Hilton properties across the Americas are pulling out all the stops to make the festive season even more memorable for guests. Travelers can expect an abundance of programming, packages, décor, and cuisine such as:
Not Your Average Holiday Décor: Hotels are going above and beyond to transform into an enchanting experience reminiscent of the North Pole.
A Waldorf Wonderland: On Nov. 30, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Resort unveils “Waldorf Wonderland,” its spectacular, gilded-age, block-long lobby adorned with more than 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments. Thousands of visitors flock to the hotel to take photographs, sip on hot chocolates or partake in The Sazerac Bar’s annual handcrafted holiday season libation, attend the annual Teddy Bear Tea, and more.
Elf on the Shelf Butler: The official home of Santa's scout elves, Elf on the Shelf, has taken the world by storm. Now, Conrad Fort Lauderdale is embracing the joyful tradition by debuting a new “Elf on the Shelf Butler” where the resort team will execute the most elaborate Elf displays resulting in the ultimate in-room attraction. Couples can also deck out any suite with a Veuve Clicquot Christmas Tree coupled with Sugarfina champagne candy and a poolside Veuve champagne cart with a private daybed.
Skating by the Sea: Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton brings guests Home for the Holidays as it transforms into a beachfront winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights adorning the hotel’s signature red turrets. This year, guests can enjoy the return of the famed two-story Christmas tree, oceanfront ice rink at Skating by the Sea®, lavish dining, photos with Santa, seasonal movies, and more.
Christmas Tree in the Sand: In Key West, hotel guests at Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort will enjoy a tropical spin on the holidays with a tree lighting event centered around a Christmas Tree made solely of sand by the resort’s resident master sand sculptor. Additional experiences include a toes-in-the-sand Christmas dinner, toy drive benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys, and more.
Upon request, additional examples include: The iconic Waldorf Astoria Chicago Christmas tree and giant Coco Chanel-inspired gingerbread house; watch 80 decorated boats make their way across San Diego Bay when staying at Hilton San Diego Bayfront; The Drake Hotel’s vast Gingerbread Village, and more.
Holiday and New Year’s Eve Experiences Worth Traveling For: Properties across the Americas are inviting travelers to experience over-the-top events, new dining venues, and flavorful menus.
North Pole Texas: Hilton Anatole introduces North Pole Texas featuring Peppermint Park, a new 90-min experience including an experiential train ride through the Anatole Sculpture Park Light Display, Elf Academy, toy workshops to make-your-own teddy bear, Letters to Santa and tours of the North Pole Mission Control Station.
DC Introduces a Swiss Chalet: Conrad Washington DC introduces its beloved annual Alpine Swiss Chalet to the rooftop restaurant, Summit. Bringing an Après Ski experience to the heart of D.C., guests can expect the coziest experience with blankets, alpine cuisine, wines from female winemakers, winter beers from local breweries, and a cocktail list inspired by – and named after – some of the globe’s major mountain summits from Kilimanjaro to Everest. For memorable holiday photos, visit the hotel’s third-floor atrium where a wintertime wonderland will feature a veritable forest of decorated evergreen trees.
Igloo Village in Sedona: Through January, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock guests can relish in its beloved winter wonderland experience with a bright igloo village and holiday chalet set up for a private dining experience under Sedona’s star-filled skies. Indulge in a full calendar of winter wonderland activities such as in-room Elf deliveries and calls with Mrs. Claus to share this year’s wishes.
Upon request, additional examples include Conrad New York Midtown’s pop-up of custom scent creation with Olfactory NYC and a holiday-themed drag queen event at Hilton Des Moines Downtown. New Year’s Eve celebrations include a rum-centric bar, cliffside bungalows, and sunken fire pits at Hilton Los Cabos’ new Enclave Beach Club and live bands and DJs, fireworks show, and more at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort.
Programming with a Cultural Twist: Immerse in cultural festive traditions when staying at the following resorts.
Mexican Kermesse on the Beach: On Monday, December 27, Conrad Punta de Mita will host a Mexican Kermesse inviting guests to a carnival atmosphere on the beach that will include traditional Mexican street food, family-friendly games, music, and dancing. Stop by the resort’s beach for photos and gifts with Santa Claus and his elves on Dec. 25 while enjoying local treats, Mexican Ponche, and more.
Receive The Gift of Tahitian Cultural Immersion: Conrad Bora Bora comes alive with two weeks of daily activities that immerse guests into Tahitian traditions such as outrigger canoeing, workshops from coconut leaf braiding to pareo wearing, ukulele lessons, Aparima traditional dance shows, an Artisan Christmas market, and more.
Pinata-Breaking with Santa: From activities that spark a sense of adventure to events that reflect the essence of Los Cabos, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal’s festive programming brings the rhythm of the region to life. Families can bask in gingerbread house making, magic shows, dive-in movies surrounded by rugged cliffs and coastal breezes, and elaborate dining experiences.
Hotels Giving Back: Hotels are extending their sensational programming by giving back to local charities and spreading much-needed cheer this season.
Conrad Properties Give Back to Children in Need: Four Conrad properties around the U.S. are partnering with local children’s hospitals and organizations to bring the magic of Christmas to children in need. On December 23, the hotels will host a “Hotline to the North Pole” Zoom conversation with Santa (Conrad Fort Lauderdale will partner with the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Conrad Washington DC and Children’s National; Conrad New York Downtown and Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC; and Conrad New York Midtown with Free Arts NYC). On December 24, kids’ imagination will come to life as they connect with Santa via Zoom while savoring house-made cookies and hot cocoa.
Give-Back to Humane Rescue Alliance: Pets of all kinds (from dogs and cats to turtles!) and their owners will receive a professional printed and digital photo with Santa when visiting Washington Hilton on Dec. 4 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Humane Rescue Alliance. Plus, pet parents can enjoy special, delicious holiday treats and more.
Unique Santa Arrivals: Along with holiday programming galore, Santa will arrive at these properties for an unforgettable moment and family photo opportunity.
By Canoe: On Christmas Eve in Hawaii, Santa will arrive by traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe to Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The resort has long been known for its décor and this year, the hotel’s onsite chapel and both will be dressed in merry white, silver, and gold lighting.
By Jet Ski: Santa arrives at Candy Cane Beach Lane at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino via jet ski on Christmas Eve, no reindeer needed! Additional programming will include Frosty the Sandman weekly sand sculpting competition, complete with a kit that contains fun props such as decorative starfishes, sunglasses, fedoras, and driftwood to inspire creativity.
By Innertube: At Hilton Orlando, Santa will relax on an innertube as he starts his vacation on Dec. 26 lounging in the resort’s 892-foot-long winding Lazy River. Additional experiences for families will include Gingerbread House Decorating, Santa Scavenger Hunts, and more culminated by Santa's Kickoff to Vacation poolside party.
By Carriage, Mariachi Band, and Traditional Jarabe Tapatio Dancers: In Los Cabos, Mexico, Santa arrives on Christmas morning in a carriage with good wishes for all guests at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. His festive escort is led by a mariachi band and by traditional dancers that perform Jarabe Tapatío.