15 Festive Hotels in the U.S. That Make the Holiday Season Even More Magical

They say there's no place like home for the holidays, but we wouldn't mind waking up in one of these hotels on Christmas morning. With lobbies dressed up in festive decor and kitchens preparing lavish seasonal feasts, hotels are exciting places to be in December, and many properties also offer special experiences to guests at the most wonderful time of year.

From over-the-top displays and interactive winter wonderlands to opportunities to get your hands on some gingerbread, these hotels around the U.S. go all out for the holiday season.

French Quarter Inn, Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is worth visiting year-round, but the historic city really comes to life during the holiday season, with palmetto trees wrapped in lights and perfectly decorated hotels. The French Quarter Inn pulls out all the stops for Christmas, with sparkling decor in the lobby and elaborate gingerbread houses. The specially themed Sleigh Bell Suite features festive decorations, including an in-room tree and eggnog bar, and guests can grab complimentary cider, hot cocoa, or bourbon-spiked eggnog in the lobby after a day of exploring.

The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina

The Omni Grove Park Inn is known for its beautiful mountain views and proximity to everything Asheville has to offer, but during the holiday season, the hotel gets a sweet makeover. It also hosts the annual National Gingerbread House Competition and exhibits the impressive creations for guests to enjoy between November and early January. For a bonus treat at check-in, book the Gingerbread Holiday Package and make an early reservation for dining in the decked-out on-site restaurants.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New Orleans

Each year in New Orleans, The Roosevelt decks its halls — and the whole city block — with thousands of lights, bows, and garlands. A festive winter Old-Fashioned is on the menu for adults, and the annual Teddy Bear Tea is a favorite tradition among young guests — it even includes visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are multiple sittings per day on select days between November and December, but reservations are strongly recommended.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Guests at The Resort at Paws Up can enjoy the white Christmas of their dreams this season. Explore the resort by snowmobile, dogsled, or sleigh, build gingerbread houses, and more during a stay here. The Montana Christmas holiday package includes five-night accommodations in a luxury home (complete with an evergreen tree), all meals and some beverages, a personal visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, and participation in the gingerbread house-building contest.

Lakehouse Resort, San Marcos, California

Every December this quiet retreat in Southern California transforms its tranquil lakeside into a Winter Wonderland. During weekends in December at the Lakehouse Resort, you can walk through the 140-foot-long light tunnel and delight in the makers market on the lakeside lawn. For a special dinner, reserve one of the hotel's twinkling igloos for an exclusive two-hour meal on the lakefront. Afterward, treat yourself to a train ride or a special lake cruise in a boat that's been decked out for the holiday season.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Wyoming

For travelers wanting to combine winter sports and incredible scenery with holiday cheer, the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole complements the festive events of the village with its own fun activities. Not only can you book a table for Christmas Eve or Day dinner at the Westbank Grill — be sure to save room for the holiday-themed desserts — but you can also join Santa himself for a day of ice skating on the commons. During the winter solstice, the hotel is also hosting a complimentary yoga class to commemorate the shortest day of the year. In the backdrop of the hotel, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers the ultimate December vacation during Winterfest, a two-week event that goes on until New Year's Eve. Every year, the big man makes quite the entrance, by dropping from the ski tram onto the ice rink, and on Christmas day, visitors can even have the privilege of riding the slopes with Santa.

Sea Island, Georgia

This resort on the Georgia coast boasts an especially impressive holiday display, with an annual life-size gingerbread house among other festive decorations. A variety of seasonal events include story time with Santa's elves, gingerbread decorating classes, carolers, and Christmas bingo. The pet-friendly hotel, which welcomes dogs weighing 35 pounds or less, stages a "Reindog" parade so four-legged guests can participate in the fun.

The Plaza, New York City

As the setting of "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," arguably New York's most famous Christmas movie, The Plaza feels Christmassy no matter what time of year you visit. Fans of the movie can book the grand hotel's epic Home Alone 2: Fun in New York package to live it up like Kevin. Perks include a four-hour limousine ride around the city's top sights, complete with a large cheese pizza to be enjoyed on the back seat, and a massive ice cream sundae delivered to your bed. Technically, you don't have to wait until Christmas to book this package, but if you do, you can also make reservations for the hotel's Holiday Afternoon Tea or Christmas Day buffet.

The Equestrian Hotel, Ocala, Florida

Located in Ocala's World Equestrian Center, The Equestrian Hotel is the perfect place for horse lovers to celebrate the festive season. The complex is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with more than a million lights, an illuminated carriage, and events like circus acts. Some hotel guests can see the display from their rooms, and there's also a life-size gingerbread display on the first floor. You can shop for the equine fans on your list at the unique toy store and indulge in a wellness package, including a glass of champagne, at the on-site Calluna Spa.

Hotel del Coronado, California

Located on Coronado Island, a peninsula jutting into San Diego Bay, this beachfront hotel becomes a shimmering holiday dream each year, with lights adorning its iconic red turrets and a magnificent Christmas tree. During Holidays at the Del, guests can take photos with Santa, make s'mores on the beach in their own private "igloo," and reserve a table with a personal fire pit at the Frostbite Lounge. Go for a spin by the sea on the hotel's beachfront ice skating rink.

Bellagio, Las Vegas

Throughout the year, the iconic Bellagio transforms its Conservatory into a themed floral wonderland for each season. The hotel will debut the holiday display on December 2, 2023, but the theme is kept under wraps until then. A highlight of any visit is the famous Fountains of Bellagio spectacle, which naturally is set to Christmas music this time of year.

Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah

If you like your holidays with a dash of ski time, you can find your home away from home at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City. The resort gets an average of 57 inches of snow in December. In addition to finessing your slalom skills, you can sharpen your cooking chops with the hotel's seasonal Creative Academy Series. December brings multiple Gingerbread House workshops led by the hotel's pastry chefs, who can guide you through the decorating process.

Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky

Overlooking the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, this modern hotel puts on a busy calendar of events for guests during the holiday season. On select Sundays in December, Santa will make an appearance at the Galt House Hotel's breakfast service at Walker's Exchange. The hotel will also screen a double feature of Christmas movies on December 22 in The Conservatory, a gorgeous greenhouse-inspired entertainment space that boasts the longest bar in Louisville.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, Florida

Every year, this family-friendly resort puts on an over-the-top holiday spectacular called ICE! that brings the fun of a white Christmas to tropical Florida. Between November and January, visitors can walk through the 20,000-square-foot ice sculpture exhibit, which includes real ice slides, a snow tubing area, and a snowball-making machine. Each year brings a new theme to the event and in 2023, visitors will enjoy larger-than-life characters from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Gaylord Palms guests get early access to the exhibit and can skip to the front of the line when entering, plus they can reserve a table for one of the hotel's exclusive Christmas dinner seatings.

Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, Connecticut

There are times when a crisp winter walk along the beach can really hit the spot, and during the holidays, the Madison Beach Hotel complements the coastal scenery with an exciting program of festive activities. The season kicks off in late November with the Christmas tree lighting and bonfire event, and there are a few gingerbread cookie decorating and wine nights (adults only) on the calendar. Kids can look forward to the annual Breakfast with Santa, which includes a photo op and a gift bag, but the main event of the season is the Big Little Holiday Bash featuring a rollicking Dueling Pianos show and a sumptuous buffet dinner.