9 Hotels In 7 US States With The Best Christmas Décor

Part of Murphy O’Brien’s luxury travel portfolio, these hotels in warm and cold climates will get you in the holiday spirit with their 5-star offerings.

Big Cedar Lodge | Photo Credit: Big Cedar Lodge

 Big Cedar Lodge | Ridgedale, MO

Guests hoping to experience both impeccable luxury and the wonderment of the great outdoors should look no further than the stately Ozark Mountains, where Big Cedar Lodge, an award-winning wilderness resort, awaits. The lodge has transformed into a winter wonderland of four million twinkling holiday lights for its annual “Home for the Holidays” festive season from November 6 to December 31. The Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail will be shining for all to see after dark this year with a brand-new “Nature at Night” seasonal experience. A beautiful holiday lights tour illuminating the ever-popular 2.5-mile cave and nature trail, Nature at Night tells the story of the Osage Native Americans in the region and Christmas in the Ozarks. Additionally, opportunities to view the resort’s unmatched holiday decor include Holiday Lights Tours and 12 Days of Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt to view 30 ft. tall holiday sculptures, multiple nativity scenes, a display of the 12 Days of Christmas and much more.

Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection | Meadow of Dan, Virginia

Tucked away in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection has transformed into a majestic holiday retreat this winter. Guests can get warm in a charming standalone cottage or a suite with a warm drink and a crackling fire. Indulge in locally sourced, seasonal cuisine at their fine-dining restaurant Elements or enjoy upscale pub-inspired fare at the casually atmospheric eatery, 19th Pub. Take in the fresh air with Primland’s impressive roster of year-round outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking paths, RTV tours, clay shooting, tomahawk throwing and so much more. As the cherry on top, this December experience the one-of-a-kind Observatory, gazing into the galaxy while learning about the history of the Winter Solstice. There are boundless opportunities for family-adventure and rejuvenation at Primland.

ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki | Honolulu, HI

This intimate, nine-suite hotel located on Waikiki Beach transforms into a tropical holiday paradise for the holidays, with Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments in every suite, lush tropical garlands on the stairwells and a towering tree in the lobby. Guests can also embrace the holiday shopping season with a private shopper’s experience in the comfort of their 2,250-square-foot suite courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

The bar at the Perry Lane Hotel | Photo Credit: Perry Lane Hotel

Perry Lane Hotel | Savannah, GA

Launched on December 1st is the Perry Lane craft cocktail bar, The Wayward.  In addition to retro Christmas decorations inspired by favorite holiday movies – think cocktails in moose mugs from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and the leg lamp from Christmas Story, kitschy Christmas string lights, a flying Santa on the motorcycle that hangs above the bar, and ornaments galore – The Wayward will also bring back surprise and delight holiday offerings such as an advent calendar of Christmas shots and a holiday cocktail menu with cocktails infused with warming flavors of ginger snap, cinnamon, caramelized white chocolate milk, and more. Guests, and locals will also find a herd of live holiday reindeer on Perry Lane’s Peregrin rooftop during the annual Reindeer on the Roof event on December 17th, complete with live music, seasonal cocktails, and more. While other programming includes the opportunity to book personalized stockings filled with holiday goodies for kids to be delivered to rooms by elves, story time with Mrs. Claus, and holiday dining menus at Emporium Kitchen.

Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection | Washington, CT

Every festive season, Connecticut’s idyllic country escape, Mayflower Inn & Spa, transforms into a winter wonderland through its partnerships with designers with similar sensibility to the resort. This year, the property has partnered with Eliza Harris of Sister Parish Design to transform the resort into the quintessential New England home filled with timeless and whimsical holiday decor including richly-embellished garlands, wreaths, mantal and table pieces, and a grand 18-foot Christmas tree as a focal point. From the two small trees flanking the front entry of the Inn to the wrapped pillars and handcrafted ornaments hung from the windows in the Parlour room, the designs use local natural evergreens adorned with holly, candles, vintage ribbons, glowing white lights, and the designer’s Serendipity fabric ornaments to add a winter magic to the property’s interior and exterior, and further add to the holiday season that is always so special at the Mayflower.

