Whether you’re looking for opulent ornamentation, amazing acrobatics or towering trees, there’s reason to check out these area hotels, even if you aren’t booking an overnight stay.
The Watergate Hotel
No need to go to the Arctic to experience an igloo. Cozy ones await at the iconic Watergate. Each accommodates up to six people, has its own heater and comes with a menu of custom cocktails, bottle service and tasty bites. Rent one for 90 minutes to 2 hours in the evening. Costs start at a $350 food and beverage minimum, plus a $50 rental fee. Reservations are required. 2650 Virginia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino
This hotel across the Potomac is taking its lobby—called the Conservatory—to new heights this holiday season. Through Jan. 24, guests can gaze upon six snow-covered Christmas trees measuring 16 to 25 feet, a 20-foot-tall toy snowman, a 25-foot-long toy train and caboose and a 35-foot-tall soldier. When you’re done gawking, stop by In the Snow, an apres-ski themed pop-up, open Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 26. Take in more wonder by treating yourself to a performance of Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 19-20. Check the website for times and ticket prices. 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland
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The Willard InterContinental
This historic hotel near the White House has been a D.C. holiday destination for years. In addition to jaw-dropping decorations, check out the Gingerbread Display, a hand-crafted edible showpiece. Through Dec. 23, stop by at various times between 6-8 p.m. for a free caroling show. (The full schedule is here.) 1401 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
The Inn at Little Washington
It should be no surprise that this exquisitely appointed inn goes all out for the holidays, with more than 12 uniquely themed trees (some inside guest rooms) and over-the-top décor curated by chef and owner Patrick O’Connell. The inn’s acclaimed restaurant is offering a special menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $476 per person. Sister establishment Patty O’s Café, also on property, has a less expensive option at $195 per person: a five-course menu featuring blackened angus tenderloin and Yorkshire pudding with truffled madeira jus and classic béarnaise sauce. 309 Middle St., Washington, Virginia
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
A glittering 20-foot tree will greet you in the historic atrium of this luxe hotel (formerly the Trump International) tucked inside the Old Post Office building. A ritzy Holiday Afternoon Tea, available Thursdays-Sundays at noon and 3:30 p.m. for $120-$200 per person, features on-theme flavors like Chocolate Peppermint Truffle and Sugar Plum Fairy. 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
The Jefferson, DC
A luxury apartment block when it opened in 1923, this historic hotel began hosting guests in 1955. In December, the inside of the Beaux-Arts style building turns into a holiday haven. Find the Cocoa Trolley, where guests can sip hot chocolate made with single-origin chocolates melted to order and served tableside via a vintage bar cart. Drop in candy, cookies or house-made flavored marshmallows, or make your cocoa boozy if you’re 21 and up. Peruse the Holiday Bookshelf, curated by the director of Oprah’s Book Club, for holiday tales including Small Things Like These and The Snow Child. 1200 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Salamander Washington DC
Stop in for beautiful decorations, a view of the Potomac and holiday happenings. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5-8 p.m., stop by the fire pits for Sips & S’mores and warm up with hot cocoa, cider or seasonal cocktails. One s’mores kit costs $32 and serves four. On Dec. 13 and 14, Santa, along with his elves and even the Grinch, will swing by for brunch ($150; $75 for kids 12 and younger). Get fancy with a Holiday Afternoon Tea, served from 2-4:15 p.m. through Jan. 11, 2026. The $115 prix-fixe menu includes house-made scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, tea and a glass of sparkling wine. Note that Salamander’s sister resort in Middleburg also has lots of festivities, including holiday teas, movie nights and more. 1330 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.
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Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Also overlooking the Potomac, this massive hotel in Prince George’s County goes big for the holidays. Enjoy more than 2 million holiday lights, shop ornaments and toys at the Christmas Village, and catch Santa and Mrs. Claus for a photo. Through Jan. 4, see Cirque Spirit of Christmas, a 35-minute holiday-themed acrobatics show in the hotel’s lower atrium. Tickets start at $25. Or, pull on a parka and check out ICE! Featuring The Polar Express, where you can slide down five ice slides at Glacier Gulch and marvel at carvings made from 6,000 blocks of ice. Check out the website for ticket prices and times. Lastly, go tubing indoors at Snow Flow Mountain, a four-lane slope that’s open through Jan. 2. Tickets are $28. 201 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland