Your magical stay awaits: These Florida hotels go all out for the holiday season
It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, and Florida’s warmth is just as magical as the nation’s more wintry destinations. Some hotels go to extremes to create a merry atmosphere, with ginormous trees to skating rinks and even winter wonderlands filled with light shows and Aspen-style chalets. Want a Christmas tree in your guest room? No problem, some hotels will even decorate your holiday hideout. Wish you could mingle with Santa and his elves? They make hotel cameos, as well.
If you’re looking for a Christmas to remember in Florida, pack your holiday spirit for a joy-filled stay at these Florida hotels that go all out for the holidays.
The Ben West Palm, West Palm Beach
Ice skating in tropical South Florida? It’s happening this holiday season at The Ben West Palm. From early November to March 1, the waterfront hotel will transform into a winter wonderland with an outdoor skating rink, where all ages can rent skates and glide around the rink for 90-minute sessions. Guests will feel as if they’ve been transported to a snowy village thanks to Aspen-style chalets and food and beverage spaces hosting seasonal events, including family-friendly activities and themed-parties.
Tickets and VIP packages to The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland are on sale now. Feel at home in the hotel lobby, where you’ll want to cozy up by the fireplace to enjoy the glory of the decorated tree; and both kids and dogs are invited to Santa meet-and-greets in the lobby. With The Ben’s prime location across from the waterfront, guest are in easy walking distance to Sandi, the world’s largest holiday tree made entirely of sand.
The Breakers, Palm Beach
It’s hard not to release a giddy squeal when you pull into the grand main drive of The Breakers Palm Beach, lined with royal palms draped in soft white Christmas lights. Even if you’re not staying at the iconic ocean-front resort, it’s worth a visit to soak in the beauty of hotel’s lobby and hallways festooned in lit garlands and pageantry. Need a photo for the family Christmas card? It’s become a cherished South Florida tradition to snap photos in front of the lobby’s two towering evergreen trees bedecked in lights and ornaments, as well as the sculptural menorah.
Guests will also find trees at the entryways of several restaurants, including a Nutcracker-inspired tree; and kids love the immersive outdoor light display that features everything from oversized ornaments to reindeer. Fun fact: The Breakers’ Design Studio spends six days decking the halls with 170,000 twinkle lights, 8,000 ornaments, 12,000 feet of ribbon and 126 bows.
InterContinental Miami, Downtown Miami
If you’re dreaming of a tropical Christmas, InterContinental Miami, a luxe hotel in Downtown Miami and fronting shimmering Biscayne Bay, is pulling out all the jolly stops for the holidays. From Dec. 1-26, the property will double as a Winter Chalet, dressed in festive trimmings, including its lobby where a holiday-themed digital light show will be showcased nightly on Henry Moore’s famous sculpture, “The Spindle.” Expect merry activities for all ages (open to hotel guests and the public), including holiday-themed movies on select nights and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14.
Making spirits bright, “Frosty’s Hideaway at Freddy’s Speakeasy” is an intimate holiday pop-up drinking den where adults can sip themed cocktails like a Yule Mule or a Sugar Cookie Martini and take Insta-worthy photos. Those who wish to stay at the resort for the holiday can book a spacious suite decked out with a Christmas tree, holiday movies and even a hot cocoa bar — and then enjoy a holiday feast at Toro Toro.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando
For a dash of Disney magic, book a hotel located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, which makes it convenient to attend holiday events like “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” at Magic Kingdom Park or “Disney Jollywood Nights” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort embraces epic holiday spirit with a dazzling nightly light show, an eye-popping chocolate display, cozy storytelling sessions and cookie decorating. Hotel guests also have the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, on select nights. And if you’re looking to make Christmas morning memorable for the kids, Santa and his elves will deliver presents, hang stockings nestled with goodies and decorate guest rooms with a Christmas tree, lights and festive decor.
