With the holiday season on the horizon, these hotels are rolling out festive programming and unique packages, like Hallmark movie inspired video shoots in Napa, llama walks and ice carving in Switzerland, Texas-themed light shows in Houston, beachside masquerades in Anguilla, and cozy literary-inspired nights in Lake Forest.
Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. (pictured)
Experience the wonder of the holidays at the iconic Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., where timeless traditions meet festive elegance in the heart of the nation’s capital. For generations, The Willard has been a cherished destination to celebrate the season, filled with sparkling décor, joyful music, and unforgettable moments for all. This year, step into a world of holiday enchantment and discover why a Willard Christmas is truly one to remember.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa – Napa, California
Step into the season like the star of your own holiday movie at Bardessono with their new Holiday Movie Magic Experience. This exclusive package transforms Bardessono’s signature spa suites into the perfect setting for a nostalgic movie night inspired by holiday classics complete with twinkling lights, holiday sweets, cozy pillows and blankets, and a curated winter playlist. The following day, they will film their very own Hallmark-style short film on property, shot by videographer Sebastian Mancaeu of Interstellar Films and delivered just in time to share with friends and family. Beyond the suite, Bardessono makes the holidays shine with seasonal feasts at Lucy Restaurant & Bar — from a Christmas menu featuring warm Dungeness crab tart and eggnog creme brulée to a decadent New Year’s Eve menu. At b Spa, holiday-inspired treatments round out the experience with rituals meant to relax and restore: the Scalp, Skin & Soul ritual infused with palo santo and spiced chai oils, the Winter Melt Massage with nourishing butters and seasonal aromatherapy, and the CBD Warmth & Wellness Wrap — each designed to leave guests glowing well into the new year.
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya – Riviera Maya, Mexico
This holiday season, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya transforms its stretch of Mayan coastline into a tropical celebration of joy, flavor, and luxury. The season begins with a tree lighting ceremony on December 12th that sets the tone with sparkling décor and live music. From December 22nd – January 3rdthe hotel will host a variety of activities for adults and families such as hands-on cooking classes that highlight authentic Mexican flavors, whimsical chocolate sculptures crafted by the resort’s culinary team, indulgent surf-and-turf grilled dinners on the beach, and a holiday themed kids camp with movies, crafts, and more.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the resort’s signature restaurants JA’O and Malpeque offer specially curated holiday menus designed for memorable family celebrations. For a dazzling New Year’s Eve, guests can slip from beachfront sunset DJ sessions into a gourmet dinner, then dance to live music at El Patio before counting down to midnight fireworks. For those who want to keep the night alive, the property’s speakeasy hosts an exclusive after-party—ensuring 2026 begins in true Waldorf style.
The Chedi Andermatt | Andermatt, Switzerland
At The Chedi Andermatt, the holiday season unfolds as a true Alpine fairytale, with its courtyard transformed into a glowing Winter Village of chalets, twinkling lights, and fire bowls against the snow-capped peaks. Guests can expect days filled with festive touches, from gingerbread decorating and llama walks to ice carving and après-ski fondue, all balanced by serene moments in the spa. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel’s signature celebration, The Shift, blends elegance, music, and fireworks into an unforgettable night that ushers in the year with style.
Marriott Marquis Houston – Houston, TX With Texas Winter Lights (Nov 17 – Dec 31), Houston’s ultimate holiday spectacle returns to the Marriott Marquis Houston. This year, a new Texas theme adds signature Lone Star flair to the annual experience, where over 1,500 twinkling lights and colorful displays transform Altitude Rooftop & Pool into a winter wonderland. Guests can float the heated Texas-shaped lazy river, watch poolside movies, and enjoy returning favorites like the VR sleigh ride, Concerts Under the Stars, and 360° photo experiences. Holiday cocktails and southern bites are served on deck, and cozy igloos and wooden cabins are available for private bookings—perfect for groups and families. With six on-site F&B concepts and 1,000 stylish rooms just steps away, Texas Winter Lights makes Houston the ultimate holiday getaway.
Caribe Royale Orlando – Orlando, FL Families love making Caribe Royale Orlando their home away from home over the holidays. Each year, the resort decks the halls with giant chocolate sculptures of Santa’s Magical Flight and the North Pole Express, a letterbox for last-minute requests to Santa, and seasonal treats throughout the stay—from cocoa at check-in to pre-filled stockings available for purchase. Guests can take part in traditions like the annual Christmas Eve tree lighting and menorah lighting or join the December 13 Studio du Chocolat experience: a three-hour class with tastings and guided instruction to build holiday chocolate villages and Santa’s workshop ($125/guest). With spacious suites and villas, a 75-foot water slide, eight dining concepts, and a Sport Court, Caribe Royale delivers all the holiday spirit families need alongside the Orlando amenities they love.