Big Cypress Lodge | Photo Credit: Big Cypress Lodge

Big Cypress Lodge | Memphis, TN

While some might say, “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” Big Cypress Lodge proves that sometimes a hotel stay during the holidays is just what you need to feel right at home. With dazzling décor throughout the 32-story Memphis Pyramid where the property is located, Big Cypress Lodge has a decorated Christmas Tree in every single room, garland and twinkle lights throughout the lobby, and the exterior of The Pyramid trimmed with red and green lights – no detail is left unturned. Warm up at one of the hotel’s 105 fireplaces – including one in every room, complete with a hot chocolate bar for guests to get into the holiday spirit. In addition, Bass Pro Shops inside The Pyramid is hosting its ultimate free family Christmas event – Santa's Workshop! Kids and families are invited to take a photo with Santa, and receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo. The holiday cheer doesn’t stop at The Pyramid – from Starry Nights, the largest holiday light show in the Mid-South and Christmas at Graceland to the iconic Beale Street’s Holiday Parade, there are all kinds of unique holiday experiences for guests to explore in Memphis. 

The Hermitage Hotel | Nashville, TN

A National Historic Landmark set in the heart of Downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel has recently completed a top-to-bottom redesign and restoration, ushering in a new era for the storied hotel. This holiday season, families are enjoying enchanting performances of Nashville’s Nutcracker Ballet and festive tea at The Hermitage Hotel’s Nutcracker Tea. For the month of December, guests and locals can gather in The Hermitage’s historic Veranda and delight in the hotel’s signature beloved recipes, complemented by an extensive selection of the finest teas from around the world. Off property, through The Hermitage Hotel’s partnership with Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, families can get a customized tour with a Lead Gardener and explore the annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood, featuring elegant and creative light displays along a one-mile walking path that sets the gardens aglow. Lastly, for the ultimate gift for the music lover in your family, book the “Your Song, Your Story” experience to bring their music vision to life, right in the heart of Music City. The hotel has partnered with world-renowned songwriters and musicians to offer the choice of a two-hour one-on-one songwriting lesson or in-studio recording session in one of Nashville’s premier recording studios.

Afternoon tea at The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Photo Credit: Kelly Puleio for The Peninsula Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, CA

Celebrate the holiday season in timeless elegance at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the epitome of luxury and refinement. At The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the holiday season transforms this iconic luxury haven into a winter wonderland of opulence and festive splendor. The opulent lobby becomes a showcase of holiday extravagance, with towering Christmas trees bedecked in gold and silver ornaments, capturing the essence of luxury. Guests are greeted by the scent of fresh pine and the sight of resplendent wreaths, creating a sensory experience that transports them into a world of festive delight. As the only AAA Five Diamond in Southern California for an impressive 24 years, this iconic establishment is a haven of sophistication nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills. The epitome of opulence, the Living Room hosts a Festive Afternoon Tea throughout the month of December, featuring holiday delights and Laurent-Perrier Champagne Peninsula’s beloved Afternoon Tea is transformed for the holidays embodying the spirit of the season. Making spirits bright, The Peninsula also offers holiday carolers on the front drive, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals at The Belvedere, a Polar Bear Gift Shop featuring a personally curated collection of specialty gifts for children and more all adding to the holiday atmosphere at the property.

The Fairmont Century Plaza | Photo Credit: Fairmont Century Plaza

Fairmont Century Plaza | Century City, CA

The highly coveted, Fairmont Century Plaza, festive experience is back and better than ever – transporting guests to the whimsical ski slopes of the Swiss Alps to celebrate the holidays in chic chalet style.  Officially opening on November 15, five luxuriously appointed wood Swiss chalets will pop up on the outdoor patio of The Bar. Featuring cozy décor and all of the delicious tidings of a true Alps experience, the chalets will offer guests and locals an unforgettable culinary journey right in the heart of Los Angeles. In its second year, guests can enjoy the return of the beloved fondues along with a new menu of Alpine favorites plus a curated selection of winter cocktails and non-alcoholic favorites.