Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, winter solstice, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve – whatever is to be celebrated in the darkest season of the northern hemisphere, these 10 hotels celebrate it with lots of light and good humor.
The Wilburton – Manchester, Vermont
The Wilburton in Manchester, Vermont – photo courtesy Jeff Fox
The halls of this graceful 1902 mansion converted into a country inn, nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountain Ranges in southwest Vermont, are truly decked out for the Christmas season. In addition, dogs are very welcome here and a characteristic season Wilburton Event is the Christmas slumber party weekend for dogs in early December.
For people, Manchester is a vacation shopper’s haven with the Manchester Designer Outlets ’40+ stores and numerous locally owned shops and art galleries all less than 10 minutes’ drive away.
Woodstock Inn & Resort – Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont – Photo courtesy of Woodstock Inn & Resort
This truly picturesque village hosts an annual Wassail weekend in early December that revives an old English festival that marks the end of the busy harvest season and honors the abundance of nature.
During the entire holiday season there is no warmer winter reception than that Woodstock Inncrackling log fire in the lobby inviting you to sit, read or just look at the wreaths, garlands, fairy lights and trees that mark this magical season. The huge gingerbread house in the lobby is two meters high and turns into a delicious playhouse for children to explore.
Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire – photo courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
Surrounded by the White Mountains and close to the resort’s own Bretton Woods ski area, this classic grand hotel is the glittering centerpiece of a true winter landscape. the historical omni hotel is filled with Christmas carols played on the conservatory’s rare Steinway piano; the smell of Mrs. Claus hot cocoa parties; and the sight of beautifully lit trees and decorations that add even more shine to this Golden Age beauty.
Snowvillage Inn – Snowville, New Hampshire
Snowvillage Inn in Snowville, New Hampshire – Photo courtesy Carrie Steeves / Snowvillage Inn
The village of Snowville is named after the Snow family who started a sawmill there in 1825, but you might think the name was derived from the annual deep blanket of snow that greets visitors.
the InnThe snowshoe program includes guided tours through the surrounding forests. Inside the inn, the fireplace in the lobby and the antique wood stove in the dining room create a cozy hut atmosphere. Vacation activities include wreath making and the annual Mount Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour.
Harraseeket Inn – Freeport, Maine
Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine – Photo courtesy of Harraseeket Inn
The inn is the perfect base for Christmas shopping in the Freeport outlet stores and for enjoying the annual Sparkle Celebration in early December, which begins with the citywide Sparkle Parade and the arrival of Santa Claus by boat on the Harraseeket River. Just watch out for the magical talking Christmas tree in the city center!
The family business Harraseeket Inn has cozy suites with real wood fireplaces. Afternoon tea is served daily by the fireplace in the salon, with a giant polar bear sitting on its little wing at the top.
Kennebunkport Inn – Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine – Photo courtesy Nicole Wolf
This seaside inn is another place to catch the seasonal festivities of a small New England town, including the annual Christmas Prelude. The summer crowds are over and a much gentler atmosphere unfolds – until a wild winter storm gives another reason to cuddle.
Then this inn in the center of the coastal city in the heart of Dock Square becomes particularly cozy. For the holidays is the Inn transforms into its own Christmas village, the guest rooms are also festively decorated.
Encore Boston Harbor – Everett, Massachusetts
Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts – photo courtesy Barbara Kraft
When it comes to everything that glitters Encore Hotel in Boston Harbor looks pretty spectacular all year round, but the holiday season adds some extra sparkle and glamor as traditional garlands and trees are placed around the lobby’s pop art installations and colorful carousel.
Should it snow, just leave it because you don’t have to go outside to chat or dine – dine in one of the several restaurants, relax in the spa – in this one-stop-for-fun casino- Resort north of Boston.
Fairmont Copley Plaza – Boston, Massachusetts
Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts – photo courtesy Jill Person Photography
This charming historic sister hotel to New York’s famous Plaza Hotel is located in Boston’s Back Bay right on Copley Square, where the country’s oldest first night celebration takes place.
the Fairmont Copley Plaza celebrates with a midnight light show on the roof and invites you to linger in the elegant OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, which has two chimneys for gathering, throughout the holidays. Overnight guests can make themselves comfortable in front of their own fireplace in a luxury suite.
Ocean House – Westerly, Rhode Island
Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island – photo courtesy Ocean House
Après-ski style at this luxurious coastal retreat in the tranquil Watch Hill village, just steps from the resort’s private beach. The holiday season in the beautifully decorated Relais & Chateaux Ocean House includes cable car cabins for lunch and dinner on the terrace.
Among the many seasonal festivities in the resort, Santa Claus has a special brunch and the in-house center for wine and culinary arts offers gingerbread workshops.
Winvian Farm – Morris, Connecticut
Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut – photo courtesy Winvian Farm
Silent Night: Winvian Farm is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and at the same time enjoying the cozy comfort of the season. Set on 113 acres in the beautiful Litchfield Hills, this is a rural retreat set around an original 1775 farmhouse surrounded by cottages that range in themes from a rustic log cabin to one built around a real helicopter.
The inn has a world-class spa and one of Connecticut’s finest restaurants, mostly supplied from its own gardens and surrounding farms, and heated by glowing fireplaces. In fact, the inn has 30 fireplaces throughout the property, offering plenty of opportunities to view the solstice and the end of the year.
