New Orleans, LA
The Windsor Court Hotel, only a few steps away for the French Quarter, is offering their Papa Noel package where guests receive 20% off the best available rate now through December 30. Once guests enter the hotel, they will be immersed in holiday spirit as the hotel’s decor takes on the seasonal splendor, featuring a 19 1/2-foot Christmas tree boasting more than 25,000 mini white lights, a classic toy train around the base and over 1,500 feet of gold magnolia garland. All throughout the hotel guests can find ten Colorado blue spruce trees, donning more than 3,000 ornaments, and four, six-foot gold magnolia wreaths in the main lobby windows. Guests are also invited to add to the holiday décor by writing their own wishes, dreams or memories on complimentary holiday ornaments and hanging them on the hotel’s Wishing Tree located in the lobby. To give back to the community, Windsor Court invites local school choral groups to perform in the hotel lobby to help spread holiday cheer.
Dallas, Texas
Home to one of the largest outdoor holiday parks in Dallas, Hilton Anatole is welcoming travelers this December with 2.5 miles of light displays at the highly celebrated Peppermint Park. The annual festival is the hotel’s interactive holiday oasis inclusive of train rides, shops selling everything from home goods to “made in Texas” treats, games, movie screenings, and more. Most notably, guests and locals take a whirlwind journey to the North Pole in Geppetto’s Marrionette Theater’s holiday show where children will delight as they meet the Winter Wizard, North Pole dancing elves, magic toys of Santa’s workshop and a whole host of other holiday favorites, including Rudolph and Frosty. Inside the hotel, guests can bask in 15 decorative Christmas trees totaling 7,500 ornaments, breakfast with Santa and Chef’s famed holiday sugar cookies. Fun fact: the hotel is estimating to use 1,200 pounds of cookie dough in December!
Charlotte, North Carolina
The ninth edition of Speedway Christmas, Charlotte’s spectacular drive-through light show features more than 3.5 million lights over a remarkable, 3.75-mile course that includes most of the oval as well as the infield and the ROVAL™. Tune into 101.3 FM to enjoy Christmas music as you take in illuminated Christmas displays. The family-friendly Christmas Village includes an all-new 50 foot Ferris wheel in addition to family favorites like Bethlehem village, photos with Santa, fun foods, games, fire pits for s’mores roasting and more. As an added bonus, cozy up to Movie Nights on the giant Speedway TV every Thursday–Sunday with awe-inspiring, Christmas-themed drive-in theatre around such as: “Home Alone” (Nov. 17-18), “The Santa Clause” (Nov. 22-25), “The Polar Express” (Nov. 29- Dec. 2), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (Dec. 6-9), “The Star” (Dec. 13-16), “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, The Grinch (1966)” (Dec. 20-24), and “Home Alone” (Dec. 26-30). The event runs from November 18 – December 31 from 6-10 PM.
Finger Lakes, New York
Travelers staying at the Finger Lakes region’s Mirbeau Inn & Spa can immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit at Dinner with Dickens & Friends on December 5th, hosted by characters of his famous novel A Christmas Carol and including a delectable holiday menu. On December 9th and 16th, guests will have the added experience of complimentary photographs in front of the inn’s glowing Christmas tree and antique sleigh, while relishing hot cocoa and holiday cookies. What’s more, visitors will be walking distance from Skaneateles, NY’s town-wide transformation into 1842 – the year Charles Dickens wrapped up research for his classic holiday novel. Occurring every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, “Dickens Christmas” includes appearances by Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Fagin, Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. The talented cast numbers 50, and Dickens Christmas attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year. Highlights include The World’s Smallest Christmas Parade, warm figgy pudding, period costumes that can be borrowed for free, Christmas carol sing-alongs (with awards for the most spirited!), street performances of Dickens’ novel, and horse-drawn wagon.
Washington, D.C.
Located only a 10-minute walk from the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, DC’s five-star gem The Jefferson will be decked out in holiday spirit for those seeking the quintessential Christmas accommodation in the nation’s capital. Upon entering the hotel, a beaming Christmas tree, tinsel and golden reefs fill the Washingtonian/European-designed lobby. Continuing its homage to Thomas Jefferson, the hotel decorates the Christmas tree with copies of the Declaration of Independence and portraits of the founding father. The holiday spirit continues into Michelin-starred Plume, where guests will enjoy a special holiday menu inspired by the first American Christmas dinner in 1776.
Las Vegas, Nevada
This winter, the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Hotel & Residences will hold Nutcracker Tea at their famous 23rd floor Tea Lounge. Guest will be greeted by a Nutcracker ballerina and can sip and nibble on a Nutcracker-themed herbal teas and scones while enjoying unparalleled views of the Vegas Strip. Décor will include an oversized Nutcracker statue and holiday themed florals. The Nutcracker Tea is in partnership with the Nevada Ballet Theater at the Smith Center in Downtown Las Vegas. Additionally, guests staying during the holidays can attend the Skybar Christmas party, located on the 23rd floor of the hotel with unforgettable views of the city and enjoy crafted cocktails from master mixologist William Perbellini.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The quaint town of Gettysburg is transformed into a winter wonderland overnight with events and activities celebrating the season happening almost daily. Holiday staples like the annual Tuba Carol Festival and an Eisenhower Christmas are once again spreading Christmas cheer to visitors, while 2018 will be the inaugural year for events like the all-day, multi-location Gettysburg Christmas Festival.
Williamsburg, Virginia
There’s nowhere better to celebrate old-fashioned Christmas traditions than Greater Williamsburg, Virginia, the birthplace of American holidays. Colonial Williamsburg kicks off their holiday season on December 2 with Grand Illumination. Busch Gardens Christmas Town debuts on November 17 with one of the largest light displays in North America. There are many more events and holiday festivities throughout Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg (complete list here). Don’t miss the Santas of Williamsburg, including those in Merchants Square, Yankee Candle Village and Busch Gardens.
Asheville, North Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina