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The best hotels to experience Christmas in

Festive feasts and winter sun – get our top picks for hotels to spend Christmas in.
People who book holidays over the Christmas period usually fall into two camps – those who want to get away from all the OTT decorations and festive cheer (aka Grinches), and those who want to have the best Christmas ever. If you’re in the Christmas-loving crew, holiday destinations like Lapland – Santa’s actual hometown – and New York City – the setting of all those classic Crimbo films – will be right up your (Quality) street.

Here’s our pick of the top hotels to have a truly tinsel-tastic time in. And, don’t worry, Santa delivers presents to hotels too…

CHRISTMAS COTTAGES, LAPLAND

If you started your Christmas countdown in June, you’re probably a bit Christmas-obsessed, and there’s nowhere better to spend the festive holiday than Santa’s homeland. Lapland is literally the destination of dreams for Christmas lovers young and old. There’s Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi where you can meet the big man himself, loads of snow sports like ice skating and snowmobile riding to try, plus the chance to meet some real reindeer and husky pups.

Take the whole family away for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Rovaniemi, and stay at the aptly-named Christmas Cottages. These snug chalets are the perfect place to relax after days spent hanging out with Santa and his elves. Each one has a sauna, a self-catered kitchen, and loads of cosy soft furnishings to keep you extra snug, too.

SANTA'S IGLOOS ARCTIC CIRCLE, LAPLAND

Lapland isn’t just for kids you know, there’s plenty in the way of adults-only experiences too. Santa’s Village aside, you’ve got romantic husky sled rides across the snowy landscape, ice bars and Rovaniemi’s lively nightlife scene. Plus, there’s the chance to explore some seriously magical fairytale-like landscapes and even see the Northern Lights.

For a truly romantic escape, stay at Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle from our Platinum collection. These snug, glass-roofed domes make you feel as if you’re camping in the wilderness and give you an amazing view of the night sky. Get there on Christmas Eve and you’ll be able tuck into a traditional gala meal with all your Christmas dinner faves plus some international dishes thrown into the mix.

LOEWS REGENCY HOTEL, NEW YORK

Second to Lapland, there are few things more magical than Christmas in New York City. It’s the home of some of those classic Christmas films after all – Home Alone, Elf and Miracle on 34th Street, to name a few. Head there for the festive season and you can spend the Christmas Day of your dreams ice-skating in Central Park, seeing the giant Rockefella Centre Christmas tree and catching a West End show. Stay at the Loews Regency Hotel and your jolly holiday will be extra special, too. To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, the hotel puts on a special programme of treats for guests. Previous experiences have included a complimentary hot chocolate happy hour, an acapella singing group to perform carols, and luxurious loungewear gifted to guests. Of course, you can expect glittering decorations everywhere and a huge tree welcoming you every time you walk into the lobby, too.

FOSSHOTEL, ICELAND

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head to Iceland. Not only is it excellent snowman-making territory compared to the UK, rumour has it that Icelanders genuinely believe in elves, so you might spot Santa’s little helpers when you’re out and about. The capital, Reykjavik, is the place to be if you want to experience Iceland’s Christmas traditions. Here the main shopping streets are filled with carollers and decorations, and loads of restaurants are open on Christmas Day for dinner. Occasionally, one of Iceland’s Santas will pay a visit too – yep, they don’t just have one, they have 13. Stay at the Fosshotel in Reykjavik to be right in the heart of the action over the festive period. The centrally-located hotel is the largest in Iceland, and boasts its own fine dining eatery where you can tuck into a four course feast.

THE BELLAGIO, LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas is a buzzing metropolis at the best of times, and the city of sin doesn’t stop for a break at Christmas either. Head there for festive season and you can expect pretty much everything to be open – casinos, attractions, shops, bars and restaurants included. If you’re after some OTT Christmas cheer, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Bellagio. Over the festive season, the famous fountains dance to classic Christmas tunes including Santa Baby and O Holy Night. And, in the hotel’s conservatory and botanical gardens, you’ll find a nostalgic Christmas scene made up of thousands of sparkling lights, snow-speckled trees and arctic animal statues. The famous buffet at The Bellagio also serves up a Christmas special with traditional treats plus Italian, Japanese and Chinese dishes, too.
Ready to have the best Christmas ever?
Browse our holidays to Lapland, Iceland, New York and Las Vegas. Or read, the best places to spend Christmas abroad.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Selina Akhtar

Last updated: 20.10.2017.

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