With dazzling decor and entertaining activities the whole family will enjoy, these nine hotels shine especially bright during the holiday season. Kick back and let these festive spots across the United States host a getaway brimming with seasonal magic.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Experience a Dazzling Winter Wonderland Near Washington, D.C.
Hop aboard the Polar Express at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center to experience the beloved holiday tale brought to life with whimsical, colorful ice sculptures. The immersive ICE! extravaganza features 10 memorable storybook scenes and the opportunity to scoot down 20-foot-high frozen slides and walk through sparkling tunnels carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice.
Other family-friendly fun at this resort near Washington, D.C., includes indoor snow tubing, storytime with Mrs. Claus, a Cirque-style acrobatic show, a themed Mistletoe Mile Scavenger Hunt, and gingerbread decorating.
Take a Spin on the Ice in Orlando, Florida
The sprawling grounds of JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes are a magical winter wonderland with a picturesque outdoor ice rink and glowing fire pits for plenty of memory-making under the stars.
Families can sip tea with St. Nick himself, make their own highly customizable gingerbread houses, or watch a holiday-themed, mind-boggling magic show hosted by an “America’s Got Talent” finalist. Don’t miss the hourly “snowfall” at the Winter Wonderland Market.
Step into a Gingerbread House in Park City, Utah
The standout attraction of the over-the-top holiday decorations at The St. Regis Deer Valley is a life-size gingerbread house built from more than 1,400 edible bricks. Cozy up to the fireplace with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or snap photos next to the giant nutcracker — all while taking in the delicious scent of fresh gingerbread.
A towering Christmas tree and ornate wreaths adorn the grand lobby of this ski-in/ski-out property, where seasonal surprises for guests may include carolers, roaming magicians, caricature artists, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Go Snow Tubing in Phoenix, Arizona
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa sits squarely in the desert, surrounded by palm trees and cacti. Every holiday season, however, the five-star resort transforms into a festive, frosty setting where guests can tube down real snow lanes, toss snowballs, and skate around an outdoor ice rink.
Snap photos while strolling along an illuminated waterway, sitting in a real ski gondola, or perching on Santa’s sleigh. Littlest visitors might like playing in holiday-themed bounce houses, while older kids can decipher clues using their very own Santa’s Secret Service Decoder Ring on a scavenger hunt.
Celebrate with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Denver, Colorado
The eight-story atrium lobby with a stained-glass ceiling at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection sets the scene for memorable gatherings all year round. But this 19th-century Denver landmark is especially stunning during the winter holidays, when a 25-by-25-foot chandelier glimmering with 250,000 crystal beads, 500 pounds of glitter, and 4,800 shiny ornaments takes center stage.
Admire the lobby’s decked-out decor with a reservation for Afternoon Tea, where scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries are presented with festive flair. Otherwise, unwind with Atrium Cocktails, often accompanied by live music.
Embrace Winter at Lake Oconee, Georgia
The Winter Forest is the vibrant focal point for holiday fun at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, about an hour and a half from Atlanta by car. Here, take a few spins around the 5,000-square-foot ice rink and afterward, relax with hot toddies on the plush sofas at the Ice Lounge.
Pint-sized guests will enjoy riding the Linger Longer Express train, listening to Mrs. Claus read seasonal stories, and even getting tucked into bed by one of Santa’s elves.
Watch Holiday Films Under the Stars in Dallas, Texas
Get cozy around the outdoor pool at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas to watch festive favorites on the big screen after the sun sets. Timeless holiday classics such as “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “The Polar Express,” and “The Grinch” are fun for the whole family.
Guests can also reserve one of the pool’s luxury cabanas to indulge in s’mores, fondue, charcuterie, and Champagne. Keep the seasonal experiences going by booking Holiday Tea with Santa, where the big man himself makes a jolly appearance.
Shop at a Christmas Market in Greenville, South Carolina
Holiday magic fills the air at Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection, where the yearly Greenville Christmas Market draws crowds with its good cheer. Shop for unique gifts from local artisans and vendors while listening to holiday carols and sipping hot cocoa in the European-inspired market filled with twinkling lights.
Children can gather in the grand hotel library for Kid’s Story Hour with Santa and adults can sip festive craft cocktails at the immersive pop-up by Spirit & Bower.
Snap Tropical Photos with Santa in Oahu, Hawaii
It just might be your best family photo yet: the whole crew laughing with St. Nick, who’s dressed in his best fun-in-the-sun attire at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay. The island-themed backdrop adds to the whimsical nature of these one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
Other seasonal activities at this North Shore resort include Mele Kalikimaka Hula, in which professional dancers tell the tale of Christmas through graceful movements, and Reindeer Trail Rides, where the stables’ horses just might be decked out in bells and antlers — which means more great photo ops for the family.
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