Some places just do the winter holidays better than other – they offer plenty of activities indoor and out, so no matter the weather, there is something enchanting to do. But there is more: they manage to create an entire atmosphere that leave everyone in the family with lifelong memories.
Over the years, we have had magical winter holidays in such places. Here are some of our family’s favorites.
Gilded Age Holiday in Newport, RI
Newport, Rhode Island is such a charming place any time of the year, but especially at Christmas. There is so much to do throughout the city, eminently walkable – ice skating on the harbor rink, boat rides to see seals, walking along the Cliff Walk, but the essence are visiting the Gilded Age mansions when you really feel yourself transported in time.
Christmas at the Newport Mansions, November 21, 2015 to January 3, 2016: The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House–three National Historic Landmarks and icons of the Gilded Age in America–are filled with thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers, evergreens and wreaths. There are 24 decorated Christmas trees; dining tables set with period silver and china complete the elegant setting; windows lit with white candles, in keeping with the colonial tradition. A working garden scale model of the Vanderbilt family’s New York Central Railroad is on display in the second floor loggia of The Breakers, traveling through a village made up of gingerbread replicas of some of the Newport Mansions, created by local pastry chefs. At Marble House this year, 8 garden clubs have designed mantelpiece decorations in competition. At the Elms this year, there is a Victorian streetscape scene in the ballroom, with sleighs and mannequins dressed in period costumes. All three houses are decorated and open daily for tours from Saturday, November 21, 2015 through Sunday, January 3, 2016. (http://www.newportmansions.org/events/christmas-at-the-newport-mansions)
Christmas at Linden Place Mansion, Dec. 1-30: Feel like a personal guest of the Colt family as you stroll through the festively decorated mansion rooms complete with beautiful wreaths, illuminated mantles and evergreen swags (500 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809, 401-253-0390,
Holiday Lantern Tour: Hear the history of early American holiday traditions on an evening walk and learn how colonial Newporters recognized the holidays. Offered on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 28-Dec. 26 (closed Dec. 25) $15 per person, reservations suggested as space is limited. Presented by the Newport Historical Society. (Brick Market: Museum & Shop, 127 Thames St., Newport, RI 02840, 401-846-8770, www.newporthistory.org/events/event/holiday)
A grand choice for accommodations is The Hotel Viking, nestled in the Historic Hill district on famed Bellevue Avenue. Once the summering destination of America’s wealthiest, the Hotel was opened in 1926 to accommodate their haute monde guests. With the most recent multi-million dollar renovation finished in 2007 this hotel is the perfect choice for a historic stay in the heart of Upscale Historic Newport Rhode Island. Hotel Viking is a member of Historic Hotels of America (historichotels.org).
Another is the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel, a boutique hotel originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, a scion of the wealthy Vanderbilt family. The 1909 property is a vintage Newport mansion that has been restored to its former glory and is one of the few private homes of the era to operate for guests as a fully functioning and top luxury hotel in Rhode Island. Today, as The Vanderbilt Grace, the mansion comprises a luxurious hotel with 33 rooms and luxury suites and a lavish spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel features two restaurants including Muse (www.gracehotels.com/vanderbilt).
For a complete line-up of holiday and winter events, travel packages and last minute deals, visit Discover Newport, 800-326-6030, DiscoverNewport.org.
Quintessential New England:
Manchester, Vermont, a delightful New England village, hosts six weeks of holiday merriment, across the Manchester and the Mountains Region (a whole village of outlet shops, too!). (visitmanchestervt.com/merriment). Enjoy Backroad ‘Merriment’ Tours, through the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce: Visit the oldest marble quarry in the U.S., quintessential Vermont villages, artisans’ boutique, a maple syrup/cheese shop, a Norman Rockwell exhibit, an antique covered bridge, sweeping mountain/valley vistas. Travel in a comfortable 10-passenger tour vehicle with local guide. The tour is offered daily, 1-3:30 pm; $35 pp. (Advance reservations necessary via email, www.backroaddiscovery.com or call 802-362-4997.)
One of our favorite places to stay is the historic Equinox, where Mary Todd Lincoln would spend summers. The Equinox has since become a four-season luxury resort with every imaginable amenity including world-class spa, indoor pool, Orvis fly fishing school, a falconry school, Range Rover driving school. The Equinox is near fabulous outlet shopping and historic sites such as Todd Lincoln’s home, Hildene, which hosts holiday tours and cross-country skiing. Equinox is also a short drive to superb downhill skiing and riding at Stratton Mountain and Bromley Mountain (www.equinoxresort.com, 800-362-4747).
Woodstock, Vermont is the quintessential New England, oozing charm and the centerpiece is the Woodstock Inn, an AAA Four Diamond resort, decked out in holiday finery and activities galore (new Tubbs Snowshoe Adventure Center, crosscountry skiing, luxurious spa and indoor recreation center with tennis, visits to the fascinating Billings Farm & Museum, downhill skiing at Suicide Six, with Killington just 25 minutes away and Okemo 40 minutes away. Founded by the Rockefeller, the Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc. Proceeds from Resort operations support The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum education and conservation programs. Find vacation packages and specials at www.woodstockinn.com.
Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, NH: The centerpiece of Portsmouth, NH’s holiday celebrations is Strawbery Banke, a 10-acre outdoor living history museum and its 40 historic buildings that recreate December through 350 years in the same, actual waterfront Portsmouth neighborhood of Puddle Dock. It is quite literally a miracle that it has survived. Visit www.strawberybanke.org.
Strawbery Banke Museum showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions against the backdrop of the Museum’s furnished historic houses in the actual Puddle Dock neighborhood. The 36th annual Candlelight Stroll is offered Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2015, when the Museum grounds glow with hundreds of lighted candle lanterns, the houses are adorned with thousands of hand-made decorations crafted from live greens and dried flowers and herbs collected from the Museum gardens, and the air is filled with the sound of holiday music and scent of woodsmoke. (Tickets $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 5-17.) Guided Holiday House Tours, weekdays, Dec 26-31: Guided tours of five decorated historic houses at Strawbery Banke Museum offered on the hour, 10 am to 2 pm. )Adults $15, children 5-17 $10, children under 5 free, www.strawberybanke.org).
Pickwick’s at the Banke, complements the museum with a shopping experience reflecting Portsmouth’s colonial maritime heritage. Located at 43 Atkinson Street (on the corner of Court and Atkinson) on the museum campus, it is open to the public. Featuring costumed staff, local art, artisans and products; Pickwick’s at the Banke is designed to be a nostalgic space that’s accessible to a new generation. Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, the seasonal outdoor ice skating rink at the heart of the 10-acre living history museum site will be in full operation, seven days a week, 9 am to 9 pm throughout December and on through New Year’s Day, and the months of January and February.
Complete the experience with a stay at Wentworth by the Sea – an AAA Four-Diamond resort and member of Member Historic Hotels of America delightfully set on an island just across from historic Portsmouth, NH. Ask just about anyone who grew up in New Hampshire and they wax nostalgic about spending holidays at this grand resort hotel that has graced the shore since 1888. Among its amenities: an 8,500 sq. ft. spa, magnificent indoor pool, Wentworth Dining Room with original handpainted ceiling mural. Check the website for special packages including Romance, Golf, Dining, and Spa, and holiday programs like Historic Thanksgiving Celebration with Dinner at Wentworth By the Sea & Historic House Tours at Strawbery Banke and Wentworth’s “Winter Wonderland Brunch”. Wentworth By the Sea, 588 Wentworth Road, New Castle NH 03854, 603-422-7322, 888-252-6888, info@wentworth.com, www.wentworth.com.
For more information on scheduled activities and participating hotels, visit www.VintageChristmasNH.org.
Celebrate with the DuPonts in Wilmington DE and the Brandywine
One of my most memorable Christmases was spent in Wilmington, Delaware, nearby historic Newcastle and the whole Brandywine Region. There are scores of holiday attractions – the DuPont Mansion all decorated, Longworth Gardens, famous for its holiday decorations and enchanting Dancing Fountains (open even on Christmas Day). Staying at the historic Hotel DuPont, makes it all the more special.
A Longwood Christmas (November26, 2015 thru January 10, 2016): Fountains dance, snowflakes hang in midair, and more than a half million lights brighten the winter nights during “A Longwood Christmas” at Longwood Gardens. Annual themes create new inspirations for design every year, but you’ll always find fields of red poinsettias and grandly decorated trees for the season. (Timed admission tickets are required, tickets are limited; check the calendar, www.longwoodgardens.org.)
Yuletide at Winterthur(November 21, 2015-January 3, 2016): Take a magical tour that will transport you to Christmases of old. Experience Winterthur’s most beloved holiday displays from past Yuletides, and discover holiday traditions of Americans from the colonial period through World War II, including the introduction of the first Christmas trees decorated with goodies for children by Pennsylvania Germans in the 1800s. Enjoy special displays recalling du Pont family holiday traditions and winter festivities. For the first time, the Yuletide tour is included in general admission. (Winterthur, 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19735, 800.448.3883, winterthur.org)
Holidays at Hagley – Twilight Tours of Eleutherian Mills Residence (Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2015. Closed Dec. 25): The 1803 du Pont family ancestral home, Eleutherian Mills, feature holiday decorations and interpretation on the French holiday traditions. Tours are followed by a ride through the powder yards to the residence. Reservations requested, call 302-658-2400, ext. 261.
A Brandywine Christmas at the River Museum (Friday, November 27, 2015 thru Sunday, January 3, 2016): Check the Museum website for events throughout the holiday season (www.thebrandywine.com/special).
Christmas Tours in Odessa and Old New Castle (December): In Old New Castle, the annual “Spirit of Christmas & A Dickens Experience” events feature carolers, street vendors and actors recreating street scenes straight out of “A Christmas Carol,” as private homes and historic sites open their decorated doors to sightseers. “Christmas in Odessa” features private house tours, craft sales, holiday concerts and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
A Capital Christmas
Washington DC is an ideal winter destination – so much that is fascinating to see inside, as well as enchanting places outside, and easy walks between the attractions that line the mall – National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Museum of the American Indian, to list but a few. Break up museum visits with ice skating on the mall, a ride on the carousel and a visit to the National Zoo (reachable by metro).
Destination DC, the official tourism and marketing office for the nation’s capital, helps visitors and locals plan unforgettable holidays. Find round-ups of must-try menus, holiday spectaculars and a full calendar
of events on Washington.org. Get the insider scoop on cozy fireplaces, outdoor skating rinks and the newly reopened Renwick Gallery on DCcool.com. There’s also a real-time concierge service (800-422-8644 between 9am-5pm) and lively social channels for trip-planners in need of tailored suggestions and
inspiration for staycations, long weekends and more.
Holiday Displays and Lights Galore: Among the elaborate displays:
• ZooLights returns to brighten the paths throughout the National Zoo (Nov. 27-Jan. 1, closed December 24, 25, 31). More than 40 animated light installations as well as Panda Claus delight visitors.
• Character-guided candlelit tours of George Washington’s Mount Vernon welcome visitors to walk through the founding farmer’s mansion and try 18th century dancing and fireside caroling. Aladdin the Christmas camel, a nod to General Washington’s tradition of bringing a camel to his farm for the delight of his guests, will be in the barn. Tours are scheduled for Nov. 27-28; Dec. 4, 5 and 20.
• A tradition since 1964, the Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will be lit Dec. 2. This year’s is a 74-foot spruce from the Chugach National Forrest in Alaska
• The National Christmas tree in President’s Park on the Ellipse (Dec. 3)
kicks off a month of nightly musical performances at the site at dusk
through Jan. 1, 2016.
• Georgetown Glow, the city’s only curated exhibition of contemporary light-art installations dot the historic riverfront neighborhood for a second consecutive year, Dec. 11-20.
Shopping: DC offers world-class holiday shopping, from the luxury offerings in the Penn Quarter and Friendship Heights to the boutique-filled streets of Georgetown, downtown and 14th Street corridor, and the carefully chosen offerings inside the museums and galleries such as the National Building Museum, the Phillips Collection, the National Gallery of Art and the cuddly toy mecca: the National Museum of Natural History.
The spirit of a traditional European holiday market imbues the Downtown Holiday Market. Centered at 8th and F streets NW in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery, this 11th annual pop-up features 150+ regional artisans from Nov. 27-Dec. 23, daily noon-8pm.
Find ornaments, jewelry, accessories, pottery, handicrafts, clothing, paintings, and more.
Music & Theater: The season brings a host of festive favorites:
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is alive with performances celebrating many traditions including the Washington National Opera’s Hansel and Gretel and Handel’s Messiah.
• The Washington Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker (Nov. 29-Dec. 23) is an enchanting tribute to our nation’s capital starring George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and England’s King George II as the villainous Rat King at the Warner Theatre.
• A richly dressed Victorian version of A Christmas Carol (Nov. 19-Dec. 31) is at historic Ford’s Theatre, a longstanding DC tradition.
• Musicals include Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Broadway-bound musical, Bright Star at the Kennedy Center (Dec. 16-Jan. 11); Oliver! at Arena Stage (Nov. 13, 2015-Jan. 6, 2016); and Motown: The Musical at the National Theater (Dec. 1, 2015-January 3, 2016).
Ice Skating: DC’s three outdoor rinks are open November-March,
weather permitting:
National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden, between the NGA’s East and West buildings and across the street from the National Archives (Constitution Ave. at 7th St. NW). Warm up at the Pavilion Café over hot chocolate, delicate pastries and sandwiches.
Georgetown Harbour (3000 K St. NW),a Potomac River-side rink boasting views of the Potomac and Theodore Roosevelt Island in this shopping mecca.
Head east to Capitol Riverfront and whip around the elliptical 12,000-square foot rink in Canal Park (2nd & M streets SE). This rink offers thematic sessions, learn-to-skate lessons, and a full bar at the Park Tavern for post-skate sips.
Historic hotels in Washington include Willard Intercontinental Hotel, offering themed packages, Christmas Eve dinner, Nutcracker brunch, holiday tea and musical performances in the lobby; also, The Morrison-Clark Inn, The Jefferson, The Churchill, Henley Park Hotel, The Fairfax at Embassy Row, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection, The Capital Hilton, and Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC. (see historichotels.org).
Get the insider scoop on cozy fireplaces, outdoor skating rinks and the newly reopened Renwick Gallery on DCcool.com. There’s also a real-time concierge service (800-422-8644 between 9am-5pm) and lively social channels for trip-planners in need of tailored suggestions and inspiration.
Washington.org can help:
• Book hotel rooms and packages, including discounts up to 20% off hotels.
• Find special events, including 50+ festive activities
• Connect with in-house experts, locals and soon-to-be travelers across our social channels for up-to-the-minute trip advice. Washington, DC’s official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts are packed with inspiration and user generated tips compiled with #MyDCcool.
• Users of the Emoji DC app will be gifted with 16 new stickers.
Get a full family resort experience with a stay at Gaylord National Resort which offers a dazzling array of holiday activities during its annual “Christmas on the Potomac” festival, including ICE! (Nov. 21, 2015-Jan. 3, 2016). Marvel at more than 2 million twinkling lights, amazing nightly snowfall and beautiful dancing fountains at Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac. Back this year is ICE! with a new theme featuring Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town! Enjoy a special bonus area – The Frostbite Factory – a LIVE ice carving zone. There is also the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt. 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745, 301-965-4000, www.christmasonthepotomac.com; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center).
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Chattanooga, Tennessee offers a surprising array of extraordinary experiences: walk through a secret underground ice cave and see Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, explore a nocturnal fantasyland with more than one million star-bright twinkling lights high atop Lookout Mountain; hop on board a train for a North Pole adventure; sing Christmas carols and dance with Santa on a river cruise; meet coral reef Santa divers; build creative gingerbread houses; watch animals open their own Christmas presents, visit visit the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Tennessee Aquarium. Get the full scoop on planning a holiday getaway in Chattanooga at www.chattanoogafun.com/winter.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo offers an absolutely magical experience. The historic hotel (and member of Historic Hotels of America) is literally created out of the historic railroad station, where you can stay in one of 48 Victorian train cars converted to the most delightful rooms, wonderfully furnished in period pieces (but with modern amenities like high-speed wireless Internet access).
The train station offers marvelous dining places (including a saloon-style restaurant where the waiters take turns singing), cute shops. You can climb aboard the historic locomotive, and dine in the dining car as well. The music of “Chattanooga Choo Choo” immediately rings in your ears (it plays fairly constantly).
