The holidays are right around the corner, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a cozy getaway with friends, family or loved ones.
Below you’ll find a list of the ultimate holiday destinations for 2024, ranging from tropical paradises in Mexico, the Caribbean and Belize to cozy escapes in the US and Europe.
UNITED STATES
- Fairmont Chicago, Chicago, Illinois: Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, is bringing back its much-loved Fairmont Lodge for its fourth consecutive year! Opening November 29 and running through mid-February 2025, the Fairmont Lodge transforms the hotel lobby into a cozy, alpine-inspired escape, brimming with holiday spirit and perfect for wintry gatherings and festive cheer! Nestled between Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, Fairmont Lodge provides a warm retreat from the cold Chicago winter, inviting guests to savor seasonal dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and an inviting “après ski” ambiance. Visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the cozy ambiance of Fairmont Lodge with one of the exclusive culinary packages, perfect for groups of four. Each package offers a reserved table for 90 minutes and is designed to create a memorable experience in a winter wonderland. For those looking to extend the fun, additional guests can join for $36 per person, up to a maximum of 8 guests Fairmont Lodge will be open daily from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight, with live entertainment every Thursday through Saturday. Choose from these festive packages:
- The Spark: Enjoy a delicious house-made S’mores dessert and four signature cocktails for $110 per group of four.
- The Campfire: Indulge in a cheese and charcuterie platter, dessert S’mores, and four signature cocktails for $130 per group.
- The Hearth: Elevate your experience with a choice of sweet or savory fondue, accompanied by an assortment of dipping items, dessert S’mores, and four signature cocktails for $150 per group.
- Available to book on Tock.
- Hotel Zachary, Chicago, Illinois: Situated in Chicago’s vibrant Wrigleyville neighborhood, Hotel Zachary offers a winter haven for guests and locals alike. Guests can indulge in the magical atmosphere of the holidays with an authentic experience and take in the bustling views of Gallagher Way’s winter wonderland across the street. For those looking to make their holiday experience truly unforgettable, Hotel Zachary is offering a special holiday package valid for stays from Sunday through Thursday beginning Sunday, November 17. Those interested in booking the holiday package can do so via Hotel Zachary’s special offers page: hotelzachary.com/special-offers. Pricing varies based on date and room type, and blackout dates apply. Packages include:
- A Ballpark view guest room
- A private Globes on the Terrace reservation for two (2) guests, including the drinks & desserts package
- Daily complimentary breakfast for two (2) guests
- Tropicana Los Cabos; San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur: For travelers looking to chase summer this winter, spending the holidays in San Jose del Cabo promises warm weather, swimmable beaches, incredible food, and rich artistic culture. The city’s newest boutique hotel, Tropicana Los Cabos, is nestled in the heart of the historic downtown, conveniently just 20 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport and a couple blocks away from the gallery district where the renowned San Jose del Cabo Art Walk takes place every Thursday evening from November-June. During this weekly event, local galleries open their doors to showcase local and international work, and this holiday season is the best time to experience it because Tropicana Los Cabos is offering the Artistic Oasis Package which includes a Courtyard King Room with a private terrace, daily breakfast for two at El Patio Restaurant, roundtrip airport shuttle, an art experience and culinary class for two, and daily fruit refreshment. The package starts at $1,805 USD for two guests and three nights, which is a 20% room discount. The booking window is October 1-December 15 for stays between November 1-January 31, 2025. The Artistic Oasis Package is ideal for families looking for a warm-weather getaway, friends looking for a creative destination and unique holiday vacation, or couples in search of a romantic trip in a more intimate and culture-focused setting.
- National Hotel Miami Beach, Miami, Florida: With the holidays approaching, National Hotel Miami Beach is excited to announce a number of opportunities to celebrate onsite. Starting with the Holiday Pop-Up Bar, which transforms this historic Art Deco beachfront property into a Winter Wonderland from December 9th through January 5th. Guests can enjoy dazzling décor, live music, tapas, and a variety of seasonal cocktails, including a partnership with a local charity. Additionally, Mareva 1939, the hotel’s award-winning Spanish tapas restaurant, offers a variety of holiday packages for intimate work dinners and large family gatherings, including a pre-fixed menu by a dedicated culinary team with options for indoor and outdoor settings, buffet packages, the exclusive 1939 package, and tailored beverage selections featuring organic wines and handcrafted cocktails. With seasonal offerings inclusive of unique, flavorful approaches to traditional dishes throughout the holiday season, The National Hotel Miami Beach and the onsite Mareva 1939 create a sophisticated yet fun-filled adults-only atmosphere—perfect for celebrating the festivities!
- Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key, Florida: For a stay filled with holiday magic, head to Hawks Cay Resort, a beloved destination in the heart of the Florida Keys. Celebrating its 40th holiday season, the 60-acre resort offers a variety of festive activities, including Elf Tuck-Ins, where Santa’s helpers read bedtime stories and bring gifts to spread joy, and Santa’s Workshop, where children can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by crafting ornaments with Santa’s elves. Families can gather at Gingerbread Junction to decorate their own gingerbread houses or enjoy personalized performances with Random Acts of Caroling. Guests can also relax with a Calm Waters Christmas spa treatment or cozy up with hot chocolate during Story Time with Mrs. Claus. With a perfect blend of island life and holiday traditions, Hawks Cay creates magical moments for all guests to enjoy.
MEXICO
- Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Experience Christmas Eve in traditional Mexican fashion with the warm hospitality of Fairmont Mayakoba: a newly renovated 5-star resort secluded amidst a 595-acre jungle in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. With ancient ruins, pristine beaches, caverns, sea life and much more, the resort weaves cultural discovery, natural exploration, transformative wellness pursuits, and exquisite culinary adventures for a one-of-a-kind festive travel experience. For the holiday season, Fairmont Mayakoba will be putting on a plethora of merry activities. At the Mexican Tianguis, guests will have the chance to taste a variety of traditional Mexican dishes and participate in seasonal activities. For those who’d like to keep their toes in the sand, the resort’s Christmas dinner at Fuego will offer the same authenticity with a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea, where Santa is expected to make a grand entrance for his annual visit. Finally, this beautiful season closes with a fantastic New Year’s Eve dinner at Tauro Steakhouse, where guests will be welcomed with an elegant reception and cocktails, followed by an exquisite dinner adorned with a festive atmosphere featuring live music, champagne, martinis, and entertainment. Year-round guests can also explore hidden trails, navigate the mangrove-lined canals by boat, tee off at the world-renowned El Camaleón golf course, or simply take a dip in the pool or turquoise sea. One day, the poolside chair beckons. On another, the riviera’s golden sands call for a festive dinner party on the beach. With 401 guest rooms and suites on the beachfront, few hotels in the world offer the wealth of services, festive activities, scenery and hospitality of Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya.
- Dreams® Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico: in Riviera Nayarit and the recently opened: For an unforgettable holiday getaway, seamlessly blending adventure, relaxation and holiday cheer, head to Dreams® Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, an eco-conscious all-inclusive property in Banderas Bay, Riviera Nayarit, sharing space with the adults-only Secrets® Bahia Mita Surf & Spa, both part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. Located between the golden sand, surf-friendly beaches of Banderas Bay and the lush Sierra Madre Mountains near Punta de Mita, this all-suite, all-inclusive resort serves as the ideal home base to experience whale watching and world-class surfing, all while indulging in world-class comforts. Guests can frequently spot these majestic creatures right from their resort balconies or rooftop pools. These resorts kick off the holiday season with a magical tree lighting ceremony on December 1st, followed by festive decorations throughout the properties. Guests can enjoy a variety of New Year’s Eve celebrations, including a special dinner, live shows, and a stunning fireworks display to ring in the new year. Families can indulge in festive fun with activities like decorating gingerbread cookies, while enjoying the resorts’ world-class amenities, including surf lessons, snorkeling, and access to the brand-new 18,600 sq. ft. water park. With eight dining options, seven bars, a kids’ and teens’ club, and nightly entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For a little extra luxury, Secrets® Bahia Mita offers adults-only spaces featuring infinity pools, lounges, and private dining, while exclusive experiences such as tequila tastings and private wine-pairing dinners are also available. With a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and holiday cheer, Dreams® and Secrets® Bahia Mita offer unforgettable festive retreats for all ages.
