Best Hotels with Free Christmas Activities
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. What better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by indulging in a festive getaway at a hotel that offers complimentary Christmas activities? Imagine waking up to the aroma of gingerbread, participating in a carol sing-along, and enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace – all without having to reach for your wallet. This article unveils some of the best hotels around the world that go above and beyond to provide guests with a magical and unforgettable Christmas experience, completely free of charge. From charming boutique hotels nestled in snow-covered villages to grand resorts offering a plethora of festive entertainment, we’ve curated a list to cater to every traveler’s taste and budget.
North America: A Winter Wonderland of Free Festive Fun
North America, with its vast landscapes and diverse cultural influences, is a treasure trove of hotels that embrace the Christmas spirit. Many establishments offer a range of complimentary activities, from traditional tree-lighting ceremonies to visits from Santa Claus himself. Let’s explore some of the top contenders.
The Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta, Canada
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, The Fairmont Banff Springs transforms into a veritable Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The hotel offers a plethora of free activities, including carol singing, gingerbread house decorating workshops, and festive storytelling sessions. Guests can also enjoy complimentary ice skating on the hotel’s outdoor rink, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The hotel’s grand hall is adorned with magnificent Christmas trees and twinkling lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Regular events like meet-and-greets with Santa, Christmas movie nights, and guided nature walks through the snow-covered landscape are also on the schedule, ensuring that every guest has a memorable and festive stay. They also offer complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider in the lobby throughout the day.
Beyond the planned activities, the sheer ambiance of the Fairmont Banff Springs during Christmas is a draw in itself. The castle-like architecture, combined with the festive decorations, creates a fairytale setting. The hotel’s restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional holiday dishes, adding to the overall festive experience. The dedicated concierge team is always on hand to assist with arranging local excursions, such as dog sledding or skiing, further enhancing the winter wonderland experience.
The Plaza, New York City, USA
An iconic landmark in the heart of New York City, The Plaza Hotel exudes elegance and sophistication, especially during the Christmas season. While staying at The Plaza is undoubtedly a splurge, the hotel offers a variety of complimentary Christmas activities that make the experience even more special. Children can participate in cookie decorating classes, attend festive story time sessions, and even enjoy a personal visit from Santa Claus. The hotel’s famed Palm Court hosts special Christmas afternoon teas, accompanied by live music and enchanting holiday decorations. The lobby is transformed into a festive spectacle with towering Christmas trees and elaborate displays, providing the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. Many of these events, especially those targeted toward children, are complimentary for hotel guests. Beyond these structured events, The Plaza benefits from being located in the center of New York City’s Christmas celebrations. Guests have easy access to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue, and Christmas markets in Bryant Park and Union Square.
The Plaza also offers complimentary holiday movies in its grand ballroom on select evenings. These screenings often feature classic Christmas films that appeal to both children and adults. The hotel’s concierge can also assist with securing tickets to popular Christmas shows, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable holiday experience. The hotel’s commitment to creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families seeking a memorable Christmas getaway.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
This sprawling resort in Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its extravagant Christmas celebrations. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center goes all out with its “A Country Christmas” event, featuring millions of twinkling lights, elaborate Christmas displays, and a variety of festive activities. While some activities require a paid ticket, many are complimentary for hotel guests. These include the dazzling light displays that adorn the resort’s indoor gardens, the mesmerizing fountain shows synchronized to Christmas music, and the opportunity to stroll through the resort’s themed areas, each decorated in a unique and festive style. Many evenings feature complimentary live musical performances of traditional Christmas carols, adding to the festive ambiance. The sheer scale of the resort’s Christmas decorations is breathtaking and makes it a truly memorable destination for the holiday season.
The Gaylord Opryland also offers a complimentary scavenger hunt throughout the resort, encouraging guests to explore the various themed areas and discover hidden Christmas treasures. This activity is especially popular with families and provides a fun and engaging way to experience the resort’s Christmas festivities. The resort also features numerous photo opportunities with Christmas characters, including Santa Claus and his elves, creating lasting memories for guests of all ages. The sheer variety of complimentary activities and the breathtaking scale of the resort’s Christmas decorations make it a top destination for families seeking a magical and unforgettable holiday getaway.