Conrad Orlando
Another Orlando hotel with unbeatable holiday spirit is the new Conrad Orlando, whose expansive pool-lagoon, Evermore Bay, will be on all adults and kids’ nice list. The hotel is offering an array of holiday festivities in December, including Reindeer Games (a scavenger hunt), letters to Santa that can be dropped in the hotel’s special Santa Mailbox, poolside movies, s’mores and holiday sing-a-longs around the firepits and family portraits with the tropical Evermore Bay as the backdrop. Guests can feel like they’re home for Christmas by upgrading to a suite that will be decorated with holiday cheer before arrival, and families can also book an in-room visit by an elf who will read a Christmas-themed story and hand out a special toy to children.
Casa Monica Resort and Spa, St. Augustine
Truly, there’s nowhere else in Florida that does the holidays like St. Augustine. Famous for its annual Nights of Lights celebration (Nov. 23–Jan. 26), the historic city’s downtown dazzles with millions of white lights, and tour companies offer everything from trolley rides to boat trips to see the city aglow in holiday fanfare. Those looking to be in the middle of all the merriment should book a room at the history-rich Casa Monica Resort and Spa, where guests simply step outside the hotel’s front door to be wrapped in a bright wonderland.
The hotel is always dressed in its holiday best and adorned with expertly-trimmed Christmas trees, and guests are treated to strolling carolers in the evenings. On Christmas Day, throw on your matching jammies and grab photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tip: Book a room overlooking the street to enjoy the historic area’s twinkling Christmas lights.
The Equestrian Hotel, Ocala
If escaping to the serenity of Florida’s horse country of Ocala sounds like a Christmas dream, check in to The Equestrian Hotel, a regal hotel on the grounds of The World Equestrian Center, that’s sparks joy with an over-the-top Christmas extravaganza. Kids will be in awe of the glittering 45-foot Christmas tree, loads of twinkling lights, and oversized ornaments sprinkled throughout the Grand Plaza — and they’ll want it all at the Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe where the stuffed animals are bigger than people. (Parents can also shop high-end retailers like Lugano Diamonds for the perfect gift.)
Another reason to stay during the holidays is the Winter Wonderland Spectacular, Nov. 29 – Dec. 23, which features Victorian carolers, real-life toy soldiers jump roping, ice sculptures, and story time and breakfast with Santa. Meander through the Christmas Tree Maze, and you can’t miss the pastry team’s massive gingerbread replica of the sprawling World Equestrian Center.
Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples
The tony town of Naples rolls out the proverbial red carpet for the holidays, especially at the swanky dining and shopping destination of Third Street South. A cherished tradition is the official tree lighting, when Santa arrives on a vintage fire truck to flip the switch, along with can’t-miss events like nightly snowfall and live Christmas music on certain evenings. Ring in the season at Naples Grande Beach Resort, where hotel guests are greeted by an 18-foot Christmas tree in the lobby, and a menorah to mark Hanukkah. Beloved by families and adults without kids (hello, adults-only pool), expect special appearances by the man of the hour, Santa, and his elf sidekicks, poolside ornament decorating, cookie making/decorating and decadent treats at the resort’s many dining outlets.
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Clearwater Beach
Discover another holiday haven for kids and adults at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. Children will squeal as soon as they see the lobby’s Willy Wonka Gingerbread display, a lavish piece of edible artistry made of gingerbread, candy and frosting. After a day of making snow angels in the sand or dipping in the clear water that fronts the hotel, kids will want to head to the Hideaway Hangout Kids Club for holiday-themed crafts, games, family-friendly movies and more. Adults will find solace and self-care at The Spa by JW, where they can gift themselves seasonal treatments like a Winter Warm Ginger Oil massage.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach
Trade a chilly white Christmas for a fantastical, white-sand Christmas at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, known for its prime location on the sugary sands of Miramar Beach (in the northwest panhandle of Florida). The sprawling resort is set on 2,400 acres, and offers numerous vacation rentals, including condos, villas and homes, for families and groups of all sizes looking to celebrate together. The area’s holiday festivities are a spectacle — and kick off Nov. 30, when Santa grandly arrives by horse and carriage to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin to light the village Christmas tree. Throughout December, guests can belt out their favorite holiday songs at the Wednesday Night Concert Series, and gaze at festive light shows every night in December.
This story was originally published October 28, 2024 at 4:57 PM.
