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Holiday Hotels: A Festive Food & Wine Guide for 2024

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/01 .. y-hotels-a-festive-food-wine-guide-for-2024.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 11:16 GMT by Food & Wine

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Holiday Hotels: A Festive Food & Wine Guide for 2024

When the holiday season arrives, it’s not just about the twinkling lights on the tree in your living room – it’s also about the warm, aromatic aromas of seasonal cuisine, the clink of champagne glasses, and the comforting glow of a hotel lobby transformed into a winter wonderland. Food & Wine’s “Holidays at Hotels” roundup (originally published on December 2023) serves as a practical guide for those who want to experience the festive spirit without the usual pre‑holiday stress of cooking and cleaning. Below is a detailed, 500‑plus‑word summary of the article’s key highlights, grouped by region and offering a clear picture of what each hotel has to offer for the holiday season.

1. North‑American Favorites – Where Tradition Meets Luxury

a. The Plaza, New York City (NY)

• What’s on the menu? A five‑course “Winter Wonderland” tasting menu featuring prime rib, duck à l’orange, and a seasonal chocolate soufflé. Each course is paired with a regional New York wine.
• Holiday extras: Complimentary “Merry Muffins” and a live string quartet performance in the lobby. Guests can also enjoy a free 7‑minute champagne toast on New Year’s Eve.
• Why it matters: The Plaza’s long‑standing reputation for hosting holiday celebrations (think the famed 1911 Christmas Tree) gives it an authentic feel for the season, and its central location makes it perfect for city‑bound travelers.

b. The Ritz‑Carlton, Vancouver (BC)

• Signature event: “Gingerbread & Glitter” brunch featuring gingerbread latte, maple‑infused pancakes, and an interactive gingerbread house‑building station for children.
• Special touches: The hotel’s lobby is decorated with locally sourced pine and mistletoe, and the staff offers a complimentary hot chocolate tasting at the hotel's signature bar.
• Local highlight: Vancouver’s mild winter climate means guests can step outside for a stroll along the seawall or even hop on a ferry to see the city’s skyline sparkling in the snow.

c. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (AB)

• Holiday program: The resort hosts a “Ski‑In & Ski‑Out” holiday package that includes a 15‑minute guided tour of the historic lodge and a “Snowman‑Building” competition for families.
• Dining features: The hotel’s 12‑course degustation menu includes smoked trout, reindeer roast, and a maple‑infused dessert. Each dish is carefully paired with Canadian wines.
• Why it stands out: The Fairmont’s rustic‑chic aesthetic and proximity to ski resorts make it ideal for travelers who want a blend of adventure and luxury.

2. Mid‑Atlantic & New England – A Cozy Winter Retreat

a. The Seaview Hotel, Cape Cod (MA)

• Culinary highlight: “Seafood‑in‑the‑Snow” dinner that offers fresh lobster, clams, and a butter‑cream soup. The meal is complemented by a live jazz trio.
• Extras: A complimentary “Cape Cod Christmas Tree” display and a “Hot Toddy” bar featuring bourbon, spiced rum, and a homemade citrus glaze.
• Pro tip: The Seaview’s location next to the Cape Cod National Seashore means guests can enjoy a sunset walk on the beach after dinner.

b. The Boston Harbor Hotel (MA)

• Holiday concept: A “Christmas in the City” package that includes a guided tour of the Freedom Trail, a holiday cocktail workshop, and a “Holiday Lights” scavenger hunt around the city.
• Dining: A festive four‑course dinner featuring clam chowder, roast turkey, and apple cider bread pudding. The hotel’s renowned chef also offers a “Make‑Your‑Own‑Eggnog” station.
• Why it’s a hit: The hotel’s prime location in Boston’s downtown core allows guests to experience the city’s holiday lights and historic sites without leaving the comfort of the hotel.

3. West Coast – From Wine Country to Desert Oasis

a. The Fairmont Napa Valley (CA)

• Event highlight: “Napa Nights & Wine‑Tasting” featuring a curated tasting of the region’s best vintage wines and a tasting menu that uses local ingredients such as goat cheese, figs, and prosciutto.
• Holiday perk: A complimentary “Christmas Eve Wine & Cheese” dinner, and guests are invited to a private vineyard tour that includes a “fire pit” bonfire with a glass of port.
• Why stay? Napa Valley’s scenic vineyards and the Fairmont’s elegant rooms create an indulgent atmosphere for travelers seeking culinary delight.

b. The St. Regis San Diego (CA)

• Holiday program: A “Holiday at the Beach” celebration that features a surf‑inspired lunch, a “Beachside Brunch” with seafood, and a sunset cruise on San Diego Bay.
• Dining: The resort’s “Seafood & Wine” dinner includes a pan‑seared halibut, a garlic‑butter risotto, and a citrus sorbet.
• Special touches: Complimentary mini‑wine tastings throughout the hotel, and a live mariachi band playing holiday classics in the lobby.

4. Travel Tips & Booking Advice

The article offers practical guidance for readers planning a holiday stay at a hotel. It emphasizes the importance of booking early, as most hotels tend to fill up months in advance, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s periods. Food & Wine also highlights that many hotels offer holiday packages that bundle accommodation, dining, and special experiences at a discounted rate, making them a cost‑effective alternative to a traditional home‑based holiday.

Other useful insights include: - Checking for special “family‑friendly” options: Many hotels provide kid‑friendly menus and activities like gingerbread house workshops, which are perfect for travelers with young children. - Exploring local holiday traditions: Staying in a hotel gives guests the advantage of immersing themselves in the local culture (e.g., the unique Christmas tree traditions of New York or the “Merry Muffins” tradition at the Plaza). - Using hotel concierge services: Many hotels have knowledgeable staff who can recommend local holiday events, tours, or exclusive dining opportunities, ensuring a hassle‑free holiday experience.

5. Conclusion – Why Hotels Are the New Holiday Destination

Food & Wine’s “Holidays at Hotels” roundup presents an enticing alternative to the classic at‑home celebration. From the high‑end experiences of the Ritz‑Carlton in Vancouver to the cozy, rustic charm of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the list showcases a range of destinations that cater to different tastes and budgets. The article not only highlights the culinary delights of each property but also the experiential aspects that make staying at a hotel truly memorable during the holiday season.

For those looking to combine the joy of the holidays with comfort, convenience, and a splash of luxury, these hotels offer an exceptional package that ensures you’ll spend less time worrying about the details and more time savoring the season. Whether you’re a foodie craving a multi‑course tasting menu, a family eager for an interactive gingerbread house workshop, or a traveler hoping to experience local holiday traditions, there’s a holiday hotel on this list that will elevate your holiday experience.