12 hotels in the US that go all out with their Christmas decorations
Hotels in the US transform for the festive season and offer unique holiday experiences.
Each hotel is distinct, from ice sculptures and snow parks to giant gingerbread sandcastles.
The Peninsula, The Plaza Hotel, and The Roosevelt feature some of the best holiday decor.
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 becoming essential to keep up with this demand and helping create memorable stays for guests, industry publication Hotel Dive reported.
So whether you're looking for some staycation inspiration or just some unique ways to celebrate this holiday season, the hotels below have something for everyone.
Here are 12 US hotels with the dreamiest Christmas decorations.
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 a round of afternoon tea with a revamped holiday menu at the Palm Court or sip on 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 a number of holiday-appropriate traditions, including a themed afternoon tea, a skating rink surrounded by some of 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 themed 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.
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