- Dreams® Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, Mazatlán, Mexico: For a holiday escape filled with festive cheer, head to Dreams® Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, Hyatt’s newest all-inclusive luxury property along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Located within the exclusive Estrella del Mar gated community, the resort boasts 358 suites completed with local artwork and soothing neutral tones accented by pops of blue, each featuring furnished balconies or terraces that offer breathtaking views of the ocean. Redefining service excellence, this all-suite resort invites guests of all ages to indulge in a “Hidden Oasis” experience, complete with the ultimate Unlimited-Luxury® getaway. This family-friendly getaway brings holiday magic to life with special Christmas and New Year’s dinners featuring gourmet dishes and festive holiday cocktails. Families can make cherished memories with activities including decorating gingerbread cookies and enjoying a visit from Santa Claus. With dedicated spaces for adults, kids, and teens, along with unique experiences including tequila tastings and a turtle sanctuary, Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán blends holiday traditions with a tropical paradise for unforgettable celebrations.
- Dreams Big Package: Available at both resorts for bookings made by December 1, 2024 (travel through December 31, 2025), this offer provides guests up to 40% in savings. For an additional $199 USD per room, guests can enjoy an in-room welcome gift, 25-minute couples’ massage, in-room dessert party or mimosa breakfast in bed, and flexible early check-in and late check-out for added convenience.
CARIBBEAN
- Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, St. Maarten: Travelers preferring a warm holiday getaway can head to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, the classic family-friendly all-inclusive report in St. Maarten. Launched in November, the resort’s latest addition, The Ultimate Adults Only Club, adds an elegant, adults-only element to the iconic property. The Ultimate Adults Only Club unveils two levels of private, exclusive accommodation for adult travelers, couples, groups and those seeking a more sophisticated stay. Just in time for holiday travels, guests can expect private check-in, exclusive views of the coastal landscape and plane-spotting, room service, new dining/entertainment feature, and more as part of this upgraded experience. The Ultimate Adults Only Club presents charming new features like the Cloud 9 Rooftop Ba\r, exclusive to club guests and offering curated cocktails and live music, and the Book Sharing Library, where guests can find a good read to accompany their poolside relaxation. Some rooms are also interconnecting, ideal for groups and friend travelers.
EUROPE
- Havilla Voyages, Norway: Offering four sustainable hybrid ships along the historic Norwegian coast, Havila Voyages promises the ultimate winter wonderland with Norwegian holiday traditions and seasonal treats onboard, plus 70+ wintery excursions like feeding reindeer, sledding and visiting local villages. Winter is the time to chase the elusive Northern Lights, and Havila’s Northern Lights Promise gives travelers a chance to sail again if they don’t catch the stunning phenomena on their first voyage. Traveling with Havila allows passengers to get closer to the sights in a sustainable way, from the famous Norwegian fjords to authentic fishing towns.
Borgo San Vincenzo, Montepulciano, Italy: Enjoy a holiday getaway in Tuscany this winter and head to the small Italian village of Montepulciano for a truly magical time. During the winter, truffle season is in full swing, and travelers can experience Tuscany’s famed hilltop towns, charming enclaves, beloved wineries, truffle experiences and famous dining outposts after the crowds have departed. Tuscany’s newest award-winning luxury boutique hotel Borgo San Vincenzo, a re-imagined 18th century borgo located in the prestigious Vino Nobile vineyards, and only a 10-minute drive from the center of the medieval town, serves as an idyllic home base to discover everything the area has to offer. Holiday enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that Montepulciano hosts the largest Christmas village in Central Italy! In Piazza Grande, visitors can experience the Christmas market and a wonderland of artisan stalls, perfect for those looking for holiday gifts. Moreover, families won’t want to miss a visit to the Fortezza, transformed into the Castello di Babbo Natale (Santa’s Castle) for the holiday season. Borgo San Vincenzo brings a fresh take on traditional Tuscan design, featuring 21 luxury studios and suites, The Winemakers’ Bar and wine cellar perfect for private tastings or intimate dinners, a serene garden, an outdoor terrace to enjoy evenings al fresco, The Flying Monk Bar serving classic and craft cocktails, wine flights, aperitivo and late-night tipples, and a sun deck and pool. Travelers dreaming of experiencing the magic of Tuscany during the winter should consider the Suite Escape to Montepulciano special by staying 4 nights for the price of 3, valid for stays from November 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Rates include daily complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary bicycle use, taxes and fees. At Borgo San Vincenzo, guests can celebrate the season with exclusive holiday menus, specialty cocktails and one-of-a-kind experiences including local wine tastings, organic olive oil and pecorino cheese tastings at local farms, cooking and cocktail-making classes, truffle hunting, and tours of the region by foot, horse, e-bike, Vespa, or hot air balloon.
