Celebrate the festive season and discover a new city full of holiday bliss. From snow to palm trees, Marriott International (No. 8 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list) hotels across the Americas are offering winter getaways to these unexpected destinations for some holiday joy and to experience another destination on the travel wish list.
Where should you go
Some of the coolest destinations to offer merry celebrations, activities and holiday spirit are: Asheville, NC Branson, MO Medina, OH Las Vegas, NV Louisville, KY/Santa Claus, IN Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Seattle/Leavenworth, WA Toronto, ON Canada and Washington, DC.
Asheville, NC
Situated in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville lends itself to a picture-perfect backdrop for all holiday happenings. Visit the city’s biggest attraction as the Biltmore Estate adorns 55 elaborate hand-decorated trees, 1,000 poinsettias, and miles of garland. New for 2017, guests can visit The Biltmore Winery, where 7,000 globe-shaped ornaments will hang from the ceiling creating the illusion of being inside a bottle of sparkling wine. Settle in at the brand newAC Hotel Asheville Downtownwhere every hand-selected detail fuses local culture with the brand’s European roots.
Branson, MO
Holiday celebrations continue through New Year’s Day in this Ozark town. Branson does not disappoint, offering up an array of holiday-themed activities from exploring Silver Dollar City home to the 6.5 million lights display and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees to a relaxing ride on the Branson Scenic Railway’s Polar Express train ride. Travelers looking to rest in between fun-filled days can stay at the cozyMarriott’s Willow Ridge Lodgewhere spacious accommodations range from traditional guest rooms to two-bedroom villas.
Medina, OH
Take a trip down movie memory lane with your family in Medina, OH and visit the world’s largest privately-owned collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes at Castle Noel. Rediscover your favorite Christmas movies, meet Santa, play mini golf and even slide down the infamous Santa Mountain. Stay at theRenaissance Cleveland Hotel, a local landmark, in nearby Cleveland. The hotel is near Public Square, close to attractions like boutiques, restaurants, and a movie theater, perfect for the family.
Las Vegas, NV
Known for its mild winter temperatures, Las Vegas is the perfect holiday getaway for those looking to spend some time outdoors without the snowy conditions. Each holiday season, the Boulevard Pool atThe Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, part of Autograph CollectionHotels, transforms into a winter wonderland high above The Las Vegas Strip. Featuring The Ice Rink, guests can skate across 4,200 square feet of real ice, roast s’mores by the fire, enjoy holiday feature films displayed on the 65-foot marquee, and indulge in seasonal food and beverage offerings, complete with light snow showers and a 36-foot-tall Christmas tree. Additional winter experiences throughout the resort include a digital art display titled, “Little Winter,” featured on the property’s digital lobby columns and live concerts throughout the holiday season.
Louisville, KY/Santa Claus, IN
Set sail aboard the Mary M Miller riverboat in Louisville, KY for brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Offered on two consecutive Saturdays in December, Louisville at Sea Level is home to the traditional holiday celebration on the Ohio River. Before setting sail be sure to check into theFairfield Inn & Suites LouisvilleDowntownwhere visitors can easily access delicious restaurants and upbeat nightlife. For those looking to escape the city, take an hour drive to America’s Christmas Hometown -Santa Claus, IN. Each year the locals celebrate the holiday season with festivities like a themed parade, a candy castle that sells favorite treats, and Santa’s Land of Lights, a 1.2 mile drive-through holiday light show.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a great destination for travelers looking to get into the holiday spirit. The City of Brotherly Love is home to the German Christmas Village, the Blue Cross RiverRink & Winter Festival, RIM Cafe’s Original Volcano Hot Chocolate, and so much more! Stay in the heart of it all at theAloft Philadelphia Downtownand enjoy live acoustic performances from some of the hottest emerging artists at Aloft’s W XYZ Bar.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix spreads holiday cheer this season with unique activities that light up the city. Celebrating its 26thyears, ZooLights will illuminate the Phoenix Zoo with over a million holiday lights making up animal structures while the Desert Botanical Garden lines its extraordinary paths with thousands of luminarias perfect for a holiday-inspired photo.JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spaoffers the perfect warmer weather escape with a spa, two championship golf courses and five sparkling pools.
Seattle/Leavenworth, WA
The Emerald City offers travelers an abundance of holiday-inspired activities from Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden to stopping by Dilenttante Mocha Caf where six varieties of hot chocolate are served up from over-sized melting pots. Warm up at the newW Bellevueby cozying up to one of the multiple fireplaces or sipping a cocktail at the speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge Civility & Unrest. Explore outside of Seattle with a trip to the unique Bavarian town, Leavenworth, known for its outdoor activities. From skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides to the Bavarian-style Christmas Markt, a getaway to Seattle will get anyone into the holiday spirit.
Toronto, ON Canada
Canada will not disappoint those seeking a true winter wonderland. Situated in an unparalleled location, experience contemporary sophistication at theDelta Hotels Toronto. Spend the day with a stroll through Toronto’s Christmas Market, home to an array of activities from Distillery District Walking Tours to a life-sized Gingerbread House. Make your way to Caf Belong for the infamous seasonal My Lover’s Old Fashioned cocktail featuring Canadian Dark Horse Whisky and smoked chili infused maple syrup.
Washington, DC
From ice skating in the Sculpture Garden on the National Mall and luxury shopping in CityCenterDC, to a Christmas-themed bar called “Miracle on Seventh Street” and a downtown holiday market, in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, featuring local bespoke artisans; the District offers something for every traveler looking for holiday cheer. Situated on famed Connecticut Avenue and considered Washington’s second best address, the historicMayflower Hotel, an Autograph CollectionHotel offers guests a warm retreat featuring luxury suites and renowned personal service.
Explore travel destinations, activities and experiences with fall rates throughout the Americas:
