Growing up, the holiday season officially began when my mom dressed my sister and me in party frocks, crammed our feet into shiny Mary Janes, and whisked us to a decked-out hotel to marvel at the decor. I can still feel the glucose spike of the post-tour Shirley Temple, our reward for indulging in her favorite December tradition.
If you’re longing for a similar dose of holiday hotel magic, you’re in luck. Across the South, the tradition of decking the halls (and lobbies and guest rooms) with flair is alive and well. Here’s where to find the most glamorous displays.
Sea Island, Georgia
Even if it’s a balmy 64 degrees on Christmas day, the Cloister feels merry and bright thanks to the 100,000 lights, 2,800 feet of garland, and ninety-five Christmas trees scattered across the historic Spanish-Mediterranean complex. Don’ t miss the property’s impressive gingerbread house, produced by the Sea Island Bake Shop.
Austin, Texas
The Driskill takes exterior illumination to the extreme by giving Santa an unmistakable outdoor beacon. The 138-year-old landmark transforms into a glowing candy cane, its Victorian edifice lit up in red and green stripes. The enchantment continues indoors with a sixteen-foot Douglas fir tree stationed below a Tiffany-style stained glass dome at the base of the grand staircase. On December 6, Santa himself stops by for the tree lighting and a toast, perhaps best enjoyed from a perch in the property’s new champagne bar.
Nashville, Tennessee
Though Music City is continually evolving, the Hermitage Hotel stands as a stalwart symbol of the past and, come December, a commitment to opulence. Here you’ll find swags of magnolia leaves gracing fireplace mantels and a fifteen-foot tree in the center of the grand lobby. You can appreciate the finery during the Breakfast with Santa on December 24, when a jolly brunch turns the space into the next best thing to the North Pole.
Richmond, Virginia
Even in the dead of summer, the Jefferson Hotel, Richmond’s 1895 Beaux Arts masterpiece, is impressive. But it’s even grander during the holidays when the staff trims it in garlands and red ribbons and erects a thirty-foot tree in the center of the two-story atrium, drawing the eye upward to the stained glass windows and gold-leaf ornamentation. The scenery makes for what my family calls prime CCQ—Christmas Card Quality—photos.
Asheville, North Carolina
The mere fact that the Omni Grove Park Inn is open this winter following the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene is cause enough for celebration. But the iconic Asheville property takes mountain majesty to new peaks with its cozy fireside wreaths and rustic Christmas trees. Guests can marvel at more than forty-five gingerbread creations, which are showcased at the inn and along the Gingerbread Trail of Giving, a delightful display supporting storm recovery efforts.
Memphis, Tennessee
While the Peabody’s resident ducks usually take center stage with their twice-daily lobby waddles, winter brings some stiff competition in the form of a breathtaking Christmas tree standing thirty feet tall and glittering with approximately 15,000 lights and 2,000 ornaments. Enhancing the ambiance, illuminated garlands cascade from the mezzanine into the lobby below.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
Meadows of Dan, Virginia
It doesn’t get more “winter wonderland” in the South than Primland, a vast estate tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness of western Virginia. The property’s commitment to holiday luxury can be seen in its partnership with leather goods maker Ghurka, which has crafted accessories that adorn the Lodge’s grand Christmas tree. But the real showstopper is the Christmas Tree Concierge, which will turn your room into a cozy holiday sanctuary with a fresh-cut fir adorned with your hand-selected trimmings.
New Orleans, Louisiana
It’s as if a giant Christmas cracker exploded in the Roosevelt Hotel’s gilded entryway, scattering glitter from floor to ceiling. In reality, you’re gazing at forty-six dazzling Christmas trees. You might feel tempted to grab some shades to navigate the block-long lobby, but a smarter move? Retreat to the cozy shadows of the legendary Sazerac Bar for a spirited cocktail.
