Festive flings: 7 holiday destinations in the Southeast
November 22, 2024
Charlotte, a holiday escape is closer than it seems.
by Kayleigh Ruller
There are famed winter escapes that we all know and love. Those bucket-list destinations around the country — and across the pond — might feel out of reach, requiring lots of advanced planning. But, there are several under-the-radar winter destinations closer to home, where the décor, dining and seasonal delights generate plenty of holiday spirit.
Last-minute shopping, campfire caroling and igloo cocktails await: This guide to seven Southeast hotel destinations — from a holiday spectacle in the heart of a buzzing city to a soft, firelit refuge nestled in the Carolina mountains — will help you find the seasonal rendezvous that’s right for you.
The Charleston Place
Charleston, South Carolina
It’s a grand, regal holiday at The Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina. This luxe hotel in the heart of the city’s historic downtown transforms into a true holiday wonderland from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. Garlands adorn the sweeping staircase, sugarplums glisten, illuminated trees line the halls and stars dangle from the centerpiece chandelier. The grand lobby’s holiday train traverses 300 feet of track — a marvel to witness, for kids and adults alike.
From weekend Nutcracker Tea at the Thoroughbred Club to the Snowflake March with ballerinas in the lobby, the holiday spirit is ever-present. Guests will also want to cozy up with a festive beverage in hand to watch the nightly “snowfall” in the hotel’s Market Street Circle, as a sheet of winter white blankets the brick-lined space.
This year, The Charleston Place’s expanded offerings include dedicated Santa times for those with special needs and pets, and a “Santa Hotline” phone booth for calling the North Pole. There’s also a holiday movie night at The Riviera Theater across the street, and a life-sized gingerbread house.
For last-minute holiday gifting, there’s an exciting lineup of high-end retailers on the property for one-stop shopping, including BURU, Norton + Hodges, Over The Moon, Short Court and La Ligne.
CATALOOCHEE RANCH
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
It’s a woodsy, Great Smoky Mountains holiday at Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. Situated on a mile-high, 700-acre property atop Fie Top Mountain, this casual-luxe resort is for anyone who is into feeling outdoorsy, artsy and cozy.
On Friday, December 20, Santa and Mrs. Claus host breakfast on the mountain. After a southern Appalachian-meets-European Alpine brunch at Switchback by the roaring fire, guests can take photos with the Clauses. The cost is $45 for adults, $35 for 11 and under, and free for ages 3 and under. It’s open to both overnight guests and the public.
On the night before Christmas, there will be a few creatures stirring. In the afternoon on Christmas Eve, join Santa and Mrs. Claus around the fire as the dynamic duo share holiday stories and lead caroling before they head out on their busiest night of the year. At $40 a person, expect cozy campfire chats and lots of sweet treats.
With the resort nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cataloochee Ski Area, lucky guests might even enjoy some real snow on the ground. Read our previous story about Cataloochee Ranch.
THOMPSON SAVANNAH
Savannah, Georgia
It’s a buzzy, sophisticated holiday at the Thompson Savannah in Savannah, Georgia. A few blocks from the city center, this chic riverfront hotel is clean, crisp and airy, offering 172 luxury guest rooms and 21 suites.
On Dec. 1, Thompson Savannah will host a Holiday Market, a curated lineup of more than 25 local businesses and crafters. Guests can grab photos with Santa at Bar by Fleeting and celebrate the grand opening of the lobby bar’s seasonal drink offerings.
The hotel is also home to Savannah’s tallest rooftop bar, Bar Julian. Through Dec. 30, this darling rooftop will host a series of holiday pop-ups and feature a private igloo for guests to dine, drink and toast the season. It’ll be a seasonal hot spot, with custom holiday portraits on Dec. 7, holiday hits bingo on the 12th, holiday karaoke on the 14th, and even a festive pajama party with a DJ on the 20th.
