Hotels that will get you into the holiday spirit

Christmas at The Carlyle? Yes, please. Stop by the royal-favorite hotel, which exudes luxury and elegance, on New York’s Upper East Side. The Prince and Princess of Wales famously stayed at the New York landmark during their visit to Manhattan in December of 2014. This year, yuletide carolers will be spreading holiday cheer with seasonal songs in the iconic hotel’s decorated lobby (5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 24; and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 25). Individuals can also enjoy holiday tea featuring Christmas-themed cookies at The Gallery, or catch a performance at the famed Café Carlyle. Santa is also coming to town, or should we say the hotel on Christmas Day, visiting Dowling’s at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

Victorian carolers will once again be serenading guests from the festive grand lobby staircase of the The Peninsula New York on Fridays and Saturdays (Nov. 24 through Dec. 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and sweet treats will be available at the Peninsula Sweet Shoppe. The luxury hotel in Midtown New York has plenty of holiday packages during the festive season, including the “Nights Before Christmas Package,” “Holly Jolly New York Holiday Package,” as well as a new “Holiday Fun with FAO Schwarz” package.

Christmas has returned to the “Castle in the Rockies.” The Fairmont Banff Springs, located in Banff National Park, has transformed into a wonderland with grand decorations and experiences, including a new Sugar Shack and ice rink with a scenic view of the Canadian Rockies. “We are thrilled to welcome guests and visitors to another season of Christmas at the Castle,” Eric Overstreet, hotel manager of Fairmont Banff Springs, said in a press release. “From our exclusive Tree Lighting Ceremony to the exciting new Journey to the North Pole experience, we are turning up the festive fun to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

For over three decades, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California has celebrated the holidays with its Festival of Lights. “This event represents a time of joy, unity, and celebration,” Kelly and Duane Roberts, Keepers of the Inn, said in a press release. Apart from the festival, which runs through Jan. 7, 2024, the hotel is offering a “Holiday Elf Package,” in addition to “Mistletoe Magic” and “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” packages.

The estate has been decked for the holidays! The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is home to two hotels, The Inn on Biltmore Estate and Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. While there are 67 decorated Christmas trees inside Biltmore House this year, there are an additional 45 decorated Christmas trees located at the Winery, Antler Hill Village and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Visitors will also find a 55-foot-tall Norway spruce on the Front Lawn of Biltmore House. Individuals don’t need to stay at the hotels to experience the holiday magic. Tickets can be purchased for the “Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration” and “Candlelight Christmas Evenings.”

Channel Eloise at Christmastime at where else but The Plaza in New York City! The holiday season at the iconic hotel will feature visits from Santa, along with holiday afternoon tea, and Tappy Hour. The Sarafina’s dance troupe, founded by former Radio City dancer Purdie Baumann, will be performing live every Thursday (December 7th, 14th and 21st) from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby, alternating between The Palm Court and The Champagne Bar. The Plaza will also be offering a “Home Alone 2: Escape to New York” package as well as a “Suitest Season of All ” package that includes a 7-ft tall Balsam Hill decorative tree in guests’ rooms!

Not far from Rockefeller Center is another tree-mendous Christmas tree on display in the courtyard of the Lotte New York Palace. To complement the re-opening of the courtyard, the Palace has also welcomed an outdoor bar (open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) that serves hot chocolate, hot buttered rum, Hennesy hot toddy, plus holiday cookies. Inside the luxury Manhattan hotel, visitors will find the Gingerbread Palace in the Grand Lobby and a holiday holiday martini served in the Gold Room. Special visitors will also be dropping by the hotel on Madison Avenue during the month of December. Take pictures and meet the Radio City Rockettes on Dec. 2, 9, and 16 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., while Santa will be at The Palace Dec. 3, 10, and 17 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Take a stroll through the “Waldorf Wonderland” in New Orleans. The lobby of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is decorated with 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland and 4,000 glass ornaments. After taking in the block-long holiday décor, you can grab a handcrafted holiday season drink at The Sazerac Bar. Meanwhile, children of all ages can see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Teddy Bear Tea, which is being offered on different dates through Dec. 27.