Vacation destinations offer visitors a festive atmosphere.
Madeleine Stutzman
Perfect for both naughty and nice, vacation destinations around the world offer guests a holiday spectacle designed to entertain and surprise. Festive activities spread over several weeks promise to be filled with surprises and exhilaration for guests of all ages, with many featuring visits from the Big Guy himself as well as properties transformed into whimsical winter wonderlands. These destinations celebrate the holidays with festive activities and holiday cuisine.
Broadway star George Dvorsky presents his global nativity collection.
Madeleine Stutzman
Steubenville Nutcracker VillageSteubenville, Ohio
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the world's largest life-size nutcracker exhibit, the Steubenville Nutcracker Village will feature 215 statues, with 10 highly anticipated new creations unveiled during opening night. The season runs from November 26, 2024 to January 10, 2025, prompting people to flock to the Ohio Valley, about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. This holiday spectacle attracts tens of thousands of tourists from every state and around the world. Brodie Stutzman, local creator and leader of this community art project, sculpts each nutcracker himself. They are painted by various artists in the region, including Thérèse Nelson, whose family created and operates the village. George Dvorsky, Broadway star will present its global collection of more than 400 nativity scenes in an intimate concert on December 21. He says: “I have been fascinated by Nativity art all my life, which is why I have collected over 400 from around the world. My concert will be a combination of classic songs with a few surprises.
Hardy's Holiday Village offers a wide range of activities.
Licorice Jordan Millington
Nemacoline, Farmington, Pennsylvania
Nemacolin, an exquisite four-season resort spread across more than 2,200 acres of southwest Pennsylvania's breathtaking Laurel Highlands, will once again present Hardy Holiday Village. Along with elf shows, quaint holiday shops and delicious treats, guests also have access to an outdoor ice rink.. “Hardy's Holiday Village truly captures the spirit of the season, reflecting our family's deep love of the holidays,” says Maggie Hardy, CEO and owner of Nemacolin. “After last year’s huge success, we’re excited to bring back this beloved new tradition with all the festive magic you’ve come to expect and a few new surprises.”
The atmosphere mixes Hawaiian culture and traditional holiday celebrations.
Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hawaii
Experience the holiday spirit wrapped in aloha at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Offering a warm tropical climate, the resort is perfect for escaping the typical winter chill of Christmas. The festive atmosphere blends Hawaiian culture with traditional holiday celebrations, with tropical-themed decorations and the joyful sound of “Mele Kalikimaka” around the island. Christmas in Hawaii package includes: a beautifully decorated tree in your room to spread holiday cheer; Cookies and milk, a classic Christmas tradition for the whole family; Personalized bottom.
This gingerbread masterpiece is decorated with holiday treats.
Terranea Resort
Terranea Resort, Los Angeles, California
Terranea Resort will unveil its enchanting Gingerbread Lounge – a festive holiday pop-up located in the resort’s Lobby Lounge. This stunning 7-by-7-foot gingerbread masterpiece, adorned with gumdrops, candy canes and royal icing, features a working bar and gingerbread village whimsical, made from over 1,000 pounds of homemade gingerbread. Guests can enjoy signature holiday cocktails, non-alcoholic favorites like hot chocolate and apple cider, and a selection of sweet treats, all created by Chef Jermonti and his skilled team.
Coeur d'Alene offers a vacation adventure to its guests.
Coeur d'Alene Resort
Coeur d'Alene Resort, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Winter in Coeur d'Alene is a magical time when the city comes alive with the beauty of snowy landscapes and the charm of holiday festivities. Between the abundance of family holiday celebrations and a variety of winter recreation including skiing and snowshoeing, Coeur d'Alene offers a holiday adventure for everyone. The Coeur d'Alene Resort is transformed during the holiday season with a series of attractions, including the annual Holiday Lights Show that features more than 1.5 million lights, Journey to the North Pole cruises on Coeur Lake d'Alene, seasonal meals in an igloo with a glacial view of the lake. and festive cocktails.
Mexico City guests are treated to holiday delights.
Andaz Mexico Condesa
Andaz Mexico Condesa, Mexico
Every December, Mexico City transforms into a holiday paradise with twinkling lights, a large tree in the Zócalo (main square), and Christmas markets selling seasonal treats. From December 16 to 24, municipalities celebrate Las Posadas, an emblematic religious reenactment. The celebration includes public singing, Ponche, a traditional hot drink, and Piñatas filled with candy. Andaz Mexico City Condesa offers a great base for exploring the festivities in the trendy and very walkable Condesa neighborhood. For those lingering after Las Posadas, Andaz Mexico City Condesa will also host a New Year's Eve party with city views from the hotel's Cabuya Rooftop. Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, a four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Davide Preziuso and a festive post-party “tornafesta” in the Grand Ballroom.
The secluded property is ideal for a holiday retreat.
San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California
Nestled in the Montecito foothills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch is the perfect vacation spot for those seeking luxury and peace with rustic charm. The secluded property is home to more than 60,000 twinkling lights, magical Christmas trees, roaring stone fireplaces and unique ornaments. The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel has more than 6,000 ornaments hanging from the ceiling and a menu of festive holiday drinks, from “The Grinch” cocktails and “Frosty Spritz” to homemade eggnog and live music parties. Stonehouse Restaurant will offer a special holiday menu featuring seasonal dishes and local ingredients.
Guests can spot Scuba Claus twice a day.
Matty Leong
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
For those looking to trade snowflakes for sandy shores, Waikiki Beach is a great holiday getaway, where the magic of holiday spirit perfectly complements Hawaii's aloha spirit. Waikiki Beach is beautifully decorated, and the town's lively atmosphere is enlivened by holiday events such as the Honolulu City Lights and the Mele Kalikimaka Market. “Alohilani Resort embraces the season with Hawaii-exclusive festive offerings for the whole family, including letters to Santa, Christmas cultural classes, cookie and tutus storytelling. Guests can see Scuba Claus twice daily at the Oceanarium. The on-site U'ilani Spa offers a special candy cane holiday massage throughout the month of December.
Incredible decorations adorn the entire property.
Carneros Resort & Spa
Carneros Resort & Spa, Napa, California
Guests of the 28-acre luxury resort located in the picturesque Carneros wine region can enjoy the most wonderful time of year by staying in one of the charming cottages, enjoying seasonal dining experiences and activities unique vacation options such as cozy poolside cabanas with a festive touch. and a pop-up Christmas tree farm. “The holidays are one of the most memorable times of the year, so we've curated an assortment of festive activities that showcase the best of wine country,” says Edward Costa, general manager of Carneros Resort and Spa. “With our incredible decorations and variety of activities, Carneros is the perfect destination for visitors looking to celebrate the holidays.”
