Holiday decorations at the Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Photo: Courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans
These 6 Hotels Combine Breathtaking Destinations and Stunning Holiday Decoration
From a dynamic light show by a world-renowned projection artist to an immersive installation celebrating The Nutcracker, these seasonal displays add a festive spirit to end-of-year travel
Many people enjoy celebrating the holidays with friends and family in gorgeous homes decorated with all the seasonal splendor. But luxurious hotels and resorts around the world have proven they too can deck the halls, and dressed in twinkling lights, wreaths, bows, and fabulous garland, they offer a welcoming atmosphere for long, lingering dinners and fireside gatherings with loved ones.
Here, a look at retreats near and far ready to host a picture-perfect Christmas or New Year’s Eve soiree for aesthetes of all kinds.
Holiday light show at Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey, England. Photo: Courtesy of Beaverbrook Hotel
1. Beaverbrook | Surrey, England
This stunning English estate in the bucolic countryside boasts a fascinating history and an exceptional collection of modern art, housing exceptional works by Brian Clarke, Jean Cocteau, Gerhard Richter, and Lord Snowden, among others. For the festive season, Beaverbrook rolls out all the stops, installing an ice skating rink on the grounds, hosting sumptuous gourmet meals, and decorating the inside and out in holiday splendor. However, the most dynamic celebration takes place on New Year’s Eve—Beaverbrook’s natural surroundings prevents the property from putting on the customary fireworks show, so instead, the facade serves as a unique backdrop for a midnight show by world-renowned light artist Rupert Newman.
Holiday decorations and Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo: Courtesy of Charleston Place
2. Charleston Place | South Carolina
A beloved landmark of Charleston, South Carolina’s historic downtown district, Charleston Place created a magical Christmas destination with more than 100 decorated trees, garland draped down every corridor, and a packed schedule of holiday programming—from Nutcracker-themed teas to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The hotel’s “Be the Light” theme celebrates the goodness in us all, while festive displays, like the beloved train, a life-size gingerbread house by Pastry Chef Fabrice Benezit, and countless floral installations from Swell Botanics ensures the spirit of the season shines bright.
Towering Christmas tree at Lotte New York Palace. Photo: Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
3. Lotte New York Palace | New York
From the Rockefeller Center tree to the holiday markets, Manhattan is awash in seasonal splendor. In Midtown, those looking for a hearty helping of Christmas spirit head to Lotte New York Palace, where lights, greenery, and ornaments punctuate all the public spaces (and even many private ones, too). A towering conifer greets visitors at the noble courtyard, where the Winter Bar serves tantalizing cocktails, like the Mexican Mint Hot Chocolate with Casamigos tequila or the Hennessey Hot Toddy. Be sure to check out the stunning gingerbread recreation of the hotel facade before retiring to one of the holiday suites with twinkling lights, Christmas cookies, and Balsam Hill decorated trees.
Holiday decoration at Raffles London at The OWO. Photo: Courtesy of Raffles
4. Raffles London at The OWO | England
The grand opening of Raffles London at The OWO last fall marked an exciting new chapter for the historic building. Enhancing the masterful renovation of the Whitehall landmark is the Nutcracker-themed decorations that enliven the astounding architecture. Running in connection with the English National Ballet’s performance of the George Balanchine classic, which is taking place at the nearby London Coliseum, the hotel displays costumes for some of the ballet’s most recognizable characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King, while overnight packages include tickets to the show plus curated dining menus that pay homage to the holiday classic.
Holiday decorations at the Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel. Photo: Courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans
Holiday decorations at the Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel. Photo: Courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans
5. Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel | Louisiana
Located just steps from the famous French Quarter, Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, presents an over-the-top “Waldorf Wonderland” display comprised of 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments. The decorations, which stretch for an entire city block, guide merrymakers into the hotel’s famed Sazerac Bar, the birthplace of the eponymous cocktail, while younger guests will want to partake of the Teddy Bear Tea, a yuletide gathering in a North Pole-like setting complete with storytelling a visit from Santa.
Holiday decoration at One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. Photo: Courtesy of One&Only
6. One&Only Royal Mirage | Dubai
Not all holidays need to be spent surrounded by snowflakes and frost—in Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage is marking Christmas and New Year’s Eve with dynamic displays and exuberant fêtes. On December 27, the resort’s Michelin awarded sommelier, Michael Mpofu, hosts Uncorked Treasures, an exclusive wine-tasting experience with rare grape varieties from around the world coupled with delightful dishes and an intoxicating musical soundtrack. More epicurean adventurous travelers will want to sample South American cuisine during the December 24 Latin Christmas Dinner. Then, ring in 2025 with one of three dining events—a five-course gala dinner at the Palace Garden, beachside canapés and dancing at the Jetty Lounge, or a silver-themed affair with gourmet Provençal dining at Drift—each coupled with a spectacular fireworks display.
Cover: Holiday decorations at the Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Photo: Courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans
