Twinkling lights, towering trees, and even life-size gingerbread houses! Booking a stay at one of these iconic Pennsylvania hotels is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
1. The Hotel Hershey
Hershey
The Hotel Hershey’s décor is always stunning, but especially during the holiday season. Decorated trees guide you to the hotel entrance ensuring you’re in full holiday spirit even before you step into the beautifully decorated and unique Fountain Lobby, aglow with thousands of holiday lights and hundreds of poinsettias. Weekends in December, the Cocoa Clubhouse and Santa’s Workshop are buzzing with fun-filled family activities including Snowflake Sand Art, Building a Mini Snowman, and winter games. As a special treat, indulge yourself and maybe that special someone to a little pampering at The Spa.
2. Nemacolin
Farmington
A gigantic “chandelier tree” ablaze with 25,000 lights, a life-size “toy shop” gingerbread house, and hundreds of pretty poinsettias ensure a holiday stay at Nemacolin in the Laurel Highlands is nothing short of spectacular. Treat your little ones to the resort’s signature Elf Tuck-in service and they just may have visions of sugar plums dancing in their dreams! Or enjoy a beautifully decorated tree right in your room.
3. Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Bethlehem
What better place to experience the magic, charm, and wonder of the holiday season than with a stay in the middle of downtown Christmas City at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem — rated the Best Historic Hotel in the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! Decked to the nines with more than 35,000 twinkling lights, 7-foot toy soldiers, life-size Nutcrackers, a model of the hotel created completely out of gingerbread, and uniquely decorated Christmas trees and wreaths galore, the hotel is brimming with holiday joy. While there, you just might find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list at The Shoppe.
4. Skytop Lodge
Skytop
With the glorious scent of gingerbread wafting through the hallways from the life-size gingerbread house, decorated trees and garland lining the halls, themed ice skate nights, fireside story time, and a tree lighting ceremony every Saturday, a stay at Skytop Lodge is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! For an extra magical treat, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and visit from the big guy himself at Breakfast with Santa that includes a horse-drawn carriage ride through some of the lodge’s 5,500 acres of winter wonderland!
5. Great Wolf Lodge
Scotrun
As the temperature drops, escape to the warmth of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge. If you love snow and classic holiday family fun, you’ll find plenty of it at their warm and cozy lodge. As you walk into the grand lobby, you’ll be greeted by holiday magic. Snowland’s winter wonderland is filled with seasonal festivities, games, crafts, special events, including visits with Santa, a Snowland Scavenger Hunt, and Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, not to mention the thrills of their 84-degree water park!
6. Ritz-Carlton
Philadelphia
Looking for a truly elegant holiday experience with some modern merriment? Look no further than the Ritz-Carlton. Experience an exquisite meal from acclaimed chef, Richard Sandoval, at the restaurant Aqimero located in the hotel’s lobby. Their kitchen features Latin inspired notes that enhance the tastes of an eclectic menu, while a stunning atmosphere encourages guest-to-guest connections over shareable plates and carefully crafted cocktails.
7. The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford
A 16-foot Christmas tree, wood-burning fireplaces scattered throughout the main lodge and cabins, and traditional holiday decorations, wreaths and garlands make for a truly unforgettable holiday experience brimming with luxury at The Lodge at Glendorn. Join together with other holiday revelers after dinner at their elegant Main Lodge for an outdoor roaring fire along with s’mores and micro-brews every Saturday evening beginning at 8:00 p.m.
8. Omni William Penn Hotel
Pittsburgh
The lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel sparkles with classic elegance from the three stunning Maria Theresa Chandeliers illuminating the beautiful holiday decorations of this historic hotel. Enjoy a classic Victorian Tea or treat the kiddos to a Mad Hatter tea, complete with hot chocolate and PB&J, Fluffernutter, and bananas & Nutella finger sandwiches.
9. Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Bedford
Take a step back in time (but with all the modern conveniences and luxuries) at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, which started welcoming guests more than 200 years ago. A towering tree all aglow with holiday lights sets the stage for all the holiday decorations that await inside. Create your own gingerbread house masterpiece with tips from the resort’s expert culinary team.
10. Gateway Lodge
Cooksburg
Want to get away for just a little while from all the holiday hustle and bustle? Treat yourself to a Winter In The Woods Weekend at the Gateway Lodge. Sip wine by a crackling fire or totally relax in a fireside jacuzzi after adventuring through the towering pines of Cook Forest.
To learn about more holiday adventures in Pennsylvania, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.