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Hotel Holiday Traditions Coast to Coast
Partners in Capturing the Spirit of the Season
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Looking for the perfect hotel for an end-of-year celebration, company retreat, or just the right spot to bring people together? Look no further. Our partner hotels are among the best in the business, and each brings its own special touch to make the winter season feel extra-special. Imagining a winter wonderland? Elevated sophistication? Or deciding between a classic or whimsical feel? Whatever your vision, we can bring your winter event aspirations to life while creating a little magic for your guests alongside our partner hotels.
These local gems are scattered from coast to coast, from New York icons and California coastal retreats to Southern classics and Rocky Mountain views. They're more than beautiful places to stay. They're destinations where seasonal experiences are transformed into memorable events.
Take a look at how each creates experiences that inspire guests to gather, connect, celebrate, and come back again and again.
Northeast: The Essence of New York
New York, New York. Is there anywhere more holiday-esque? It’s become synonymous with the holiday season, and few properties embody that tradition like Waldorf Astoria New York. The legendary hotel’s approach to the holidays remains rooted in connection and celebration.
"The holidays at Waldorf Astoria New York are about bringing people together in extraordinary ways," shared Luigi Romaniello, Managing Director at Waldorf Astoria, New York. "For generations, this hotel has been woven into the fabric of New York's holiday traditions, serving as the backdrop for celebrations, reunions, and cherished memories. As we honor that remarkable legacy, we also embrace a modern vision of the season, creating new traditions and unforgettable moments for today's travelers and New Yorkers alike. This is where New York celebrates the season."
That sense of tradition extends beyond the hotel itself. Maggie Mojica, Director of Group Sales at Waldorf Astoria, New York, reflected on cherished family traditions that make the season meaningful. "My absolute favorite part of the holidays is all the good cheer the season brings. There's a feeling of happiness and hope for the new year."
This is what makes New York’s holiday magic so special: an elevated blend of nostalgia, tradition and celebration.
West: Coastal Charm and Desert Glamour
“The holidays at Hotel del Coronado feel like stepping into a storybook by the sea,” said Katie McCasey, Director of Business Development, PRA. As one of Southern California's most iconic resorts, it’s the traditions that make it so special to Katie.
“After 135 years of traditions, guests return year after year, making the Hotel del a part of their family's holiday tradition. What makes the experience truly special is the blend of timeless holiday magic with the resort's unmistakable coastal character. It's a place where nostalgia, celebration, and the beauty of the season come together in a way that feels uniquely Southern California,” she said, “Every corner of the resort is designed to inspire joy and create meaningful memories.”
Fun Holiday Fact
The Hotel del Coronado achieved a significant milestone in holiday history on December 24, 1904, by unveiling the world's first electrically lit, outdoor, living Christmas tree. The resort, which was already recognized as a technological marvel of its time, utilized its existing electrical infrastructure to illuminate a Norfolk Island pine located on the property's plaza. Which still stands to this day.
On California's Central Coast, Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara “holds a special place in the hearts of our Santa Barbara team,” said Maria Axitos, Director of Business Development, PRA. "The incredible Ritz-Carlton staff at this beautiful resort has always welcomed us with such warmth and open arms, making our partnership truly meaningful.”
This year, the property is embracing the season with a festive European-style market experience designed to bring guests, locals, and small businesses together.
According to Maria, the holiday market celebrates "the local suppliers, families, and small businesses that make our community so special." She's especially excited to see the property create "a place for guests and locals to gather, connect, and enjoy the magic of the season."
A few states away, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, adds a touch of glamour. Nicole Schmitz, Executive Director of Sales at Fontainebleau, Las Vegas says, “For us, the holidays are all about bringing people together, and that's exactly what we do every day at Fontainebleau Las Vegas."
Nicole explains, “The resort sets the stage. Our holiday décor brings Fontainebleau's signature glamour to every corner, while the Oasis Ice Rink adds a touch of winter magic under the Las Vegas sky.”
Ultimately, “the holidays are all about bringing people together, and that's exactly what we do every day,” sums up Nicole, “Combined with the warmth and hospitality of our team, Fontainebleau creates a place where groups can celebrate the season, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories."
Mountain West: Denver's Winter Wonderland
At Hyatt Regency Denver, “the holidays are about creating moments that bring people together and make a visit feel special,” said Jacqueline Kennedy, Area Director of Group Sales. “This year, we’re adding a new way to celebrate with our brand-new Mile High Holiday Suite, designed to make a winter stay feel even more memorable.”
Nearby, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is transforming its Peaks Lounge into a seasonal destination, Jacqueline said. “Returning for its third year, The Winter Lodge welcomes guests for festive cocktails accompanied by sweeping Rocky Mountain views from 27 floors above the city.”
Combined with Denver's natural wintry atmosphere, these experiences “bring the spirit of the season to life for guests,” said Jacqueline.
Southeast: Joyful Traditions and Maximalism
In Nashville, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is embracing what Director of Meetings & Events Stephen P. Jackson calls "Joyful Chaos."
The property's lobby will be filled with “joyful maximalism,” Stephen continues, “with a strong push toward rich, moody color palettes, plush textures, oversized embellishments and a revival of traditional reds and luxurious jewel tones.”
One standout seasonal experience is the “Hot Chocolate Affair” at Masons at West End, which Stephen describes as “a playful twist on a traditional afternoon tea” where ornate teapots are filled with hot chocolate, gourmet toppings, handcrafted confections, and live music.
And, heading down Southeast, there’s the standout Conrad Orlando, where the holiday season is about “creating moments that guests will remember long after the season has passed,” said Jill Yurko, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Conrad Orlando. “We want every guest to feel that they have discovered a special place to celebrate, reconnect, and create traditions of their own,” she shared.
The Conrad Orlando brings the holiday spirit to life through a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, where festive culinary experiences, elegant décor and seasonal traditions intersect with the beauty and warmth of a Florida resort.
Ashley Mostaccio, Director of Sales, PRA, shares her personal holiday favorite at the Conrad, “Recharging from the fun and chaos of family time with a Holiday Spice & Everything Nice massage at the Conrad Spa.” Ashley says “it eases away all of the tension I’ve built through the year and pairs with festive aromatherapies such as Balsam, Cinnamon Clove & Orange, or even Peppermint. I love spending the holidays at the Conrad with my family because I always leave feeling indulged, rejuvenated, and with memories.”
These are all deliciously rich examples of how hotels can create holiday experiences that feel both nostalgic and elevated.
Bringing Teams Together
While each destination puts their own spin on the winter holiday season, there’s a common thread: the holidays—and events—are ultimately about connection.
Whether it's gathering around hot chocolate in Nashville, strolling a holiday market in Santa Barbara, ice skating under the Las Vegas sky, toasting above Denver's skyline, or embracing holiday traditions in New York, these experiences create opportunities for people to come together in meaningful ways.
The bottom line? Our hotel partners inspire me by creating moments and lasting memories for guests as we gather together to celebrate the season.
