Every December, hotels across the US undergo a festive transformation.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, for example, begins prep six weeks in advance to create its massive ice-themed attraction, while The Plaza Hotel in New York focuses on storytelling sessions with Santa and holiday-themed high-tea.
While decking their halls for the festive season is by no means a new concept for hotels, it is a way to elevate guest experiences.
As highlighted at the Lodging Conference in Phoenix earlier this year, guests increasingly seek hotels that offer more than just a place to sleep and shower. Events and experiential offerings are essential to keep up with this demand and help create memorable stays for guests, industry publication Hotel Dive reported.
So whether you’re looking for some staycation inspiration or unique ways to celebrate this holiday season, the hotels below have something for everyone.
Here are 20 US hotels with the dreamiest Christmas decorations.
The Roosevelt in New Orleans
It doesn’t get more festive than a dazzling display of lights and mini-Christmas trees lining the hotel’s lobby.
The lobby, named “Waldorf Wonderland,” is, per the hotel, enveloped in 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments.
While decor is just one aspect of celebrating Christmas at The Roosevelt, another is its annual “Teddy Bear Tea” experience, where Santa welcomes kids of all ages to the hotel’s North Pole. Once there, they can watch and listen as he reads stories aloud, sing and dance along, and enjoy a selection of festive sweet treats.
The Plaza Hotel in New York City
The Plaza’s festive decor feels straight out of a film — it’s equal parts dreamy and magical.
The hotel also offers a series of festive-themed events and experiences. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea with a revamped holiday menu at the Palm Court or sip cocktails and enjoy caviar at the Champagne Bar.
For kids, there’s “Storytime with Santa,” a daily ritual from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., where Santa will read a Christmas story aloud.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville
For 41 years now, Gaylord Opryland Resort has hosted “A Country Christmas,” its annual holiday attraction.
From life-size ice sculptures and over 5 million lights wrapping the resort to a 48-foot tree adorned with poinsettias, green garland, and hand-tied ribbon, guests will feel the festive spirit in every corner of the 2,888-room resort.
The hotel also features an ice-tubing hill, a 10,000-square-foot ice rink, and many other festive-themed activities that engage guests of all ages.
The Peninsula in Chicago
The Peninsula’s entryway is populated with red poinsettias, ribbon-wrapped wreaths, and lots of twinkling lights.
Whether you’re staying the night or just visiting for a meal, the hotel has many holiday-appropriate traditions, including a themed afternoon tea, a skating rink surrounded by some of the windy city’s most iconic skyscrapers, and a candy shop where kids can indulge in some Christmas sweets.
On December 14, the property’s in-house bar, Z Bar, will also host an ugly sweater party, where guests can don their best ugly sweaters and dance through the night.
The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
In early November, a crew of 20 people begin working together to transform The Greenbrier’s interiors into a festive wonderland.
In addition to its plush decor, the hotel hosts a series of holiday-themed events, such as cookie and Christmas tree decorating, a mixology class, and seasonal performances.
For guests staying in, there’s also a special “Season’s Greetings” dinner on Christmas Eve.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’re on the hunt for a grand celebration, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with its dazzling holiday displays and colorful light shows, is as lavish as it gets in the Southwest.
Come November, the hotel is draped in over 10 million lights, and attractions such as a Ferris wheel, an outdoor ice rink, and igloos with fire tables are on display.
The festival, at $35 per person, is open to the public and free for hotel guests until January 4.
Willard InterContinental in Washington, DC
A Gilded Age hotel, the Willard InterContinental lives up to its opulent association with over-the-top decor.
Think hallways lined with gold ornaments and mini-Christmas trees while some suites are transformed into a cozy Winterland complete with tents and holiday-themed films. The property’s in-house restaurant hosts an afternoon tea with sweet and savory treats.
There are also free carol performances at the hotel’s lobby every night.
Swissotel in Chicago
Swissotel’s top offerings this year include a Santa suite based on holiday songs and a chic après-ski experience at its bars.
“The Santa Suite will be humming with festive spirit,” said Angela Bauer, Swissôtel Chicago’s general manager. The suite, which is decked out with 17 Christmas trees and lots of lights, can be reserved for private parties or VIP visits with Santa Claus.
In-suite activities include cookie decorating, arts and crafts for kids, and face painting.
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra, Florida
The pastry team at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, guided by executive pastry chef James Victorino, crafted a gingerbread sandcastle — a tribute to the resort’s beach club — that’s on display in the resort’s main lobby.
Beginning work in October, the pastry team used chocolate shells and about 175 pounds of graham crackers to make the castle.
Other experiences to enjoy on-site include a large Christmas buffet and a Christmas Eve dinner. (Guests have to make reservations for both in advance.)
Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
To celebrate the festive season this year, Hotel del Coronado returns to Old Hollywood.