Deer Path Inn - Lake Forest, IL
Escape to the heart of Illinois’ North Shore at Deer Path Inn for a delightful, winter wonderland. This hidden gem is just 40 minutes outside of Chicago, featuring 57 charming, English-inspired guestrooms, three on-site restaurants and a renowned Afternoon Tea program – the perfect respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Embrace the winter with upcoming package partnered with Barbour, an English fashion brand, featuring countryside-inspired picnics and an exclusive lending closet filled with beloved Barbour items to stay warm. Or cozy up by the crackling fireplace with the Inn’s Literary Getaway package, which includes a bedtime tea service with English-inspired snacks, a lavender mocktail, and a curated “Sleepy Sips” playlist. To cap the night, unwind in The Hearth Room, adorned with twinkling yuletide decorations, by indulging in the Inn’s house made chocolate chip cookies paired perfectly with warm hot cocoa or a signature seasonal cocktail from Chief Spirits Officer Jorge Centeno.
The Langham – London’s West End
Decked out in holiday spirit, London’s West End is the ultimate place to celebrate the beloved season. For a sophisticated, yuletide retreat, The Langham, a 5-star, luxurious hotel with storied elegance throughout its 380 refined suites, indulgent spa treatments, and world-class dining options, is a timeless choice. The grand property is adorned with dazzling holiday decorations and offers curated Christmas packages for those celebrating wintertime splendor. Last year, the hotel teamed up with the beloved toy store Hamleys for an enchanting festive package, complete with a glittering Christmas tree in Suite stays, cozy hot chocolate, and delightful surprises for all ages. Stay tuned for the 2025 Christmas offerings which will be announced soon. While soaking in the joyful season in the West End, head to Bond Street’s annual festive lights switch-on, illuminating the streets with seasonal sparkle for spectators gathered around the world or wander through the glimmering storefronts of Oxford Street where everyone can enjoy a well-needed shopping spree or catch up on holiday gifting.
Rock House – Turks and Caicos
Carved directly into the cliffs on the north shore of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Rock House is a luxury beach oasis perfect for a holiday getaway. Each year, Rock House offers special festive programing for guests staying mid-December to early January including specialty dining experiences, excursions and activities for families with children like movie nights, beach parties and games, a visit from Santa and more. Matched with top-of-the-line culinary experiences and luxury amenities such as a secluded white-sand beach and serviced Beach Club; a 100-foot jetty for oceanfront dining; the largest infinity pool on the island; and in-room spa treatments, Rock House provides the perfect oasis for families looking to experience a private paradise. The newest accommodations on property, the Reserve Villas, offer several master suites across two floors, perfect for families traveling with older generations to experience extreme luxury with expansive space and easy access to amenities. For those looking for adventure, Rock House has access to water bikes, paddle boards and clear kayaks for visitors to enjoy the ocean life swimming below.
The Langley – Buckinghamshire, UK
The Langley in Buckinghamshire transforms into a festive retreat during the holiday season, with opulent decorations, glittering trees, and elegant touches throughout its historic estate. Guests can indulge in seasonal dining and cozy celebrations that capture the spirit of an English country Christmas. It’s a setting where timeless grandeur meets holiday magic, perfect for a festive escape.
Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos (Solaz) – Los Cabos, Mexico
Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort in Los Cabos, offers a sun-filled alternative to the traditional holiday season with festive experiences for both adults and families. The celebrations start with a Thanksgiving feast and continue with a tree lighting ceremony on December 5, setting the stage for a season of indulgence. Adults can enjoy immersive wellness rituals such as an Ayuna skincare journey, Winter Solstice Ceremony, and Year-End Ceremony, while children delight in activities like a Gingerbread Wonderland Master Class and daily crafts at the Cabo Nauta Kids Club. From Santa’s Christmas Day visit to luxurious dining and family fun, Solaz transforms Los Cabos into a seaside holiday haven.
