12 festive U.S. hotels that go all out for the holidays

Look no further than Loews Miami Beach Hotel for a warm-weather winter getaway filled with holiday cheer. The family-friendly resort offers a slew of festive activities like holiday movie screenings, chef-led cookie decorating classes and live performances. Meanwhile, the property’s spectacular decor—think twinkling light-adorned palm trees and a gold ornament surrounded by poinsettias in the lobby—is just the icing on the cake.

Lotte New York Palace’s courtyard Christmas tree is one of the most Instagrammable in all of NYC, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Expect an array of holly-jolly holiday programming and pop-ups, including the Winter Bar, which serves hot chocolate, hot toddies and hot buttered rum, among other seasonal delights like holiday cookies. Meanwhile, little ones can send letters to Santa (and even receive a hand-written reply from Old Saint Nick himself!). The VIP Holiday Package—which clocks in at $50,000, all of which goes to charity—includes a two-night stay in the 5,000 sqft Champagne Suite penthouse, four tickets to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting and Dom Perignon turndown service, among other swanky perks. Travelers can also book the decked-out Holiday Suite, which comes complete with its own Christmas tree.

The Peninsula Chicago is among the Windy City’s most luxurious properties, and it is no surprise that it pulls out all the stops for the holidays. Enjoy Holiday Afternoon Tea in an elegant setting surrounded by a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree and over-the-top decor—plus live string quartet performances and visits with Santa. The hotel also offers a 2,100-square-foot ice rink where locals and guests can skate in between sips of hot cocoa.  To make the experience all the more special, consider splurging on the Holly Jolly Family Package or the Merry and Bright Package, including an in-room Christmas tree or menorah. 

Just an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. lies the sprawling Salamander Resort, which, come the holiday season, is outfitted with Christmas trees, wreaths, lights and garlands galore. The weeks leading up to Christmas are jam-packed with festive events like Santa meet-and-greets and themed afternoon tea set-ups as well as s'mores roastings and the Salamander Spa Holiday Soirée, which includes restorative mini treatments and wellness-centric activities so you can destress ahead of all the festivities. 

Nemacolin in Pennsylvania transforms into a true winter wonderland each holiday season. The resort comprises five hotels and kicks off the festivities with the annual Light Up Night light show on Black Friday. Don’t skip Hardy’s Holiday Village, featuring live performances, charming boutiques for holiday shopping, cheery entertainment, an outdoor ice-skating rink and a gingerbread decorating contest. Guests can also choose from an array of themed culinary offerings, including The Hot Cocoa Hideaway, Mr. Sandman’s Gum Drop Dreams, Merry Merry Macarons and Mrs. Clause’s Gingerbread Bakery.

Escape to the dreamy Sonoran Desert this holiday season with a stay at the luxe Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale. The resort’s annual Christmas at the Princess festival offers something special for guests of all ages, including ice skating, character and Santa meet-and-greets, choreographed light shows and s’mores roasting, among a handful of other must-dos. Additional highlights include a 95-foot-tall Ferris wheel and 16 million(!) lights. Overnight guests can choose from two festive packages: The Christmas Wishes or the Ultimate Santa package.

Dreaming of a white Christmas? If the answer’s yes, consider a stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe. With its snowglobe-like setting, this epic ski resort is a real-life winter wonderland, complete with eye-catching holiday decor and an annual lights festival. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers cold-weather activities like ice skating and snowshoeing; off-site adventures, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice climbing and snowmobiling, can also be arranged. When it comes time to refuel, indulge in apres-ski faves like raclette cheese at the WhistlePig Pavilion overlooking the slopes and ice rink.

Bask in the holiday spirit at Charleston’s Hotel Bennett. Its striking, festively adorned façade sets the tone, and the fun only grows once you step inside, with a slew of surprises all season long. Geek out at the life-sized gingerbread house while sipping hot cocoa, attend the annual tree lighting ceremony with live music and getaways, mix and mingle with Santa and indulge in holiday-themed afternoon tea. For a truly memorable stay, book the Holiday Splendor package, which includes suite accommodations, a keepsake ornament and complimentary hot chocolate at the aforementioned life-sized gingerbread house.

Each year, the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa transforms into an idyllic winter village with nightly tree-lighting ceremonies, ice skating at the on-site rink surrounded by glimmering lights and a slew of special events like Tinsel Tea and Santa’s Reading Corner. Sip vino at the on-site tasting rooms overlooking the rink or spring on a private igloo. On Christmas Day, guests are invited to feast on a delicious brunch buffet. Book the Merry Meritage Holiday Escape package, which includes 20% off your accommodations, a $50 daily resort credit and—best of all—unlimited ice skating.

Located along a prime stretch of sand, the aptly named Ocean House resort is known as a summer hotspot for luxury-loving travelers craving a beach vacation; however, it’s well worth visiting during the holiday season, too. The fun begins the moment travelers pull up to the property, which is done with twinkling lights, a giant wreath, garlands and a towering Christmas tree. Inside, the halls are decked with plenty of holiday cheer (think: cookie and cupcake decorating classes, ornament-making workshops, gingerbread-making classes and meals with Santa). Families should consider booking the Mortimer’s Magical Holiday offer, which includes plenty of quality time with Santa, a special holiday present upon arrival and turndown treats.

This private island resort off the coast of Georgia is pulling out all the stops to bring holiday magic to life. Highlights include a life-sized gingerbread display of a car, which guests can admire while enjoying cider and cookies, the adorable “Reindog Parade” (which puts furry friends at the forefront), and the Children’s Christmas Eve Party. Other holiday-themed events abound, including Santa meet-and-greets, wine tastings, carolers, gingerbread house decorating, live music and ornament decorating.

The 37,000-acre Paws Up Montana is the place to be this season—and not just because of its winter wonderland-esque surroundings (though it’s definitely a bonus). Can’t-miss programming includes Santa’s sleigh rides and a gingerbread house contest, alongside activities such as horseback rides, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice skating, snow tubing, skiing and snowshoeing. Afterward, guests can retreat to their rustic-chic vacation home outfitted with a fully decorated Christmas tree. Stays are all-inclusive of meals; non-alcoholic beverages; a selection of beer, wine and spirits; Christmas Eve visits from Santa; $500 prepaid resort credit per person per stay; round-trip transportation to/from Missoula International Airport and use of your own Lexus SUV while on property.