12 best festive hotels for celebrating the holidays

Ready or not, the holidays are here, and that means twinkling lights, garlands, hot cocoa, decorated trees, menorahs and — for many people around the world — travel.

Are you looking to make a stop somewhere this year that really gets in the holiday spirit? Why not head to a hotel that takes the season seriously by decorating every square inch in tinsel, serving classic and modern holiday meals, inviting Santa to come say hello and maybe even transforming the grounds into a winter wonderland?

From hotels with ice skating rinks to holiday-themed igloos serving seasonal drinks, here you’ll find some of the best hotels to celebrate the most festive time of the year.

Sun Valley Lodge: Sun Valley, Idaho

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a cozy ski town blanketed in fresh snow during the holidays. This iconic lodge — at one of America’s best ski resorts — becomes a veritable winter wonderland (it’s actually called the Winter Wonderland!) the moment that snow begins to fall in the storied Idaho village of Sun Valley.

They take the holiday spirit very seriously here, and guests staying locally can look forward to shopping at the European-style holiday market, listening to carolers sing classic holiday songs throughout the month, photos with Santa himself and fireworks on Christmas Day. This year in particular, Sun Valley is celebrating with festive events like gingerbread house competitions throughout December, a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 14 and a special Christmas Eve Ice Show at the Lodge’s very own outdoor skating rink followed by a fireworks show.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: Lankanfushi Island, Maldives

Who says you have to embrace winter in order to celebrate holiday festivities in style? For those who prefer to enjoy the holidays paired with a healthy dose of vitamin D, Gili Lankanfushi is the way to go.

This private island paradise goes all-out for the festive season, with nine full days of cheerful experiences like gingerbread house decorating for the little ones, a traditional Maldivian parade that concludes in a celebratory “Tree of Life” tree lighting and even tennis with Santa. Of course, guests can luxuriate in all this bucket-list-worthy property has to offer, including overwater bungalows and wellness treatments like yoga, meditation and breathwork.

Related: Dreaming of the Maldives? These new and updated points resorts are waiting for you

Fife Arms: Braemar, Scotland

No one does the holidays quite like the Scots. For those in search of a grand experience in a palatial setting, Fife Arms, in Scotland’s breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, is just the ticket. The historic property embraces a traditional Victorian approach to Christmas celebrations, decorating the sumptuous rooms and manicured grounds with locally foraged plants and holiday decor. Guests have the opportunity to listen to stories read aloud next to a roaring fire in the forest while roasting chestnuts on Christmas Eve.

Mince pies and mulled wine, which are best enjoyed while listening to a live performance of traditional carols, are features of the property’s holiday menu. On Christmas Day, after a proper Scottish breakfast, little ones can embark on a treasure hunt to see what Father Christmas has brought for them.

Lotte New York Palace: New York City

Ah, Christmastime in New York City — it’s simply too iconic to pass up. And Lotte New York Palace might just be one of the very best places in the city to embrace the festive season. Those passing through can enjoy a signature hot chocolate at Winter Bar (open Wednesday through Sunday), but those who plan to stay overnight — and really want to do it up big — have quite the opportunity in store.

This year, the hotel is offering Palace Holiday Suites (from $2,595 per night, available Nov. 24-Dec. 31) in collaboration with holiday home decor brand Balsam Hill. Each suite, including the red and white Apres Ski suite, the cream and blush Parisian Palace suite and the gold and crystal Golden Glow suite, will put you in the holiday spirit. Other Lotte New York Palace holiday traditions include a gingerbread palace on display in the lobby — a true masterpiece that takes more than 300 hours to create — and visits with Santa on Sunday afternoons.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

The Peninsula Chicago: Chicago

If you’re willing to brave the Windy City during the holiday season’s blistering cold and snow, The Peninsula Chicago, off the Magnificent Mile, is a top-tier hotel to make a home base.

This year, the hotel is celebrating the season with a handful of jolly good offerings. Consider booking the Holly Jolly Family Holiday Package, which features an in-room tree or menorah, daily breakfast for four and access to the hotel’s library of holiday books, movies and games.

In the lobby, a grand 20-foot Christmas Tree shines with twinkling lights and red ornaments. The hotel’s Holiday Afternoon Tea features finger sandwiches, petite pastries and English teas. Giving back is also an important part of the holidays at The Peninsula Chicago. A portion of every afternoon tea will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

The hotel’s skating rink, the Peninsula Sky Rink, is returning for its 12th season, with views of Michigan Avenue.

Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels

The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton: Portland

At The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, the gingerbread house is elevated to an art form. For the 53rd year in a row, a gingerbread masterpiece will be unveiled on Dec. 3 and on display throughout the season.

This year, chef David Diffendorfer has created a fairy-tale structure using more than 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 20 pounds of chocolate, 10 pounds of Rice Krispies treats and heaps of royal icing. The Gingerbread Masterpiece Unveiling event will include live music, holiday caroling, complimentary hot chocolate and a surprise visit from Santa.

