The holiday season is a magical time of year, as sparkling lights, winter activities and abundant merriment make the colder months come alive. No matter how travelers celebrate, there’s nothing more special than making memories with loved ones in the fleeting moments of this joyous season. Bringing all this wonder and amazement to the holidays this year, these four hotels are offering an exceptionally festive experience.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Making its grand ICE! debut this holiday season, JW Marriott San Antonio is bringing Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to life. From Nov. 23 through Jan. 5, guests can explore this winter wonderland, which features life-sized sculptures of the Grinch, Max and Cindy Lou-Who and walkthrough scenery hand-carved from more than two million pounds of ice. In addition to this chilly display (be warned, it is kept at a balmy nine degrees Fahrenheit), the Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt will keep guests on their toes as they search for clues on how the Grinch plans to steal the holiday.
While this interactive experience may be the star of ICE!, the festivities are far from over. The resort’s ballroom transforms into “Reindeer Ridge,” which offers fan-favorite activities such as a multi-lane tubing hill and a snowball throwing game. Guests can meet the iconic Mrs. Claus at Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, with a retelling of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a sing-along, or decorate gingerbread houses with Nutmeg, the gingerbread man. Finish off the holiday experience with a visit to Santa’s live reindeer and Shine Light Show, or if visitors are feeling brave, participate in the Polar Plunge.
ICE! is open to both resort guests and the public. Other Gaylord properties are also hosting ICE! this holiday season, including Gaylord Palms featuring “Elf," Gaylord Texan with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Gaylord Rockies with “The Polar Express” and Gaylord Opryland with “Frosty the Snowman.”
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
A mix of traditional holiday festivities and contemporary additions, Christmas at the Princess festival is like no other. Beginning Nov. 22 and running through Jan. 4, visitors can feast their eyes upon 10 million lights, 128 fire tables and igloos, a 120-foot-tall Ferris wheel and a 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink. Start the festival off right with a visit to Starlights, an electric symphony that transforms the lagoon into a colorful techno wonderland and plays the best festive beats with a twist.
Leave the warm temps behind and head into Aurora Ice: Christmas Classics, where the winter display is made entirely of ice and the favorite holiday classics come to life. Take in the transformed property with the Lagoon Lights and Princess Express Train tour or wander over to The Village and Twinkle Town for more winter action. The Village is where visitors will find the impressive Ferris wheel, a mini golf course and S’moresland, while Twinkle Town is, of course, decked out in lights and offers drinks and holiday bites. Visitors with young ones should seek out the winter characters for a photo opportunity, as Graham, Shivers, Princess Noel, Twinkles and more complete the holiday experience.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Returning to Jekyll Island Nov. 29, Holly Jolly Jekyll is back with all its beloved holiday activities. Light shows are unparalleled during the winter months, and with more than 1.5 million lightbulbs adorning the trees and buildings, taking a relaxing trolley ride through the Historic District is sure to dazzle. Visitors can head over to the Grand Dining Room for Holiday High Tea and try some delicious scones, pastries, canapes and finger sandwiches, or book Breakfast with the Grinch for a green eggs and ham-themed buffet.
For some family fun, the Seaside Polar Express movie viewing is complete with a hot chocolate station, complimentary s’mores and themed trinkets. Add in some caroling to the to-do list with Holly Jolly Jekyll’s Holiday Concert, which features the Savannah College of Art and Design’s vocal ensemble. There’s plenty more to do on the island and during the holiday period, so guests should also keep an eye out for Christmas Eve dinner, the Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party and other winter festivities.
Caribe Royale Orlando
Try not to salivate when thinking about this one, but coming back to Caribe Royale Orlando starting Dec. 2 is the Chocolate Holiday Wonderland. As the name suggests, the resort’s lobby is transformed with delicious displays such as The Caribe Royale North Pole Express, sitting at an impressive 32 feet long, Santa’s Magical Flight featuring an overflowing sleigh and all the iconic reindeer and Elf Village, making its debut with elf houses, a school and more. All the stunning displays are, of course, made of chocolate, but The North Pole Express and Santa’s Magical Flight have each been carefully curated from over 2,000 pounds of it.
Aside from the lovely chocolatiering taking place here, Caribe Royale Orlando has plenty of other festive activities around the property too. The Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt will send guests searching for the 12 missing gnomes, with a special prize on the line while the young ones can write and send letters to Santa. Poolside holiday movies, crafting stations and a tree lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve are also options, made complete by Christmas Day brunch and dinner at the resort’s restaurants.
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