While Christmas cheer can be found in myriad ways throughout the season (eggnog, anyone?), there’s something to be said about a weekend getaway where red and green holiday decorations and bright twinkling lights transform the buildings on Main Street, parks become ice rinks or open-air shopping venues, and theaters dish up festive programming to sway even the most Grinchy member of the family.
Plan a holiday weekend in one of the following six cities for a true Christmas extravaganza. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Orlando, Florida
There’s so much more to this popular Florida destination than theme parks, and there’s no better time than Christmas to experience Orlando’s lively energy, starting in Lake Eola Park. Head to Washington Plaza, where you’ll see larger-than-life nutcracker statues and a beautifully lit tree. (It’s smaller than the one at Rockefeller Center in New York, but you’ll enjoy balmier temps as you soak up the spirit here). Plus, you’ll find live entertainment and mouthwatering bites from a bevy of local food trucks.
The Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees features gingerbread houses, holiday wreaths, and of course, gussied-up trees, all of which are available for purchase.
Over at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that wows visitors and entices adventurous sorts with a trip down a slide made of, you guessed it, ice.
At the interactive ICE! display, you’ll wind your way through larger-than-life sculptures and walk through dazzling archways made of ice to arrive at Christmastown, where pushing a “Make It Glow” button will make Rudolph’s famous red nose light up.
Nashville, Tennessee
There may be no city in the United States hotter than Nashville right now — and we aren’t talking about the average daily temperature. The Southern city’s energy never wanes, but it’s best observed during Christmastime via an illuminating stroll through the Holiday LIGHTS Experience at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. S’mores, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa round out the wholesome experience.
Take a load off with a visit to Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center for its annual Music City Christmas Production. Enjoy the city’s very own symphony decked out in holiday attire and spreading the joy of the season through song and dance — and perhaps an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Is watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Christmas Day a part of your family’s tradition? This year, a weekend getaway to Music City brings the classic television special to you in ice form. At Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are ready for their close-ups.
Snap a photo with Snoopy’s doghouse, stop at Lucy’s psychiatric booth, admire Charlie Brown’s little Christmas tree, and see Linus tell the story of Christmas, all in stunning ice sculptures.
Dallas, Texas
As with most things in Texas, Christmas is big in Dallas. Kick things off with a stroll through a magical winter wonderland. The Dallas Arboretum, which is also where carolers sing all your favorite Christmas songs, transforms into a Christmas village where the “12 Days of Christmas” displays compete with the Christmas Music Tree for visitors’ attention.
Forget about the items in your online cart in favor of stocking stuffers and gifts selected at Galleria Dallas, where you can catch a holiday performance, ice skate around a festive tree, or meet Santa.
For a unique experience, head to Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center‘s annual Christmas ICE! attraction showcasing the hit holiday movie Elf™. Wander through the candy cane forest, marvel at the magical Gimbels display, and relive Buddy’s epic journey to save Christmas — all carved from 2 million pounds of colorful ice.
Denver, Colorado
In Denver, ’tis the season for weekends spent romping with snowmen that never melt, traversing a 300-foot candy-cane tunnel, and soaking in bold light displays at Elitch Gardens’ Luminova Holidays. If you’re traveling with little ones, Breakfast with Santa at the Downtown Aquarium is a weekend agenda must — both for the buffet breakfast and the chance to watch Santa swim with the aquarium’s fish.
Another holiday classic is visiting the annual Christmas ICE! experience at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. At ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the classic Christmas tale comes alive in an icy wonderland.
Race your friends down two-story ice slides, come face to face with 12-foot ice statues of the Grinch, wander through immersive scenes carved completely from ice, and see all your favorite characters come to life in more than 10 vibrant ice scenes. Explore the grumpy Grinch’s lair, wander through Who-ville, and see the Grinch carve roast beast, all crafted from 2 million pounds of colorful ice.
And if you need even more ice sculptures in your life, be sure to head to the Denver Zoo, where Zoo Lights, special animal feedings, and icy characters help spread the Christmas cheer.
Washington, D.C.
A larger-than-life locomotive makes its way to the nation’s capital this holiday season. Hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice, ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ rolls into Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, . In this one-of-a-kind retelling of the beloved Christmas film, guests will see the iconic train, Santa’s village, the elves, and even Santa himself brought to life in more than 10 dazzling ice displays.
Of course, no visit to D.C. this time of year would be complete without stopping to see the National Christmas Tree at the White House. After snapping some photos of the iconic tree, dazzling with red, green and white lights, warm up indoors with a show at the National Cathedral.
Still, one of the city’s ultimate holiday experiences — eating, drinking, shopping, ice skating, live music, and appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus — is reliably found at Enchant at Nationals Park , which dares anyone not to be swept up in the spirit of the season.
San Antonio, Texas
In San Antonio, don a cozy parka before stepping into ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, where the classic story of Frosty the Snowman comes to life, carved out of 2 million pounds of ice. Wander all around the town square, hop aboard the magical train to the North Pole, and see Frosty’s heartwarming journey unfold.
ICE! is a cool 9-degree winter wonderland, but don’t worry — the signature blue parkas will keep you warm and toasty. You’ll find whimsical masterpieces of scenes from your favorite holiday classics carved entirely out of boldly colored ice, zoom down epic frozen slides, and discover endless festive activities and entertainment across our sweeping resorts. Put a bow on your holiday plans with a trip to Gaylord Hotels and unwrap So Much Christmas fun for the whole family to enjoy.
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