Ho, ho, ho, how are the holidays already here?! The most magical time of year is upon us, and I can’t believe how fast it snuck up. Thanksgiving was so late this year, and with Christmas right around the corner, anyone who might not have their holiday plans set yet, might feel overwhelmed, but fear not! If your wish from Santa is for a last-minute holiday escape, consider this your Christmas miracle. From snow-dusted winter adventures in Jackson Hole to channeling The Andrews Sisters’ Mele Kalikimaka spirit in Kaua‘i, we put together a roundup of five last-minute holiday getaways for every type of jolly traveler (as long as they were on the nice list this year!).
Frost, Feast & Fireside in Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole is best captured during the whimsy and wonder of winter. During the holidays, the entire town gets into the jolly spirit with a flurry of festive cheer. In the heart of the city, the Town Square glows with twinkling lights, an ice skating rink for gliding by the famed antler arches, and Santa on the Square with nightly visits from the big man himself through December 24, hearing wish lists and spreading holiday magic. Families can continue the festive fun at The Lodge at Jackson Hole, where little ones can stay toasty with a hot cocoa bar, Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt and holiday movie screenings. The lobby’s oversized Christmas tree, fireplace mantel with shimmering stockings, and indoor heated pool keep the merriment going for all ages. At Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Christmas is elevated alpine style with a six-course tasting menu at the Wild Sage Restaurant. Menu highlights include torched Japanese wagyu draped over sweet Maine lobster atop brioche, and turbot crowned with hollandaise and caviar, each course perfectly paired with a hand-selected wine. After dinner, relax fireside with a craft cocktail in hand or soak in the expansive hot tub under the falling snow.
May You Be Merry & Bright in Baja, Mexico
Christmas in Cabo calls for something truly special, and Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa offers a celebration equal parts elevated and effortlessly coastal. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests are invited to gather at Aleta Restaurant for an elegant holiday dinner curated by the resort’s acclaimed Executive Chef. This gourmet menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, served in a warm and inviting setting above the sea. With impeccable service, beautiful dishes, and the soft rhythm of the ocean nearby, Christmas Dinner at Aleta makes for a festive celebration that feels intimate, memorable, and unmistakably Cabo. Beyond the table, the resort’s modern beachfront energy shines in chic rooms with their own balconies and hot tubs, three infinity pools overlooking the iconic Land’s End Arch, and a private beach club on the most swimmable beach in Cabo. At Corazón, the season is bright, the views are spectacular, and Christmas is celebrated Baja-style.
Trading In Santa’s Sleigh for Santa’s Yacht in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
One of the most magical places left on Earth, there is no better place to celebrate the holidays with the people you love most than in the extraordinary Galapagos Islands – where you can trade in snow for pink, black and of course, white sand beaches along with memories that will last a lifetime. Ecoventura operates the only Relais & Chateaux ships in the destination, managing three magnificent mega-yachts more like floating boutique hotels than your average cruise, and best of all, Santa makes sure to make a pit stop on each boat on his nightly Christmas Eve route. On Noche Buena and Christmas Day, Ecoventura brings the holiday season on board with holiday decorations, small gifts, a special family-style dinner, and a special visit from Old St. Nick himself, as the luxurious vessels navigate you through one of humanity’s final frontiers.
Sing Along to The Andrews Sisters’ Mele Kalikimaka in Kaua’i, HW
If your favorite holiday tune is The Andrews Sisters’ iconic Mele Kalikimaka, then there is no better place for you to book that last-minute getaway than the Garden Isle! Bring the whole ‘Ohana over for a Hawaiian holiday where the ‘holy jolly’ spirit meets ‘aloha’ style. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort offers the ultimate home base for a white (sand) Christmas, nestled on the island’s iconic Royal Coconut Coast. The property offers special holiday dining at Moa Moa on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, where a special three-course menu transforms the finest winter ingredients into an elegant, island-inspired celebration. A festive Christmas Day brunch will also be served at Daybreak, featuring seafood, crepes, and carving stations. And of course, no Hawaii getaway would be complete without a beachfront luau! It just so happens that Sheraton is home to the most intimate luau on the island, Luau Ka Hikina, where, during the festive season, tradition meets holiday cheer. Other special holiday activities are planned to keep the fun going, like cookie decorating, ornament making, taking photos with Hawaiian Santa, and thoughtful in-room delights such as gingerbread kits and cookies and milk for good old Santa Claus.
Shred Waves Instead of Powder in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
For the traveler who’d rather celebrate Christmas by shredding baby blues than powdery snow, Riviera Nayarit offers gorgeous sunshine and some of the best surf breaks in Mexico, all bundled with holiday cheer! W Punta de Mita infuses with the brand’s signature energy and laid-back Pacific vibes with the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year. Set along the coveted Riviera Nayarit, the resort invites guests to trade tradition for a sun-soaked escape, pairing festive flavors with immersive experiences designed to spark connection and unforgettable moments. Christmas Eve is led with a X-Mas Eve Buffet featuring a lavish buffet featuring raw bar, carving stations, festive favorites, and live entertainment. On Christmas Day, the festivities continue with a X-Mas feast delivering a vibrant Mexican-style Christmas celebration with street-food flair, tacos, ceviches, and holiday sweets, reimagined for a destination Christmas in paradise. Beyond dining, the resort’s striking Huichol design sets the stage for a spirited holiday escape, where guests can dive into surf lessons along the Pacific, take part in grounding cacao ceremonies, unwind in luxe oceanfront pools, and enjoy W’s signature music-driven energy, all adding a playful sun-drenched twist to the festive season in Riviera Nayarit.
