Embrace the season and actually relax at one of these decked-out hotels
This year, celebrate the season with a new family tradition: taking a vacation that makes the holidays feel like a vacation again. That means a holiday—whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s Eve— at a hotel where the cooking, light-hanging, or sometimes even the package-wrapping are done for you. Have enough time to build a gingerbread house (and someone else to clean up afterward), take the kids to meet Santa, and then step outside to ski—or, depending on your destination, even stroll on the beach.
Holidays at Montage, Healdsburg
Nosh on holiday cookies, let the kids build gingerbread houses while grownups sample cheese platters or sip mulled wine at Montage resort in Sonoma County and celebrate a wide range of activities from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Fairmont’s Gingerbread Mansion, San Francisco
During the holiday season, Fairmont San Francisco embraces Victorian architecture in an edible form by creating a two-story Victorian gingerbread house: 22 feet high and 23 feet wide, made with roughly 7,000 house-made gingerbread bricks covered with royal icing and candy. To get an up-close look, book a private dinner inside the house.
Disneyland Resort Hotels, Anaheim
The theme parks at Disneyland Resort are festooned with lights, baubles, and a wealth of holiday goodies. Check out the ocean-themed Christmas tree at the Paradise Pier, the enormous Arts-and-Crafts–style gingerbread house at the Grand Californian, and the kitschy decor and drinks at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar inside the Disneyland Hotel.
The Holidays at La Quinta Resort, Greater Palm Springs
Every year, the Spanish-style La Quinta Resort & Club morphs into a cactus-dotted version of Bedford Falls, the fictional town where Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey has his holiday awakening. Carolers often stroll the grounds and revelers can roast chestnuts at fire pits, and listen for the occasional bell ringing.
Teddy Bear Tea at Ritz Carlton, San Francisco
Bring your tea party fans plus their stuffed-bear friends to this grand tradition at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco in Nob Hill. Everyone can enjoy the afternoon show starring an elf and his giant teddy bear sidekick, then take a picture with the bear afterward.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
This luxury resort in San Diego’s North County pulls out all the stops for the season. Start with two options for a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast, or build a holiday trip out of the outdoor ice rink, afternoon teas, on-site Nutcracker performances.
