Holiday traditions often mean cozying up at home, but taking a staycation can be a magical way to create new traditions. And in true Texas style, there are hotels all over the state that do it up big. Whether you want to experience faux snow showers, make festive arts and crafts with elves, or view over-the-top light displays, options abound.
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa is the epitome of lavish holiday décor. The grand yet inviting lobby is decked out with wreaths, stockings, garland, and multiple Christmas trees; a 30-foot Christmas tree on the lawn overlooks rolling hills; and dozens of wintery activities occupy young and old, from snow tubing to snowball target practice with real snow.
This year for the first time, the resort will host ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, an ice carving walk-through experience with colorful, hand-chiseled creations by expert carvers from Harbin, China. The large sculptures—including Whoville characters, tunnels, and two-story ice slides—are shaped out of 2 million pounds of ice. Guests will be provided loaner parkas to help keep warm in the 9-degree environment.
There are so many activities to experience, you could easily immerse yourself for a full weekend. This year, visitors can purchase tickets to take part in the festivities at the property without staying overnight.
One of the best moments every year is the countdown to the whole property lighting up to start the season, says Nina Shokrian, the hotel’s director of marketing and public relations. “Santa’s arriving in this horse-drawn sleigh coming around the corner, and in a snap you’re transported to Christmas,” she says. “It is just amazing to see the awe and wonder of the kids who are here, seeing the magic.” Rooms start at $303/night. jwhillcountrychristmas.com
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1 / Hotel Van Zandt, Austin
Adults seeking yuletide cheer in a chic setting can head to Geraldine’s, a fourth-story bar at the Hotel Van Zandt. Curl up near the outdoor fireplace with a hot toddy during the hotel’s winter wonderland events held on weekends in December. Guests can also reserve one of the cozy poolside outdoor igloos to enjoy a private dining experience. Rooms start at $179/night.
hotelvanzandt.com
2 / Gaylord Texan, Grapevine
In a town that calls itself the Christmas Capital of Texas, it’s a treat to stay at this extravagant holiday haven with glittering lights and décor under a star glass dome. Ice-skate, breakfast with Rudolph, ride on the Christmas Carousel, and enroll kids in the Elf Training Academy, where they’ll create gifts and crafts. Rooms start at $319/night.
marriott.com
3 / The Houstonian, Houston
The lobby of this Galleria-area hotel is filled with gingerbread replicas of some of the grand estates on Houston’s North Post Oak Lane, while an oversized ball of mistletoe entices would-be smoochers. Add-on experiences include holiday-themed tea time and festive spa treatments. Rooms start at $479/night.
houstonian.com
