Explore These Magical Christmas Towns Across the Globe

North America

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankenmuth

Festive Highlights: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankenmuth puts you steps away from the ultimate Christmas experience in Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Check out Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, or hop in a horse-drawn carriage ride and trot down Main Street for the ultimate jolly street tour. While you’re at it, dazzle yourself with a visit to 25 Christmas Lane – an immaculate holiday display of 100,000 twinkling lights.

St. Augustine, Florida

Where to Stay: voco St. Augustine – Historic Area

Festive Highlights: America’s oldest city turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, and the voco St. Augustine – Historic Area is situated in the heart of all the Christmas magic. You can’t miss seeing one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world, Nights of Lights, which has more than three million tiny white lights adorning the town. Another must-see is St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade inclusive of festive floats, marching bands, and of course, a guest appearance from Santa.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown

Festive Highlights: Nestled in the natural wonder and breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, Holiday Inn Express in Gatlinburg offers cozy accommodations and close access to the town’s popular holiday festivities. Take a trip to Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Festival to soak in all the holiday spirit, or take the family on a winter adventure with a day of ice skating or snow tubing at Ober Gatlinburg.

Washington, D.C.

Where to Stay: InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf and The Willard InterContinental 

Festive Highlights: The nation’s capital is filled with holiday cheer from the National Mall down to The Wharf, where the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf dazzles each season with its festive décor and nearby National Christmas Tree display. Additionally, The Willard InterContinental, one of America’s most historic hotels located just a few blocks from The White House, offers a special Holiday Afternoon Tea while surrounded by jaw dropping Christmas décor.

Park City, Utah

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park City

Festive Highlights: A short drive from historic Main Street and Utah Olympic Park, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park City provides perfect lodging in this Christmas wonderland of a town. Hop on a joyous train ride with the North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad and meet the ever-jolly Mrs. Claus. Or surround yourself with the ultimate holiday light show at the Park City Electric Light Parade.

New York City, New York

Where to Stay: InterContinental Times Square, Crowne Plaza HY 36 Midtown Manhattan, and voco Times Square South (opening mid-November 2021)

Festive Highlights: Christmas in New York is a magical experience as the city transforms into the perfect holiday escape – from the elaborate window displays and extravagant shopping along Fifth Avenue to ice skating at Rockefeller Center and the lighting of its famous Christmas tree. Travelers looking to be in the heart of it all can’t go wrong with a stay at InterContinental Times Square, Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan, and voco Times Square South.

Asheville, North Carolina

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Asheville Downtown and Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown

Festive Highlights: The Holiday Inn Express Asheville Downtown and Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown put guests close to the charming city’s must-see holiday activities – including the popular Christmas at Biltmore where travelers can admire hundreds of hand-decorated trees, live poinsettia, and fresh evergreen garland at the famed estate. From the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley to the National Gingerbread House Competition, there are several inspiring holiday activities sure to impress.

Chicago, Illinois

Where to Stay: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago

Festive Highlights: The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile puts travelers in a prime destination close to all the best holiday events along Magnificent Mile, such as the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Additionally, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago is situated near Chicago’s official Christmas Tree and tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. There’s also holiday shopping at the authentic German Christmas market, Christkindlmarket, featuring various products from international and local vendors.

Toronto, Ontario

Where to Stay: InterContinental Toronto Centre

Festive Highlights: The largest city in Canada attracts millions of holiday travelers every winter and a stay at InterContinental Toronto Centre means you’re steps away from all the holiday action. Take part in one of the largest Christmas parades in the world at Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade and also visit the Christmas market in the Distillery District for gift shopping and hot cocoa sipping. Or check out the Cavalcade of Lights in Nathan Phillips Square to watch the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree.

Quebec City, Quebec

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Quebec Sainte – Foy

Festive Highlights: Experience the snowy streets and crisp cold air of Quebec City with a stay at Holiday Inn Express Quebec Sainte – Foy, transporting guests to the middle of a festive winter wonderland. Enjoy listening to holiday music at various outdoor concerts or take a stroll through the Old City’s German Christmas Market for scrumptious holiday treats, stunning décor and spectacular gifts. You also won’t want to miss the festival of QuébecAdabra for an evening of musical performances and dazzling lights.

Europe

Paris, France

Where to Stay: InterContinental Paris – Le Grand

Festive Highlights: With sparkling lights lining the Parisian streets, Christmas markets galore, and winter wonderland activities, Paris is one of the most magical holiday destinations, and InterContinental Paris – Le Grand is located amongst it all. Visit one of the city’s famous Christmas markets to soak in the festive spirit with sweet treats, impeccable holiday shopping, and priceless views of the city. Not to mention, the extravagant light displays throughout the city will make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie.

Warsaw, Poland

Where to Stay: Hotel Indigo Warsaw – Nowy Swiat

Festive Highlights: Hotel Indigo Warsaw is set on Nowy Świat – or “New World” – street, one of the most historic streets in the city. The famous Warsaw Christmas Market within the city’s Old Town walls includes more than 60 traditional wooden huts nestled amongst the snow, selling traditional mulled wine and delicious snacks. If you are looking for a “white Christmas,” it is almost guaranteed in Warsaw.

The Hague, Netherlands

Where to Stay: Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde

Festive Highlights: Housed in the former Dutch National Bank building, Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde is situated on The Hague’s most prestigious shopping avenue and central to all the Christmas cheer. The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague is one of the leading Christmas markets in the Netherlands, offering visitors an abundance of gift shopping, wood carvings, choirs, plenty of mulled wine, and of course, an appearance from Santa Claus himself.

London, England

Where to Stay: InterContinental London Park Lane

Festive Highlights: InterContinental London Park Lane is located between Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens, providing guests with the ultimate festive setting. Just a five-minute drive away is the Belgravia Christmas market – turning the street into a winter wonderland with an abundance of boutique market stalls, Christmas carols, choirs, as well as delicious food and drinks.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Where to Stay: InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Festive Highlights: InterContinental Edinburgh The George is just steps away from Edinburgh’s stunning Christmas Market in East Princess Street Gardens, which offers various goodies ranging from mulled Irn Bru and delightful treats to local gifts. While you’re there, head over to the Royal Mile to witness the mesmerizing Light Night show for a spectacular performance.

Trier, Germany

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Trier

Festive Highlights: Holiday Inn Express Trier is perfectly situated near the 40th annual Trier Christmas Market, and just in front of Trier Cathedral, the oldest church in Germany. Explore more than 90 immaculately decorated wooden huts offering Christmas decorations, toys, hand-blown glass, ceramics and more. Don’t forget to snack on a bratwurst and wash it down with a warm cup of glühwein as you browse the market!

Rome, Italy

Where to Stay: Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George

Festive Highlights: A stay at Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George is the perfect locale to experience all the city has to offer. Make a stop at the traditional Italian Christmas market, Piazza Mazzini, where you can find authentic traditions, cuisine and gifts. Then head over to Piazza Venezia to admire the stunningly large Christmas tree and observe all the twinkling holiday lights adorning the streets on your way there.

To check out these festive stays and plan your holly jolly holiday getaway, visit ihg.com.