Paying tribute to the film “Some Like It Hot,” which starred Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, the hotel will feature a series of Hollywood-themed experiences.
The Christmas tree, inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s style, has been decorated in ruby and cherry hues with hints of black, gold, and silver.
Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, California
If you seek an escape from the holiday hustle this festive season but still want to partake in holiday traditions, the Ojai Valley Inn offers serene respite.
For the holiday season, the Spanish revival hotel transforms into a cozy destination with activities such as treasure hunts, roasting s’mores, and breakfast with Santa.
The hotel will host a jingle bell jaunt on Christmas Eve and a lavish buffet on Christmas Day.
Waldorf Astoria in Park City, Utah
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas with over 300 ski trails to explore? The Waldorf Astoria in Park City delivers a snowy holiday paradise and a ski adventure.
Guests can relax by in-room fireplaces while ski valets handle equipment and gear delivery. Families will love the “Little Miners Camp” experience, which will transform kids’ rooms with a teepee, lanterns, and mining-era decor for an unforgettable stay.
Origin Hotel Kansas City in Missouri
Origin Hotel Kansas City is taking extra steps to ensure guests can experience the magic of Christmas both indoors and outdoors.
An ideal setup for those celebrating away from home and still wishing for that Christmas touch — the hotel’s Leg Lamp lodge suite comes decorated with a tree that’s inspired by the film, “A Christmas Story,” a DVD player with a selection of classic holiday films, and holiday-themed robes.
To keep the little ones engaged, there are trivia cards from “A Christmas Story” and an assortment of board games that can be enjoyed with hot chocolate from the cocoa bar.
The Houstonian Hotel in Houston
Guests checking in at The Houstonian Hotel this holiday season will be welcomed by the sweet scents of cookies, gingerbread, and gumdrops, courtesy of the massive gingerbread constructions displayed in the lobby.
These elaborate sets are pastry reconstructions of iconic areas, such as the streets of North Post Oak Lane, a residential neighborhood in Houston. While homes are a major source of inspiration, some gingerbread displays are inspired by sculptures and furniture found at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, a subsection of Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts.
Other stand-out activities include a Christmas Day dinner, teepee tents for kids, and a spa tea experience at the hotel’s Trellis Spa.
The Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island
Bronson van Wyck, who’s previously planned events for luxury brands like Cartier and Omega, has turned his attention to The Vanderbilt resort in Newport this festive season.
The designer collaborated with luxury fabric house Brunschwig & Fils to create a nautical-themed Christmas wonderland across the hotel’s lobby, grand staircase, and other such public spaces.
The highlight, though, is a marine-themed tinsel tree displayed in the hotel’s library.
Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut
Like other luxury hotels worldwide, The Mayflower Inn & Spa has partnered with designer Alexandra O’Neill’s brand, Markarian, for a festive makeover.
Inspired by the brand’s autumn/winter collection, the decor features wreaths, garlands, and bows in vibrant pops of green and red.
At the entryway, an 18-foot Christmas tree is bedecked in various ornate ornaments.
White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine
The White Barn Inn’s cozy tabletop setup in its wine cellar is ideal for guests looking for an intimate experience that captures the charm of a house party in an out-of-home setting.
Designed by interior decorator Nathan Turner — who has also helped decorate other parts of the hotel — the rustic, 14-seats-only dinner table offers a standout experience.
Other highlights include wreaths with satin ribbons, velvet garlands, elegant candles, and custom linens set up throughout the hotel’s public spaces.
The Beekman in New York City
Whether staying at the hotel or simply visiting — The Beekman has multiple festive-friendly activities all through December, leading up to New Year’s.
We recommend reserving a spot in its bar room, ideal for a cozy Christmas night out with loved ones. With its intimate ambiance, the space feels like an escape from the holiday hustle while keeping the festive spirits high, thanks to a giant Christmas tree in the center.
The festivities continue until New Year’s Eve, during which the hotel will host a silver disco dinner party featuring cocktails, a DJ set, and aerialist performances.
The St. Regis in Atlanta
The St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta is also joining the ranks of luxury hotels collaborating with designer brands for a festive makeover.
This year, the hotel partnered with Jan Haedrich, the designer and founder of luxury fashion and accessories brand MME.Mink, for its festive tree decoration.
For her part, Haedrisch decorated the tree in green moss, ice, and crystal motifs, feathered white partridges, and some of her favorite handbags from her brand, like the mini Carlton basket and green crocodile, complete with customized charms.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Florida
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club brings festivities to your room, albeit at an extra cost.
Guests booking a stay at the hotel between November and December 30 can, for an additional $500, have their room decorated in festive decor, complete with a 6- to 8-foot frosted fir tree and holiday treats delivered by elves on the night of arrival.
Guests will also receive a keepsake ornament that they can take back with them.
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