The original motel, which is still used, offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, gardens. There is even a historic train ride on a trolley. Also, a free electric shuttle from the bus terminal next door takes you downtown. I don’t know when I have had a more enjoyable and interesting stay. Chattanooga Choo Choo, 400 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402, 800-TRACK-29 (872-2529), www.choochoo.com.
Grand, Glorious & Historic Hotels
You can’t go wrong in choosing an Historic Hotels of America member hotel or resort for personality, character, connection to place, authenticity and overall aura that makes for a unique experience. Here are just a few of our favorites for the holidays:
Mohonk Mountain House, located 90 miles north of New York City in the Catskills,- is the very definition of a getaway-from-it-all retreat. From festive décor and favorite traditions to cozy wood-burning fires and a wealth of outdoor recreation, the historic Mohonk Mountain House exemplifies a quintessential holiday getaway.
The atmosphere at Mohonk is exceptional any time of the year, but is absolutely breathtaking for the holidays: spectacular hand-made swags, Victorian decorations, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees on display throughout the House. Families who want to create a festive atmosphere in-room can inquire about holiday decorations, including an ornamented ‘eco-tree’ and stockings hung above their fireplace, filled with goodies. Cozy wood-burning fireplaces can also be found in 124 out of 259 guest rooms –more than any resort in the nation.
The spirit of the season fills Mohonk Mountain House, National Historic Landmark resort, throughout December with many cherished traditions, including the family Yule Log Hunt, a Trim-A-Tree Party, the nightly lighting of the Menorah, holiday craft-making and caroling. Workshops on wreath making, cookie decorating, seasonal tablescapes and more are also offered. Outdoor recreation options abound, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing (weather permitting), along with ice-skating at the resort’s stunning open-air Pavilion.
Mohonk also offers an award-winning, eco-friendly Spa (it was named the Number One Resort Spa in the United States by CondéNast Traveler). Spa amenities include an outdoor heated mineral pool, an indoor heated swimming pool with underwater sound system, a yoga/motion studio, comprehensive fitness center and solarium. For reservations, call 855.274.4020 or visit Mohonk.com.
Other Historic Hotels of America favorites:
Cranwell Resort & Spa, in the Berkshires – like being on a grand estate – equipped with every luxurious amenity – world class spa, indoor pool, cross-country skiing, and about half-hour up the road, downhilling at Jiminy Peak (www.cranwell.com).
Omni Mount Washington at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire: A grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney, this National Historic Landmark opened in 1902 and has been attracting generations of families ever since. It’s located literally across the street from Bretton Woods, a marvelous ski resort, and also offers a spa and cross-country skiing. It’s also close by to the outlet shopping town of North Conway, NH (www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington )
The Sagamore, Bolton Landing: Situated in the unspoiled Adirondack Mountains on its own island on Lake George, the Sagamore opened in 1883 and was a social center for the wealthy visiting Lake George. It’s a magical place. Nearby, go sledding or cross-country skiing on The Sagamore’s golf course, or hop its shuttle bus to ski or ride at Gore Mountain, less than one hour away.
We have scores of favorite Historic Hotels – there are 275 members in just about every state and territory. Those that offer a grand resort experience include The Hotel Hershey, in Hershey, Pennsylvania; Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island, Georgia; Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, Delray Beach, Florida; The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, St. Petersburg, Florida. Each one offers exquisite atmosphere, service, amenities – each one has its own personality, character, and special connection with the people and place. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org.
Hey Dude!
We had an entirely different holiday experience at the Pinegrove dude ranch, an old-fashioned all-inclusive Catskills Mountains family resort with horses and a “Toy Story” cowboy vibe. So festive, warm, friendly, and utterly delightful. It’s a nonstop giggle for children of all ages. Parents will slip back into their own childhoods while making new childhood memories for their own kids. There are activities galore, indoor pool, even laser tag, plus nightly shows and entertainment, three meals daily plus snacks and the holiday atmosphere is so special. For Christmas week, they are offering first child free per room. Check the site for specials on February Recess, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and school vacations. Pinegrove Ranch, 30 Cherrytown Road, Kerhonkson N.Y. 12446, Ulster County, Reservations: 800-346-4626, email info@pinegroveranch.com, www.pinegroveranch.com.
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