Europe: A Classic Christmas Experience
Europe is steeped in Christmas traditions, and many hotels offer complimentary activities that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. From Christmas markets to festive concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Ritz Paris, France
Synonymous with luxury and elegance, The Ritz Paris transforms into a festive haven during the Christmas season. While a stay at The Ritz Paris comes with a hefty price tag, the hotel offers a range of complimentary Christmas activities to enhance the guest experience. The hotel’s iconic lobby is adorned with a magnificent Christmas tree and elaborate decorations, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy complimentary carol singing in the lobby on select evenings, as well as festive storytelling sessions for children. The hotel also hosts complimentary Christmas cocktail receptions, providing guests with the opportunity to mingle and celebrate the holiday season in style. The Ritz Paris’ commitment to impeccable service and attention to detail ensures that every guest has a memorable and unforgettable Christmas experience.
The Ritz Paris also offers complimentary guided tours of the hotel’s Christmas decorations, providing guests with insights into the history and artistry behind the displays. The hotel’s concierge can also assist with arranging visits to nearby Christmas markets and attractions, further enhancing the festive experience. The hotel’s restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional French cuisine, adding to the overall culinary delight. The Ritz Paris’ reputation for unparalleled luxury and its dedication to creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly special Christmas getaway.
The Goring, London, England
A family-run hotel with a rich history and impeccable service, The Goring is a beloved institution in London. During the Christmas season, The Goring exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering a range of complimentary activities for its guests. The hotel’s Christmas decorations are tasteful and elegant, reflecting its traditional British charm. Guests can enjoy complimentary carol singing in the lobby on select evenings, as well as festive storytelling sessions for children. The hotel also hosts complimentary mulled wine and mince pie receptions, providing guests with the opportunity to mingle and celebrate the holiday season in style. The Goring’s commitment to providing personalized service and creating a welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families seeking a traditional Christmas getaway.
The Goring also offers complimentary Christmas cookie decorating classes for children, providing a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. The hotel’s concierge can also assist with arranging visits to nearby Christmas markets and attractions, such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The hotel’s restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional British cuisine, including roast turkey and Christmas pudding. The Goring’s reputation for impeccable service and its dedication to creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for travelers seeking a classic British Christmas experience.
Hotel Sacher, Vienna, Austria
Famous for its Sachertorte, Hotel Sacher is a Viennese institution that embodies elegance and tradition. During the Christmas season, Hotel Sacher transforms into a festive wonderland, offering a range of complimentary activities for its guests. The hotel’s Christmas decorations are opulent and dazzling, reflecting its grand Viennese heritage. Guests can enjoy complimentary carol singing in the lobby on select evenings, as well as festive storytelling sessions for children. The hotel also hosts complimentary punch and cookie receptions, providing guests with the opportunity to mingle and celebrate the holiday season in style. The Hotel Sacher’s dedication to providing impeccable service and creating a magical atmosphere makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a classic Viennese Christmas experience.
Hotel Sacher also offers complimentary guided tours of the hotel’s Christmas decorations, providing guests with insights into the history and artistry behind the displays. The hotel’s concierge can also assist with arranging visits to nearby Christmas markets and concerts, further enhancing the festive experience. The hotel’s restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional Austrian cuisine, including goose and Sachertorte. The Hotel Sacher’s reputation for unparalleled luxury and its dedication to creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly special Christmas getaway in Vienna.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Unique Christmas Hotel Experiences
While the grand hotels mentioned above offer unparalleled luxury and festive activities, there are also many smaller, boutique hotels that provide unique and memorable Christmas experiences, often with a more intimate and personal touch.
The Hotel Santa, Rovaniemi, Finland
For a truly immersive Christmas experience, consider a stay at The Hotel Santa in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official home of Santa Claus. While not all activities are free, the hotel offers a range of complimentary festive experiences that make it a truly magical destination. Guests can enjoy complimentary visits to Santa’s Village, located just a short distance from the hotel, where they can meet Santa Claus, visit his post office, and experience the magic of the Arctic Circle. The hotel also offers complimentary sleigh rides through the snow-covered forests, providing a truly unforgettable winter wonderland experience. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s sauna, a traditional Finnish experience that is especially welcome during the cold winter months. The hotel’s location in the heart of Lapland makes it an ideal base for exploring the region’s unique Christmas traditions and attractions.
The Hotel Santa also offers complimentary storytelling sessions for children, where they can hear traditional Finnish Christmas tales. The hotel’s restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional Lappish cuisine, including reindeer meat and lingonberry jam. The hotel’s commitment to creating a magical and authentic Christmas experience makes it a top choice for families seeking a truly unforgettable holiday getaway. While some activities require an additional fee, the complimentary experiences offered by the hotel make it a worthwhile destination for anyone seeking a truly immersive Christmas adventure.
The Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
For a truly unique and unforgettable Christmas experience, consider a stay at The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. This extraordinary hotel is built entirely of ice and snow each year, offering a truly magical and surreal experience. While a stay at The Icehotel is undoubtedly a splurge, the hotel offers a range of complimentary activities that make it even more special. Guests can enjoy complimentary guided tours of the hotel, learning about its construction and the artistry behind the ice sculptures. The hotel also offers complimentary ice sculpting workshops, providing guests with the opportunity to create their own icy masterpieces. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s sauna, a welcome respite from the cold. The sheer novelty of staying in a hotel made entirely of ice makes it a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.
The Icehotel also offers complimentary storytelling sessions around a roaring fire, where guests can hear traditional Swedish Christmas tales. The hotel’s restaurant offers special Christmas menus featuring traditional Swedish cuisine, including reindeer meat and cloudberry jam. The Icehotel’s commitment to providing a unique and unforgettable experience makes it a top choice for adventurous travelers seeking a truly special Christmas getaway. While the cost of staying at The Icehotel is significant, the complimentary activities and the sheer novelty of the experience make it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking a truly unforgettable Christmas adventure.
Treehotel, Harads, Sweden
For a unique and eco-friendly Christmas experience, consider a stay at the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden. This innovative hotel features a collection of unique treehouses designed by leading architects, offering a truly unforgettable and immersive nature experience. While the Treehotel doesn’t offer explicitly “Christmas” themed activities, the atmosphere of being nestled in a snow-covered forest during the holiday season is inherently festive. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s sauna, a welcome respite from the cold. The hotel also offers complimentary snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing guests with the opportunity to explore the surrounding winter landscape. The sheer novelty of staying in a treehouse surrounded by snow-covered trees makes it a truly magical and unforgettable Christmas experience.
The Treehotel also offers complimentary storytelling sessions around a roaring fire, where guests can hear traditional Swedish folk tales. The hotel’s restaurant offers special winter menus featuring locally sourced and organic ingredients. The Treehotel’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to providing a unique and immersive nature experience make it a top choice for environmentally conscious travelers seeking a truly special Christmas getaway. While the Treehotel may not offer traditional Christmas activities, the atmosphere of being surrounded by nature during the holiday season is inherently festive and provides a unique and memorable experience.
Tips for Booking Your Festive Hotel Getaway
Planning a Christmas hotel getaway requires careful consideration and advance booking, especially given the high demand during the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you secure the best deals and ensure a memorable experience:
- Book Early: Christmas is a peak travel season, so it’s essential to book your hotel well in advance, ideally several months ahead of your travel dates. This will not only increase your chances of securing your preferred room type but also allow you to take advantage of early-bird discounts and promotions.
- Consider Midweek Stays: If possible, consider booking your stay for midweek rather than weekends, as rates are often lower during the week. This can help you save money without compromising on the quality of your experience.
- Look for Packages: Many hotels offer Christmas packages that include accommodations, meals, and activities. These packages can often be more cost-effective than booking each element separately. Be sure to compare different packages and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Check for Complimentary Activities: Before booking, carefully review the hotel’s website or contact the concierge to inquire about complimentary Christmas activities. This will help you maximize your enjoyment of the festive season without incurring additional costs.
- Read Reviews: Before making your final decision, read reviews from other travelers who have stayed at the hotel during the Christmas season. This will provide you with valuable insights into the hotel’s festive atmosphere, quality of service, and overall guest experience.
- Factor in Location: Consider the hotel’s location in relation to local attractions and Christmas events. A centrally located hotel will allow you to easily explore the city’s festive offerings, such as Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and holiday light displays.
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance: Unexpected events can occur, so it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, providing you with peace of mind during your holiday getaway.
Conclusion: Create Lasting Christmas Memories
A Christmas hotel getaway is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and create lasting memories with loved ones. By choosing a hotel that offers complimentary Christmas activities, you can enjoy a festive and unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. From the grand hotels of North America and Europe to the unique ice hotels of Scandinavia, there’s a perfect Christmas hotel waiting to be discovered. Remember to book early, research your options, and prioritize hotels that offer a range of complimentary festive activities. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you can create a Christmas getaway that will be cherished for years to come. The magic of Christmas lies not just in the gifts we receive but in the experiences we share. A well-planned Christmas hotel getaway can provide the perfect backdrop for creating those unforgettable moments, leaving you with memories that will warm your heart long after the holiday season has passed. So, start planning your festive escape today and prepare to embrace the joy and wonder of Christmas in style!