Founded over a century ago by lumber baron Simon Benson, Portland’s indisputable grande dame has an ornate lobby with Circassian walnut imported from Russia, Italian marble floors and a coffered ceiling. During the holidays guests are invited to make the holidays brighter for Portland families by bringing in new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Fox 12 Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive. The hotel will accept toy donations through Dec. 10.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center: Philadelphia

Of all the world’s Four Seasons hotels and resorts, the one in Philadelphia (in the city’s tallest building) might just be the most spectacular. While it’s got a lot going for it — including an indoor infinity pool on the 57th floor with incredible views of Philly — the place takes on a whole new level of grandeur during the holidays. This year, the hotel’s artistic director, Jeff Leatham, is bringing the season to life with modern and edgy decorations, such as a mirrored polar bear and a life-size geometric reindeer, in the Sky Lobby.

To best experience Four Seasons holiday magic in Philadelphia, head up to SkyHigh on the 60th floor for special brunches and holiday dinners with live music, Christmas carolers and holiday-themed cocktails like a hot apple toddy. Come for Christmas brunch, but stay long enough to celebrate the new year because this incredible hotel is also one of the best places in town to catch fireworks over the Delaware River.

Related: The 16 best Four Seasons in the world, according to travel experts who have stayed at them

Whiteface Lodge: Lake Placid, New York

You’ve probably heard of Lake Placid, New York, thanks to its reputation as the host of the 1980 Winter Olympics. In the Adirondack Mountains, Whiteface Lodge is one of the most charming places to stay during the holiday season, and it goes all-out in decorations and activities. Expect milk and cookies with Santa on Christmas Eve, a giant Christmas tree in Kanu restaurant and plenty of festive cocktails.

Outside of taking in the decor and eating all the food, guests can celebrate the season by hitting the ice skating rink, swimming in the indoor pool and relaxing with s’mores by the fire. Other festive winter activities near Lake Placid include bobsledding with a professional, visiting Santa’s workshop in the hamlet of North Pole, New York — one of the country’s oldest theme parks — dog sled rides and skiing and snowboarding galore.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek: Dallas

Texas may not be the snowiest place in the world, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a little holiday magic in the air. At the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, a luxury hotel tucked between some of Dallas’ most popular neighborhoods, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported back to the golden days of the holiday season. In fact, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is celebrating “The Art of Hosting” this holiday season with unique offerings at every Rosewood property.

At Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, “The Art of Hosting” includes Christmas trees adorned in silver and white ornaments and garlands alongside redesigned suites where guests get the opportunity to have an in-room tree decorated and waiting for them — or they can have it brought up and left to decorate themselves. The Mansion Restaurant brings a new sense of grace and elegance to the holidays.

The Roosevelt New Orleans: New Orleans

New Orleans might be most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but at The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Christmas is about as glamorous as it comes.

It’s part of the Hilton Honors family, so guests who spend the holidays at The Roosevelt can earn and redeem points while soaking up the sparkle of the block-long hotel lobby’s ornate decorations, a tradition dating back to the 1930s. To put it in perspective, the display includes 46 Christmas trees, 112,000 lights, 1,610 feet of winter branches, 4,000 glass ornaments and 300 hand-tied bows.

Related: The best hotels in New Orleans, from the French Quarter to the Garden District

Raffles London at The OWO: London

Edwardian opulence is already a key theme at Accor-owned Raffles London at The OWO, making it a fitting holiday destination. This year, hotel guests and visitors can get fully immersed in the magical world of the Nutcracker ballet. Throughout its halls, the hotel is showcasing original costumes from the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker, including the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu — adorned with 400 hand-sewn Swarovski crystals — Clara’s nightdress and the Nutcracker’s iconic military-style jacket.

To complement the costumes, Raffles London will offer Nutcracker-inspired experiences, from sweet and savory treats during afternoon tea to themed cocktails at the Guards Bar & Lounge.

The “Nutcracker Nights” accommodation package includes tickets to the new Nutcracker production. Festive celebrations will continue through New Year’s Eve when The Spy Bar, located in the Old War Office’s original secret service rooms, will host a sultry celebration with vinyl records, Louis Roederer Champagne and canapes.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: Nashville

For a really unique take on Christmas, why not make it a little country with a trip to Nashville and the larger-than-life Gaylord Opryland Resort? There, check out the property’s holiday decorations while enjoying a boat ride down the indoor river, take a thrill ride in a bumper car specially designed for the ice rink (or just go ice skating) and go ice tubing.

For country music fans, booking a night at the resort’s holiday-themed dinner show is a must. This year’s acts include Terri Clark and the country music super group The Frontmen. During the holidays at Gaylord Opryland Resort, there is also a gingerbread-making station, ice tubing and an interactive scavenger hunt. If that’s not enough, skip the winter cold and hit up the indoor section of the resort’s water park, SoundWaves.

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