Some of the best holiday gifts are those you can’t put under a tree: Help your clients give the gift of travel this season—to themselves or their loved ones.
Holiday in the Great Western Catskills
Delaware County in upstate New York has all kinds of fun things planned for the wintertime, and it doesn’t hurt one bit that it looks like a Christmas postcard, what with all its snow, pine trees, holiday lights and quaint towns. If clients are in town this weekend, holiday shopping can be had at the Birdsong Farm Holiday market on Saturday, but there’s always Main Street Cards & Gifts for goodies, and the Delhi Holiday Parade is also this weekend. On Dec. 9, have them check out the Christkindlmarkt for gifts, holiday refreshments and activities, or the Delhi Farmers Market every Wednesday from 10-2 PM. The Hancock Parade of Lights & Christmas in the Square is not to be missed for food, drink, vendors, music, and more, and on Dec. 7, the Menorah Lighting & Hanukkah Party takes place on the Courthouse Square. Other events include the Christmas Stroll House Tour and More in Franklin on Dec. 9 (yes, Santa will be there!) and the Snowed In! Live Concert at the Union Grove Distillery in Arkville, NY.
For more information, visit greatwesterncatskills.com/events.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort: A Beachy Holiday
Beachside for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Why not—and make it at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, where Atlantikós takes the Christmas feast to new heights with a Mediterranean-style meal with three courses and special a la carte dishes for the kids. On Christmas Day, set your clients up for brunch, because leftovers are so passé. When it’s time to ring in the New Year, The St. Regist Bal Harbour Resort is setting up an adults-only New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in the Astor Ballroom with a glam 5-course prix-fixe meal, a welcome reception with an open bar, wine pairing with dinner and, of course, a champagne toast. If your clients prefer something a little less formal, tell them about the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at The St. Regis Bar, a party for the ages with Veuve Clicquot for the toast, party favors and live music. Hangovers are no fun, but your clients will be taken care of in style at the special Recovery Brunch with both savory and sweet dishes and the resort’s iconic St. Regis Bloody Mary—at this property, it’s the “Bloody Sunrise” in honor of Miami’s sunny disposition. Throughout the holidays, the resort will have weekend seasonal activities for the entire family, including movie nights, arts and crafts, gingerbread house making and visits from the Claus himself.
For more information, visit stregisbalharbour.com.
W Aspen Gets Festive
Aspen is a year-round destination, but wintertime is when it really shines. Plenty is going on, like curated libations, complimentary hot chocolate and yummy eats, but this being a W, you can expect wow factors galore. From Dec. 14-15 your clients can indulge in a limited edition pop-up—Ponyboy at W Aspen x Employees Only, named one of the World’s 50 Best Bars.
And then there’s New Year’s Eve, which will be a Moulin Rouge-themed affair that’s for 21 and over and starts with live performances, then moves on to live DJs at Ponyboy, followed by fireworks viewing from the resort’s WET Deck rooftop restaurant and bar. This all-inclusive ticket covers an open deluxe bar, light bites and a complimentary toast at midnight with access to 39 Degrees. VIP tables are available. Après all the fun, there’s a New Year’s Day Brunch at 39 Degrees from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. for those who are up for some daylight.
For more information, visit marriott.com.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya Gears Up for Hanukkah
Traditional meals, Hanukkah-themed activities, nightly candle lighting and gift-wrapped toys (available for purchase) are just some of the festivities at for the season running from Dec. 7-15.
The nightly candle lighting will be held at a large central menorah, and guests can also request their menorah and candles placed in their suites, as well. Traditional Hanukkah favorites will be on the menu at Azul restaurant, and latkes will be a part of the resort’s buffet for the season. Parents wishing to order gift-wrapped Hanukkah toys for their kids can do so through the resort’s Festive Website.
Kids can join in creating their own personal bracelets, cookie decorating and Do Your Own Dreidel activities. There’s also a paint and wine session, Hanukkah trivia with gifts, and special David’s Star Cookies, the nightly amenities for guests on Dec. 7 and 15.
For more information, visit rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.
Hyper Holidays in Denver
A Tennessee Christmas
If your clients had heard about the pop-up Christmas bar at The Harpeth Hotel last year in Franklin, TN, and missed out, they’re in luck: McGavock’s Coffee & Provisions is bringing it back, so they’ll be able to sample the World’s Best Cup of Coffee: A Christmas Bar now through New Year’s Eve. You’ll find nods to Elf, the movie, throughout, as well as over-the-top Christmas decor, holiday cocktails, mocktails and yummy bites. The bar will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
For more information, visit harpethhotel.com.
New Orleans Luxury Festivities
The Eliza Jane on Magazine Street in New Orleans is all about boutique luxury, and they’re celebrating the season with their Jingle & Jester festive pop-up event. This interactive event gives guests the chance to imbibe boozy hot cocoa, themed bites and more to the rhythm of live music. Think tabletop s’mores, a cozy chat at The Library Fireplace or a walk around the Christmas-embellished courtyard (hint: there’s a bar). There’s plenty of holiday programming to go around, including live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Jan. 6, 2024.
Salute the Season at Liberty Station