At the on-site Stevedore Bakery, visitors can decorate cookies, enjoy hot chocolate, and watch a classic holiday movie on the evening of Dec. 4. A prix fixe holiday dinner at Fleeting on Dec. 25 and 31 will showcase chef Victoria Shore’s elegant, locally-driven cuisine.
NOELLE
Nashville, Tennessee
It’s a honky tonk, art-deco holiday at Noelle in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Originally built in 1930, Noelle is a 224-room luxury hotel with an urban-meets-art-deco feel in historic Printers Alley.
Noelle’s holiday pop-up, Hidden-ville, can be found in the hotel’s speakeasy, Hidden Bar. This Whoville-inspired takeover inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas brings a playful feel to the Christmas holiday. Through the beginning of the year, Hidden-ville will be a decked-out, whimsical, immersive experience featuring festive cocktails, Whoville-themed activities and bar bites.
Don’t miss the annual tree lighting in Noelle’s Trade Room, where members of the Noel family — the property’s original hoteliers — join guests to share family traditions and the hotel’s rich history while enjoying complimentary beverages and holiday treats. And if you’re into a simple, cozy croissant and latte, the hotel’s Drug Store Coffee will do the trick.
The Holiday Glow Package through Dec 31 includes up to 20% off room rates, a $100 dining credit and a handcrafted Noelle candle.
HOTEL DOMESTIQUE
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
It’s an Alpine chateau holiday at Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. This escape just outside of Greenville is driven by local hospitality. The hotel has a bed-and-breakfast feel with only 13 rooms, each with a distinctive flair. With sweeping windows overlooking the mountains, you might be convinced you’re in a remote part of northern Europe with the lush green hills and away-from-the-city feel.
Guests are treated to local coffee, snacks and fruit-infused water at all hours, and the turndown service with bedside macarons is a nice touch, too. The infrared sauna and the ice bath in the hotel’s on-site gym go the extra mile — do both and you’ll be living the Nordic life in no time.
While the holiday happenings aren’t in-your-face here, the chateau design, upscale Restaurant 17, grand lobby Christmas tree and overarching hygge feel is quite worth the under two-hour drive.
THE DURHAM HOTEL
Durham, North Carolina
It’s a chic, midcentury holiday at The Durham Hotel in Durham. This six-story, midcentury boutique hotel is friendly, modern and comfortable, conveniently situated downtown in the Bull City. The in-house coffee bar is a local’s hidden gem for specialty brews.
On Dec. 11, the hotel will host a holiday market with dozens of local vendors, festive drinks and lots of goodies to explore.
Keep an eye out for Santa up on the rooftop (literally) on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will arrive from the North Pole via Santas Just Like Me, a local organization that provides North Carolina families with the option to visit with a Santa of color. This free event is open to the public along with hotel guests.
HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Highlands, North Carolina
It’s an English countryside, cottage-core holiday at Highlander Mountain House in Highlands. This quaint 18-room inn has an inherently festive aura — the rustic stone fireplace with a crackling fire, the communal living room-style seating, the swaths of highly curated books, vintage photos and art that fill the space. With its historic character and charm, it’s refreshingly anti-minimalist. It’s also in one of North Carolina’s most picturesque mountain towns, not yet overrun with tourism.
Over the holidays, this 100-year-old home is decked in tasteful garlands and wreaths. Waking up to the complimentary pastries and coffee feels a bit like waking up on Christmas morning, especially if snow has made its way to this mountain enclave.
The Ruffed Grouse, the on-site restaurant, is akin to an English countryside tavern, offering splendid, seasonal dishes. Throughout December, they’ll offer a complimentary wassail drink to diners and guests checking in to the inn. Weekends in December, The tavern also will offer a comforting “Sunday Roast.” And during daytime hours on Dec. 26, Boxing Day, they’ll serve complimentary pints for guests and neighbors to keep the Christmas cheer going. The bar is a warm, cozy spot for an early evening toast or late nightcap.
Featured image courtesy The Charleston Place
