Spend Christmas Surrounded by Holiday Magic
A hotel stay is fun any time of year, but some resorts really know how to make the Christmas season special. Think towering Christmas trees, sparkling light displays, elaborate gingerbread creations, festive food, and activities that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie.
Whether you’re planning a December weekend getaway, a family Christmas vacation, or a relaxing escape filled with seasonal cheer, these Christmas resorts in the USA offer something beyond an ordinary hotel stay. Some feature snowy mountain settings and fireside relaxation, while others trade winter weather for palm trees, desert sunshine, or tropical ocean views.
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From historic luxury hotels to sprawling family-friendly resorts, here are 14 places that embrace the holidays in a big way.
1. The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The historic Greenbrier has been welcoming guests since 1913, and its long history includes visits from numerous U.S. presidents. Natural mineral springs helped establish its reputation, but the resort’s grand setting and traditional hospitality make it an appealing choice for a Christmas getaway, too.
The Greenbrier turns the days surrounding Christmas into a celebration packed with family activities. Guests can write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, attend an ugly sweater dinner, or participate in a fun run. Christmas Eve brings a Snowman Ball followed by a musical program in the resort’s chapel.
Christmas Day doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Board games, bingo, and a scavenger hunt give families plenty to do without leaving the property. It’s a good choice if you want a traditional holiday atmosphere with activities for different ages, all in one place.
Pro Tip: Reservations are required for many activities, so be sure to plan ahead for the activities you want to do and reserve early.
2. The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa – Asheville, North Carolina
Few things feel more Christmassy than relaxing beside a roaring fire, and the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa makes that experience especially memorable. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this historic Asheville resort decorates for the season with twinkling lights and festive displays. Its enormous stone lobby fireplaces add to the cozy atmosphere, while the restaurants offer holiday specials and the spa provides a welcome break from the holiday rush.
The resort’s biggest seasonal attraction is the National Gingerbread House Competition, which brings elaborate edible creations to the property. The 2026 display is scheduled to run from November 17, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Guests can also book the Gingerbread Holiday Package, which includes daily breakfast and holiday gingerbread cookies.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the resort, too. Asheville’s holiday attractions include Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, downtown Christmas lights, and Candlelight Christmas at Biltmore Estate. You can easily turn a resort stay into a longer holiday getaway filled with lights, historic architecture, and mountain scenery.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera for this trip. There is so much to take pictures of. Be safe and bring an extra SD card, you won’t regret it.
3. Ojai Valley Inn – Ojai, California
If your ideal Christmas vacation involves sunshine, relaxation, and a little festive indulgence, Ojai Valley Inn offers a different take on the holiday season. The Southern California resort celebrates its annual Serenity Season with wellness experiences, family activities, and plenty of opportunities to slow down.
A 41-foot Christmas tree provides a memorable backdrop for family photos. Guests can join in ornament painting, cookie decorating, and breakfast with Santa, while the resort’s restaurants serve special holiday meals. The lobby also hosts nightly menorah lightings, adding another seasonal tradition to the festivities.
Christmas Eve brings the Jingle Bell Jaunt morning walk, followed by stories with Santa’s elves. You can even purchase a gingerbread house kit or a s’mores kit to enjoy during your stay. Outside the resort, Ojai’s Holiday Marketplace and Holiday Home Tour add more local holiday charm.
This is an appealing option for travelers who want Christmas spirit without building their entire vacation around cold weather and snow.
Pro Tip: Bring small boxes to pack your souvenir ornaments in to get them home safely.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch – Avon, Colorado
For a mountain Christmas with a good chance of snowy scenery, head to the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The resort’s Festive Season of Wonder is scheduled to run from December 18, 2026, through January 1, 2027, bringing a lineup of family-friendly holiday activities to its alpine setting.
Children can meet Santa and his reindeer, enjoy holiday story time, and make keepsakes to remember the trip. Cookie decorating and family game nights add some indoor fun, while daily fireside s’mores are perfect for winding down after a day outdoors.
The location is another major draw. Avon makes a convenient base for exploring Vail and Beaver Creek, where you can enjoy skiing and other winter activities. Even if you’re more interested in admiring snowy mountain views than spending all day on the slopes, the area offers a classic Colorado winter setting.
Pro Tip: Check the website for the event schedule to help you plan your trip.
5. Boar’s Head Resort – Charlottesville, Virginia
Boar’s Head Resort sits on 600 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a peaceful setting for a holiday escape. During the Christmas season, the resort’s Winter Wander Trail of Lights transforms the grounds with illuminated displays and festive entertainment.
