la marine ($150). First published by Jacques Devaulx in 1583, this illuminated manuscript codifies nautical, astronomical, and cartographic thinking of the day. It also includes Devaulx’s own extensive notes, observations, and records.
Auto Races
With Formula One complete for the year, the auto racing schedule is fairly quiet this month.
Sebring International Raceway in Florida hosts the finals of the Classic Sebring (Classic 12 Hour) and Sebring Historics – Dec 1 – 2
Luxury Auto Shows and Auctions
But luxury automotive fans can still get their fix, as auto show season starts up.
The LA Auto Show is at the Los Angeles Convention Center; expect world and North American debuts from BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and more – through Dec 9
The 43rd Bologna International Motor Show at the Exhibition Center of Bologna will feature shows, test drives, and exclusive previews of cars and motorbikes – Dec 6 – 9
The 2018 DFW Auto Show Fort Worth returns to the Fort Worth Convention Center – Dec 6 – 9
The Petersen Automotive Museum Auction in LA will feature approximately 50–60 blue-chip automobiles, hand-selected by RM Sotheby’s global team of specialists – Dec 7
The Indianapolis Auto Show is at the Indiana Convention Center – Dec 26 – Jan 1
The San Diego International Auto Show is at the San Diego Convention Center – Dec 27 – 30
Those are our top picks for the best December events in planes, yachts and autos. Start your engines.
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see other december 2018 events
— Travel
— The Arts
That’s it – you’re good to go. Have a great month!
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.