The St. Regis Atlanta Presents Haute Holidays

The St. Regis Atlanta, an unparalleled in-town resort located in the elegant enclave of Buckhead, invites guests and locals to celebrate the holiday season with its exceptional selection of bespoke holiday events and experiences, including the fourth annual Astor Holiday Rink, one of the city’s most treasured traditions; a life-size gingerbread house; and the beloved Black Friday Afternoon Tea and children’s Tea with Santa.

The Astor Holiday Rink has quickly become one of the community’s favorite holiday traditions, offering couples and families the unique, intimate and magical experience of skating in the outdoor setting of the hotel’s 40,000-square-foot Pool Piazza. Protected from the elements by an ethereal sheer tent, the rink is adorned with whimsical white lights and features the soft sounds of festive holiday tunes. The Astor Holiday Rink will be open from November 21, 2012 through January 2, 2013.

Inspiration for the holiday experiences at The St. Regis Atlanta dates back more than a century to the renowned Astor family, who hosted elaborate events for their illustrious friends, known as the “Astor 400,” including a soiree featuring an ice skating rink in the grand ballroom of the flagship St. Regis New York.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, The St. Regis Atlanta will offer seasonal favorites like hot cocoa, s’mores and Coca-Cola in holiday-themed bottles in the outdoor area surrounding the Astor Holiday Rink. Visitors can enjoy the treats while sitting next to the Piazza’s cozy outdoor fireplace. The rink will be open to all visitors from 12 – 9 p.m. (Monday – Friday) and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). Skating sessions will start every hour and be priced at $30 per hour for adults and $18 per hour for children under 16. As the Astor Holiday Rink is one of Atlanta’s most cherished holiday traditions, reservations are highly recommended.

The Astor Holiday Rink is also the perfect celebratory venue, with exclusive packages available for children’s ice skating parties, adult-only skating soirees or a romantic date:

• The Children’s Holiday Party Package includes complimentary admission for one hour, skate rentals, adult supervision on the ice, hot cocoa and s’mores. Exclusive use of the rink available for parties of 20 or more. Children’s Holiday Parties can be booked from 12 – 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday) at $20 per child. Bespoke birthday cakes or Santa Claus appearances are available upon request.

• New this year, adults-only Astor Skating Soirees will take place on four select dates (November 29 and December 6, 13 and 27) from 6-9 p.m. for $30 per person. For a more romantic experience, couples can indulge in two enchanting date packages: for $125, enjoy ice skating, a bottle of Charles de Fère champagne, warm desserts for two and complimentary parking; or a $100 package includes ice skating, two seasonal cocktails, s’mores for two and complimentary parking.

• Group reservations of 20 or more are available for those who want exclusive use of the Astor Holiday Rink to enjoy with friends or host a spirited office party. Private group experiences are available from 12 – 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday) for $30 per adult which includes admission for one hour and complimentary skate rental.

A teddy bear-themed Gingerbread House will wow guests upon entry into the hotel’s Lobby beginning Friday, November 23. Embellished with festive holiday candies and ornaments, the intricately crafted Gingerbread House is a true masterpiece made with more than 900 eggs, 450 pounds of sugar, 1,200 pounds of flour, 28 pounds of spices and 500 pounds of royal icing. Donations will be accepted at the Gingerbread House to support The Teddy Bear Crusade, a local organization which provides teddy bears to sick and injured youth at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Visitors at The St. Regis Atlanta are encouraged to take part in the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea Rituals, where St. Regis Butlers provide impeccable service in the warm and festive holiday atmosphere of Astor Court.

• Black Friday Tea (November 23; $90) is for those seeking a sophisticated alternative to the busiest shopping day of the year. From 2:30-4:30 p.m. this tea features sparkling wine, fashion styled sweets and a $50 gift card to Neiman Marcus.

• Holiday Teas (November 24 – December 25; daily from 2 – 4:30 p.m.; $52-$58) includes 10 varieties of hand-selected teas served with an assortment of handcrafted petite sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. The Holiday Celebration Tea ($58) also includes a glass of sparkling wine.

• Tea with Santa (November 30, December 1-2, 6-9 and 13-24; 2 – 5 p.m.; $38 for children 12 and under) gives little ones the opportunity to enjoy a magical Afternoon Tea ritual complete with a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids will also receive a special gift of treats from the North Pole.

Festive libations will please the social set with a merry assortment of holiday-themed concoctions including the Crystal Cosmo made with mandarin vodka, Cointreau, cranberry and lime; Frosty Fizz, a bubbly champagne cocktail with orange and elderflower liquors; and Cuppa Good Cheer, a vodka-based adult hot cocoa, among others. Specialty holiday cocktails will be available throughout the month of December at The St. Regis Bar, Paces 88 and Astor Court.

Gastronomic delights will add to the holiday spirit as Executive Chef Joseph Trevino conceives of spectacular seasonal dining for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. A Thanksgiving Buffet at will be offered Thursday, November 22, with Brunch served from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Dinner from 3:30 – 8 p.m. ($99 per person or $36 per child 12 and under). Christmas celebrations begin with Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24 with two seatings (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) featuring a special prix fixe menu at $89 per person or $149 with wine pairings ($22 per child 12 and under). The following day, a Christmas Day Buffet is served at brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and for dinner from 3:30 – 8 p.m. at $99 per person or $36 per child 12 and under. Finally, ring in the New Year at The St. Regis Atlanta with an elegant New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31 which will feature a prix fixe menu during two seatings (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at $125 per person or $165 with wine pairings. New Year’s Day Brunch offers guests a brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at $59 per person or $89 with the addition of the Bloody Mary Bar.

Committed to providing unsurpassed bespoke service, the St. Regis Holiday Butlers and Holiday Desk return once again, ready to assist with gift giving and holiday reservations. Beginning October 22, guests and locals can stop by the desk located in the Grand Lobby or contact it directly at 404-563-7797 or holiday.butler@stregis.com to plan visits for ice skating, holiday dining, and to purchase Macarons-à-Porter, the perfect hostess gift, and St. Regis Gift Cards. An ideal present for friends and family alike, St. Regis Gift Cards allow you to share these unparalleled experiences with others.

For more information on The St. Regis Atlanta’s holiday traditions, please visit www.stregisatlanta.com.