One highlight is the half-mile lakeside Trail of Lights. The Glistening Grove features more than 700 illuminated light posts synchronized with a 20-minute musical composition, creating an immersive experience as you walk through the display. On select nights, drone shows add another element to the festivities, and Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances throughout the season.
The Christmas fun continues with gingerbread workshops and breakfasts with Santa. If you want to make the light displays a central part of your stay, the Winter Wander Stay Package includes VIP access tickets for each night of your visit and a commemorative ornament.
With its scenic grounds and seasonal events, Boar’s Head is worth considering if you want a Christmas resort experience that combines outdoor displays with traditional holiday activities.
Pro Tip: Bring night vision goggles with filming capabilities to capture the light shows.
6. The St. Regis Deer Valley – Park City, Utah
Park City is already an appealing winter destination, but the St. Regis Deer Valley adds an extra dose of Christmas magic. During the holidays, tens of thousands of white lights illuminate the property, and a walk-in gingerbread house brings a sweet touch to the resort’s decorations. The lobby fireplace offers a cozy place to relax after a day exploring the mountains.
Seasonal activities include carolers, visits from Santa and his reindeer, menorah lightings, and ornament making. Guests can warm up with hot cocoa or cider and enjoy s’mores as part of the festive atmosphere.
The resort also offers ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley, along with ski valets for added convenience. Another unusual feature is its funicular, which takes guests from the resort to the base of the mountain in about 90 seconds. Even if skiing isn’t on your itinerary, the ride is a memorable way to experience the setting.
Between the mountain scenery, upscale accommodations, and holiday traditions, the St. Regis is a strong choice for a luxurious Christmas vacation in Utah.
7. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa – Maui, Hawaii
Who says Christmas has to involve snow? At Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, you can celebrate the holidays with ocean views, swaying palm trees, and warm Hawaiian weather.
Located on Ka’anapali Beach, the resort adds a tropical twist to Christmas with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day luaus. An Elf on the Shelf also makes appearances around the property, including poolside, giving families a fun seasonal activity to look forward to each day.
You can sip a festive Mistletoe Martini, arrange for a Decorate-Your-Own Tree Kit in your room, or take part in cookie decorating and a gingerbread decorating contest. There’s also a Letters to Santa station where guests can send their Christmas wishes toward the North Pole.
For travelers who would rather trade heavy coats for beach weather, Maui offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional snowy Christmas getaway. You still get the decorations and holiday activities, just with a tropical backdrop.
8. Grande Lakes Orlando – Orlando, Florida
Grande Lakes Orlando makes it easy to combine a family vacation with a full lineup of Christmas activities. This two-property resort celebrates the season with festive entertainment, holiday treats, and experiences designed for multiple generations.
One of the main attractions is the Winter Wonderland Market, which brings a European village atmosphere to Central Florida. The market is scheduled for December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27, 2026, with cottages offering local crafts, holiday food, and seasonal beverages. Hourly snowfall adds a wintry touch to the Florida setting.
Families can also visit the Gingerbread School to learn decorating techniques from the resort’s pastry chefs or attend Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea. A new outdoor ice-skating rink is ready for this season, surrounded by firepits where guests can warm up afterward. For an extra festive touch, you can even arrange to have a Christmas tree delivered to your room.
With so many activities on the property, Grande Lakes is a convenient option for families who want a Christmas vacation with plenty to do without spending every day driving between attractions.
Pro Tip: Bring a collapsible shopping bag with wheels so you don’t have to carry lots of bags while shopping.
9. Sunriver Resort – Sunriver, Oregon
For a Pacific Northwest Christmas, Sunriver Resort offers a mix of seasonal traditions, outdoor adventure, and a scenic winter setting. The resort’s annual Traditions season begins with a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks in November, then continues through December with activities for the whole family.
Sleigh rides through the resort’s 3,300 acres are a highlight, especially when the landscape is covered in snow. Guests can also admire an elaborate gingerbread house display that raises funds for Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver or try building a gingerbread house or their own version of Takoda the Bear.
After dark, a holiday light show set to festive music adds to the atmosphere. Seasonal dining includes brunches with Santa and other holiday characters, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy the celebrations without leaving the resort.
Winter adventure is easy to add to the trip, too. Sunriver offers opportunities for sledding, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, with skiing available at nearby Mt. Bachelor. It’s a particularly good fit for travelers who want Christmas festivities alongside classic winter outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget you hat and gloves for the sleigh ride.
10. Callaway Resort & Gardens – Pine Mountain, Georgia
Callaway Resort & Gardens goes big for Christmas with its annual Fantasy in Lights event. More than 10 million lights illuminate a seven-mile route, which visitors can experience by scenic drive, trolley ride, or a new PINK Jeep tour. One standout display, the Song of the Trees forest scene, combines lighting effects with music.