Zemi Beach House – Anguilla
Ring in the New Year at Zemi Beach House with an enchanting Masquerade celebration by the sea. Begin the evening with a cocktail reception and live saxophone before indulging in a five-course Champagne Dinner, where each dish is a playful unveiling of flavors. Dance the night away with live bands, Caribbean and fire dancers, and DJ Bless, leading into a dazzling fireworks countdown at midnight. Reservations are required for this unforgettable night of elegance, entertainment, and culinary artistry.
HIGHSTAY – Paris, France
For a holiday in Paris that combines luxury with privacy, HIGHSTAY offers what a traditional hotel rarely can: spacious apartments in the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, five-star amenities, and a 24/7 concierge to make the season effortless. Guests can wake up to breakfast delivered on Christmas morning, enjoy a private chef preparing the holiday feast, or glide through the city in a chauffeur-driven car. They can also enjoy curated Parisian experiences, like a parfumerie masterclass or a private fitness coach to kick off New Year’s resolutions. Plus, Paris itself is magical during the holidays, with twinkling lights, bustling markets, and festive charm.
The Kentucky Castle – Lexington, KY
Nestled just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, The Kentucky Castle transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season. Guests can wander through its annual Holiday Market with local vendors and hot chocolate in hand, gather in the grand ballroom for a chef-crafted holiday brunch with Santa or join in on cookie-decorating workshops filled with milk, treats, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Beyond the celebrations, the 110-acre estate, framed by stone walls, turrets, and sweeping countryside views, offers a storybook setting for winter getaways. At day’s end, guests can retreat to one of the 18 uniquely designed rooms, from turret suites to a farm-view cabin, each a cozy hideaway that captures the spirit of the season. For those who want to explore beyond the castle, visitors can enjoy a three-mile drive through Southern Lights, glide across a nearby ice rink, savor festive treats, and even catch The Nutcracker at the Kentucky Ballet Theatre.
Villatel Orlando Resort – Orlando, FL
Forget cramming into hotel rooms, Villatel Orlando Resort offers villas that sleep up to 26 guests, along with Marriott Bonvoy apartments, giving families and friends plenty of space to celebrate the holidays together. With room to gather, each villa and apartment feels like a true home-away-from-home. Kids (and adults!) will love the themed bedrooms that transport guests into worlds of wonder, from castles and treehouses to pirate ships and futuristic spaceships, while in-villa private pools, movie theaters, and game rooms provide endless holiday fun. Guests who’d rather skip the cooking can hire a private chef to prepare a festive meal right in their villa, letting the whole group enjoy a feast without having to lift a finger. And with the resort just minutes from Walt Disney World and other nearby theme parks, families can take in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and seasonal celebrations before returning to splash at the resort’s water park, float down the lazy river, or unwind at the poolside bar & grille.
Wailea Beach Resort – Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
While much of the mainland experiences the chill of winter, Maui offers a sun-soaked holiday escape like no other. At the ocean’s edge and nestled between two of Maui's golden sand crescent beaches, Wailea Beach Resort is the epitome of family-friendly luxury, spanning 22 acres with four spectacular pool experiences. This holiday season, families can look forward to a lineup of unique festive activities, including gingerbread house workshops with Santa’s elves, swims with Santa at the NALU Adventure Pool, NALU Nights featuring after dark waterslide fun, holiday craft classes like cookie decorating and ornament making, frozen hot chocolate and sweet treats in Santa’s kitchen, mixology workshops and more. Ideal for holiday gatherings, the resort’s recent property-wide renovation introduces the new Signature Oceanfront Villas — luxurious 1- to 4-bedroom accommodations with open-concept kitchens, living areas, and spa-inspired bathrooms, perfect for families looking to celebrate the season together by the sea.
The Mining Exchange Hotel – Colorado Springs, CO
The new Mining Exchange Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs has been completely reimagined from the historic building that was originally established in 1902 and served as a bustling hub for mining magnates and investors. The high-design haven for modern travelers offers 128 newly designed guest rooms, three innovative food and beverage concepts, and a spa. Throughout the holiday season, guests can enjoy festive programming such as “Cocktails & Carols” at Golden Hour, the hotel’s plush indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard, along with special Friendsgiving and Christmas prix-fixe dinners and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music and views of fireworks over Pikes Peak. For those seeking a touch of winter adventure, the Frosted Frontier package includes two nights in a premium suite, a private Jeep ride with Adventures Out West through Garden of the Gods, and a $100 dining credit to enjoy cocktails at Golden Hour or dinner at Oro, the hotel’s new Italian dining concept.
