Many hotels across the country get into the winter holiday spirit with festive décor. These five hotels go above and beyond to create a magical experience for their guests, where the holidays can be enjoyed beside a crackling fireplace surrounded by showstopping decorations and twinkling lights. It can be a wonderful time of the year to travel, experiencing how another part of the country celebrates or just steering clear of the demands of hosting.
The Breakers- Palm Beach, Florida
At The Breakers, the luxury oceanfront hotel goes all out for the season with visually captivating décor, elevated dining experiences and an array of activities. There are 70,000 twinkle lights, 8,000 ornaments, and even a nutcracker-inspired tree! Enjoy holiday tea on select dates in December and dine at Flagler Steakhouse on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They also hold a Holiday Feast on Christmas Day in their ballroom.
The Breakers
One South County Road
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Gaylord National Resort- National Harbor, Maryland
Enjoy Christmas on the Potomac at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, with acres of decorations, and indoor snowfall, and dancing fountains. The must-see ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an exhibit of interactive ice sculptures and displays. Experience your favorite scenes from the movie in magnificent hand-carved sculptures made from more than 2 million pounds of ice. There’s also an outdoor festival space with fire pits, ice skating, and an ugly holiday sweater-themed bar.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
The Greenbrier- White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
“America’s Resort” takes holidays to the next level as the elegant grounds of The Greenbrier are covered with lights and holiday cheer. Take a horse-drawn sleigh for a magical winter ride, past the ice-skating rink, glittering tree, fire pits and more. Featuring musical performances, holiday movies in the theater, winter craft workshops, tree ceremonies— there’s something for everyone. Try to catch Santa strolling the halls to get a great photo. For a luxe night out, they hold the festive Gingerbread Ball with fine wines and a 7-course meal.
The Greenbrier
101 Main Street West
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Mirror Lake Inn- Lake Placid, New York
The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid is a winter wonderland during the holiday season. There are dozens of Christmas trees throughout the property (one made entirely of poinsettias!), and real trees are placed in guestrooms upon request. Skate on the frozen Mirror Lake and drink free hot chocolate from the café. Enjoy a winter bonfire with marshmallows, slide down the Toboggan Chute, and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Mirror Lake Inn
77 Mirror Lake Drive
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa- Riverside, California
Every year, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa celebrates the holidays with the Festival of Lights. This extravaganza has recently been named the “Best Public Holiday Lights Display in the Nation” by USA Today. It features more than 5 million lights, a life-sized gingerbread house, the world’s largest man-made mistletoe, carriage rides, and freshly fallen “snow.” The hotel offers many holiday packages to make the most of your stay.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA 92501