The expanded Christmas Village adds even more holiday atmosphere, with hot cocoa, seasonal shopping, and opportunities to visit Santa. Snowflake Lane brings faux flurries to the experience, creating a wintery feel in Georgia.
If you’d like to make a longer stay out of it, the resort’s Stay and Play Package includes extras such as a Christmas decor package and a personalized handwritten letter from Santa. With the light displays and village activities, Callaway is a destination where the Christmas experience itself can be the main reason for the trip.
11. The Wall Street Hotel – New York, New York
New York City is one of the country’s classic Christmas destinations, with decorated storefronts, elaborate window displays, and famous holiday sights throughout Manhattan. The Wall Street Hotel offers a comfortable home base for exploring the city while adding a few festive touches of its own.
After checking out the nearby New York Stock Exchange Christmas tree and other seasonal sights, return to the hotel for a cup of cocoa from the complimentary Hot Cocoa Trolley in the lobby. Children receive a personalized postcard they can place in Santa’s mailbox, while gingerbread cookie decorating kits are available through in-room dining.
Adults get a holiday treat, too: the hotel’s 12 Days of Adventinis introduces a new martini-style creation each night. The Home for the Holidays package offers additional extras, including a Christmas tree for your room and a chauffeured outing to see the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights or the holiday windows along Fifth Avenue.
This is a good option for travelers who want a festive hotel stay paired with the bigger Christmas experience of New York City.
Pro Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes, you’re sure to do a lot of walking exploring New York.
12. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – Phoenix, Arizona
A Christmas resort doesn’t need to be in the mountains to create a winter wonderland. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa brings the holiday spirit to the desert with an array of family activities, festive decorations, and seasonal experiences.
Guests can build gingerbread houses inspired by the resort’s famous gingerbread village, meet Nutmeg the gingerbread man, decorate cookies, or enjoy breakfast with Mrs. Claus. There’s also ice skating and the chance to float or stroll along an illuminated waterway at the resort’s AquaRidge Waterpark.
Children can take part in Santa’s Secret Service, an interactive holiday activity, while adults can reserve a fire table and s’mores kit beside the skating rink. For an extra-special stay, Christmas-themed suites feature festive decorations that bring the holiday atmosphere right into your room.
For travelers who want plenty of Christmas activities without the cold, Phoenix offers a sunny alternative to a traditional winter vacation.
13. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Scottsdale, Arizona
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess proves that the desert can do Christmas on a grand scale. Its annual Christmas at the Princess festival features six million lights, a sledding mountain, a skating trail, a train, and 2 unique Santa experiences.
The combination of glowing displays and winter-inspired attractions makes this a popular seasonal outing for families. You can enjoy the lights, try the skating trail, or take in the festival atmosphere without traveling to a snowy destination.
The festival runs through January and is open to the public, not just hotel guests. Admission is free for guests staying at the resort; non-guests pay $35 per person, with self-parking listed at $35 per car. Check website for more information.
If you live in Arizona or are planning a Southwest winter road trip, this is a festive option that doesn’t require a cross-country journey to experience Christmas lights and seasonal activities.
14. Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe offers a Christmas atmosphere unlike anywhere else, blending traditional holiday decorations with local cultural traditions. Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado adds its own seasonal magic with glowing luminarias, twinkling lights, and handcrafted festive displays.
Families can join cookie decorating, holiday story time, and visits with Santa, then stop at Cocoa Cabin for customized hot chocolate. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the holiday season while taking in the resort’s scenic New Mexico setting.
Beyond the property, Santa Fe has several Christmas traditions worth planning around. The Canyon Road Farolito Walk is a favorite, with small paper bags filled with sand and candles lining the road. The Plaza also glows with holiday lights and a Christmas tree, while La Luz de las Noches at the Botanical Garden offers a walk-through light display. Some pueblos also welcome visitors to experience traditional dances, though it’s important to check access, schedules, and visitor guidelines before attending.
For travelers looking for a Christmas getaway with distinctive Southwestern character, Santa Fe combines festive lights, local traditions, and a beautiful high-desert landscape.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Christmas Resort Getaway
Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy mountain escape, a luxury hotel filled with Christmas decorations, a tropical holiday by the ocean, or a festive resort in the Southwest, there’s no shortage of ways to make the season special.
The best Christmas resorts in the USA offer more than a decorated lobby. They create a complete holiday experience, with memorable activities, seasonal food, spectacular lights, and opportunities to slow down and enjoy time with family.
Before booking, check the resort’s current holiday calendar, package details, and event admission policies, since activities and prices can change from year to year. Then choose the setting that suits your idea of Christmas and let someone else handle some of the holiday magic for a change.
We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.