The magic of Christmas, with its ever-present holiday music and the twinkle of those white lights against the tinsel, and all those pretty bright red bows neatly resting atop their boxes, is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year. 'Tis the season of giving, so why not give yourself the joy and wonder of spending the holidays in one of these iconic luxury hotels, known for their brilliant displays during the holidays?

We have put together the most cheerful and magical destinations to stay at this holiday season, and adventurous spirits are sure to be delighted.

10 The Plaza Hotel

Let's start with perhaps the most iconic hotel of all, shall we? The Plaza Hotel in New York features classically decorated Christmas trees, with the entrance and interior decorated from top to bottom for that awe-inspiring holiday cheer. Guests can enjoy being in the heart of the city, near upscale shopping, while taking part in plenty of holiday-themed activities at the hotel. Santa Claus himself will be making special appearances in the lobby throughout the season and even doing story time to the delight of guests, young and old. There is Holiday Tea as well as Eloise Tea at The Palm Court, where fans of the fictional character (and fictional Plaza resident) can enjoy spirited treats. Yet perhaps the most fun option they offer is a chance to recreate the experience of Kevin McCallister from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Guests can ride around the city in a limousine visiting iconic city sights that from the film--and can do it all while enjoying an extra large cheese pizza, just like Kevin enjoyed too).

Related: Celebrate New Year’s Eve At These 10 Dubai Luxury Hotels

9 Willard InterContinental: Washington

Head to the always exciting Washington DC and enjoy the elegantly designed Willard InterContinental, where stylish festivities are taken up a notch during the holidays. Guests will feel inspired by the tastefully decorated lobby. And folks are sure to stick around and make themselves cozy, for, during the holidays, the Willard InterContinental features fantastic performances from local choral ensembles here every evening through December 23rd. With delightful afternoon holiday tea and holiday-themed cocktails, there is plenty to savor here for the entire family.

8 Madeline Hotel & Residences: Telluride, Colorado

Set phasers to stun when you stay at this incredible destination, nestled at the foot of 14,000 high mountain peaks. Colorado is, of course, a special place to be during the holidays: guaranteed to experience a white Christmas, folks here embrace the snow. A stay at the Medline Hotel & Residences ski-in/ski-out accommodations allows guests to roll out of bed and slide down the slopes. With a fun pop-up holiday market at the resort on Thursdays and Fridays, a Christmas Eve dinner, and a luxury spa to treat those tired skiing muscles, this is a wonderful resort for those who crave an active and exciting Christmas holiday.

7 The Mark Hotel

There’s no missing the holiday festivities at this next hotel. The Mark Hotel that Upper East Side icon of glamour is not going to let the holidays pass by simply hanging a few ornaments on a tree. Oh no. There will be nothing short of an outside transformation into a sparkling gingerbread house made from—did we say glamour?—none other than Swarovski crystals. Before guests head inside, they can stop at the outdoor gingerbread carts, which feature hot chocolate, lollipops, and plenty more delightful treats. Of course, The Mark is known for its see-and-be-seen elegance. With their famous dining at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges and the dazzling array of cocktails at The Mark Bar, this is a destination for anyone falling in love or looking to infuse some magic into their holiday getaway.

  • Accommodations: The Mark Hotel
  • Address: 25 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075
  • Amenities: Renowned for its glamour and elegance, guests, enjoy The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, The Mark Bar, free WiFi, and town car and limo service

Related: 10 Most Luxurious Hotels in New York

6 The Greenbrier Hotel

When guests pull up to the grand front of The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, they are bound to feel like they have stepped onto the set of a movie. And in fact, they have, for this is the location of a new holiday movie! The Greenbrier invites guests to enjoy special screenings of “Christmas at The Greenbrier,” the new holiday film showing daily inside The Greenbrier Theater that was filmed at this iconic hotel. Live out your Hallmark holiday fantasy and while you are at it, enjoy the absolutely stunning festive décor. Guests can enjoy a cookie decorating workshop, write letters to Santa, and get dressed up in their best ugly sweater for the popular ugly sweater dinner.

5 The Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris practically redefines iconic luxury. The elegant décor, the classic holiday style, and a bit of magic can all be found in this stunning destination. Guests will enjoy a pastry-making masterclass, a pop-up Christmas chalet, and Holiday Teatime. There is an exceptional Christmas Eve dinner and a fantastic Christmas Day lunch. The Ritz in Paris knows how to make all those moments, big and small, extra special, just like the holidays itself.

4 Omni Mount Washington Resort

Less than a mile from Bretton Woods Ski Resort, this iconic luxury hotel, nestled in the snowy mountains of New Hampshire, is a beautiful place to spend the holidays. There is alpine skiing, scenic gondola rides, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides for the whole family. With a classic interior decorated from top to bottom that transforms this destination into a true winter wonderland, guests will be sure to feel they have been transported directly to the North Pole.

3 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Scottsdale, Arizona

Sure, sometimes the holidays call for a winter wonderland, but other times, adventurous spirits crave the warmth of the desert sun. At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, there is plenty of sunny skies and holiday fun to be found here. Putting on a truly iconic holiday spectacular, The Princess decorates with over 6 million lights, features ice skating, and a dazzling light show in the Enchanted Plaza. Guests can roast marshmallows and make s'mores and get their picture with Santa and other fun characters, all the while enjoying this stunning location in Arizona.

2 The Stanley Hotel

This iconic hotel in Colorado is perhaps not the most obvious choice for a holiday list since it is the hotel that served as an inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King's The Shining. Yet this iconic hotel, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, does the holidays' justice by bringing in the Boulder Ballet to perform at the Stanley Hotel. What other destination provides such a magical experience?

1 The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

One of the most iconic luxury hotels in all the world, this historic hotel in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, is the place to create lasting holiday memories. Guests can enjoy a meet and greet with Santa Claus at the hotel. And folks of all ages will delight in the Trees of Hope, the row of beautifully festive Christmas Trees in the lobby. With plenty of outdoor activities to experience in this stunning destination, this hotel truly gets in the spirit of the season.