Holiday Experiences at Hotels Across the US

Unique Hotel Holiday Experiences Throughout the US
Even those who say “there’s no place like home for the holidays” will agree that traveling during this time of year can be a whole lot of fun, not to mention getting to enjoy unique “tis the season” experiences at hotels across the U.S. From ranches, inns, boutique hotels and larger venues, we’re bringing you some of our absolute favorites to ooh and aah over while getting into the holiday spirit.

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California
Imagine getting to ice skate outdoors under the palm trees. Well, you can at the legendary Hotel Del Coronado’s “Skating by the Sea” featuring stunning views of the Pacific while benefiting Make A Wish, San Diego. Guests and visitors can also enjoy firepits, holiday movies on the beach, the “At First Lightshow Spectacular” with festive holiday music and snow flurries, and of course, The Del’s always stunning Christmas tree in its gorgeous 1888 Victorian lobby.

French Quarter Inn, Charleston, South Carolina
There’s always a reason to visit Charleston, one of the south’s most beloved cities, but the holidays bring their own special vibe to this historic Lowcountry town. This boutique inn goes all out for the holidays with sparkling décor, a gingerbread house replica of a Holy City Landmark, St. Philip’s Church. Guests who book the Sleigh Bell Suite will experience their own in-room tree along with fresh-baked cookies, and bourbon-spiced eggnog. Of course, there’s nothing better than clippity-clopping your way through the cobblestone streets of Charleston by horse and carriage.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
During the winter holidays, this historic hotel transforms into an elegant winter getaway. It’s also an ideal home base to explore Colorado’s many winter sports and adventures. The Broadmoor’s Holiday Show, a long cherished festive tradition includes singing performances, a children’s choir, and a pops orchestra. But it’s the magic of the resort that makes for an unforgettable visit with its millions of twinkling lights, dozens of festive garlands and an annual themed gingerbread display.

Congress Hall, Cape May, New Jersey
Come December, America’s first seaside resort becomes a winter wonderland complete with a 30-foot Tannenbaum tree, an enchanted vendor village for holiday shopping, train and carousel rides, Santa’s workshop activities, breakfasts with Santa, and holiday farm-to-table-dinners. Congress Hall, built in 1816, brings more holiday cheer with its annual Christmas Cabaret, a fun and festive popular sing-along, and igloo outdoor dining.

Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana
How about experiencing a Rocky Mountain cowboy Christmas at this Montana hideaway? Nestled within Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, the ranch features private log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces and ranch homes in addition to its rustic but luxurious lodge. Guests can celebrate the winter holidays in the snow with horseback riding, dog sledding and skiing. And here’s a fun added treat – select a real or artificial tree for your cabin and decorate with the ranch’s ornaments or feel free to bring your own from home.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Though we love many Disney resorts, our absolute favorite during the holiday season is the Wilderness Lodge in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, because, well, it just feels like the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. The decorations, music, and massively tall lobby tree and grand fireplace create a jaw-dropping ambience. And of course, only Disney magic can effortlessly transform guests from the Florida tropics to a grand lodge in the Pacific Northwest to the smallest detail.

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
Known as the Hudson Valley’s most iconic resort, this 1869 Victorian castle property is located just 90 minutes north of New York City. What an ideal place for a weekend holiday escape. The National Historic Landmark resort is surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest. Holiday events this year include ice skating in the resort’s pavilion, a self-guided Christmas Tree and Gingerbread tour around the Mountain House and the magic of its Winter Lights display.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel that always features an incredible holiday display. Boasting more than 100,000 lights, nearly 1,700 feet of garland, thousands of glass ornaments, 78 birch trees and over 40 Christmas trees, it’s quite a sight to behold. Open since 1893, the hotel located just one block from the French Quarter turns into one of the most magical Christmas venues you’ll ever see. As a matter of fact, you really have to see it to believe it.

The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Florida
Can it really feel like the holidays in Florida? It sure can if you’re staying at The Breakers Palm Beach, a private beachfront oasis founded in 1896. The luxury hotel with sprinkles of seaside glamour is beautifully decorated for the holidays. We adore its stunning lobby area always filled with fresh flowers and of course, the trees decorated with the colors of the season. This year’s events will include a “pinkies up” holiday tea, along with seasonal brunches and dinners. But what we remember most about our visit to The Breakers during the holidays was the way the exterior of the property and fountain lined with palms was decorated with the most beautiful twinkling lights.

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Located amidst the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark, and in the winter when it snows, it’s even more stunning. The luxury resort is so renowned, that over the years, 26 presidents have graced this historic 1913 property with their presence. Christmas is a timeless tradition here with a myriad of activities for families including a “Reindeer” Fun Run, Christmas Cantata in the Greenbrier Chapel, holiday cookies, scavenger hunts, traditional yuletide ceremony, story time with Santa in your PJs and much more.

Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the magnificent Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine just outside of Dallas. In winter, the Gaylord transforms its giant atrium into an ICE Spectacular. And the Christmas decorations are extraordinary. However, the extravaganza doesn’t stop there as other holiday events include snow tubing, ice slides and the Polar Express larger-than-life sculptures. Other activities include gingerbread decorating, brunch with Charlie Brown and friends, holiday shows and more.