Festive Meetings for the Holidays

November 25, 2024

These hotels across the U.S. offer unique venues and curated experiences for big and small holiday gatherings. Whether planning a grand New Year’s Eve soiree, an intimate holiday dinner or a corporate retreat with a festive flair, here are a few properties that provide the perfect setting to elevate the holiday season.

If hosting an event in the Sunshine State is on your planning list, The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach offers an array of new and enhanced group experiences designed to energize, engage and impress attendees this holiday season.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Photo: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach).

Team Wellness Activities: Energize corporate gatherings with fitness classes led by certified instructors from 1TeamFitness. These team-building sessions cater to all fitness levels while focusing on strength, flexibility and camaraderie—perfect for relieving stress and boosting morale during or after a busy meeting.
Relaxation at Pallavi Spa: The on-site Pallavi Spa offers tailored treatments for groups, including signature massages and new seasonal specials like the Calm Serenity Massage and Beauty Sleep Facial. These services provide the ultimate opportunity for attendees to unwind and recharge during their stay.
Exclusive Pop-Up Sushi Suite: For a unique twist on corporate dining, the resort’s Pop-Up Sushi Suite experience delivers a private chef-curated sushi menu in the its Presidential Suite. This bespoke offering adds a layer of sophistication and interactivity to any event.
Seasonal Catering Delights: Holiday-themed catering options feature standout dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli and Crab-Crusted Grouper. The Grand Holiday Buffet and Grand Holiday Plates menus bring festive flair with selections such as Pan-Seared Duck with cranberry shallot compote and desserts like Cherry Peach Tart.

Pelican Room (Photo: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach).

With 22,000 sf of versatile meeting space, including Clearwater Beach’s largest ballroom, and a prime location just 30 minutes from two international airports, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is a standout choice for holiday meetings, retreats or special events.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers 35,000 sf of event space, providing a stunning setting for holiday gatherings of all sizes. Overlooking the festive lights of the Magnificent Mile and the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan, the hotel combines luxury with an iconic location to accommodate intimate events and grand celebrations.

Host an intimate holiday dinner in one of the hotel’s private dining rooms or ring in the New Year with an over-the-top celebration in the grand ballroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a 400,000-crystal chandelier. Each space is designed to impress, offering breathtaking views and exceptional service tailored to every guest.

Groups will enjoy personalized catering from an expert team that sources local ingredients. Award-winning pastry chef Toni Roberts adds a festive flair with her stunning desserts and holiday treats, while the hotel’s mixology team creates handcrafted, seasonally inspired cocktails perfect for toasting end-of-year celebrations.

Groups booking private events now through Jan. 31, 2025, can enjoy added benefits, including:

A 10% discount on the 2024 catering menu pricing
Double Marriott Bonvoy points
One complimentary room for staff or event teams
20% off AV equipment when using Encore as the primary provider

Whether you’re planning a sophisticated holiday soiree or an intimate family gathering, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago ensures a seamless and memorable experience with dedicated concierge services and meticulous attention to detail.

Arlo Williamsburg, Brooklyn

For a holiday celebration with a Brooklyn twist, Arlo Williamsburg offers an array of stylish venues perfect for gatherings of any size. From grand celebrations to intimate get-togethers, this modern property delivers memorable experiences with stunning city views and versatile spaces.

Arlo Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Grand Ballroom: At 6,500 sf, this elegant space boasts soaring 30-foot ceilings, dazzling chandeliers and sleek marble floors—ideal for large holiday parties or New Year’s Eve galas.
The Lobby Bar: A vibrant 3,000-sf space, perfect for casual receptions and social events.
The Mirror Bar: A chic, 1,500-sf venue that doubles as a private club and performance space, offering a unique setting for upscale, intimate holiday events.
The Water Tower Bar: This exclusive 960-sf venue offers panoramic views of New York City and can provide an unforgettable backdrop to enjoy fireworks during NYE.
ART Williamsburg Rooftop: The property’s 10,000-sf rooftop, featuring alfresco seating and NYC skyline views, is the ultimate spot for a holiday gathering.

Arlo Williamsburg’s on-site restaurant, Sungold, can elevate the holiday dining experience with locally sourced, seasonal dishes. Highlights include the much-loved Celery Root Latkes, a festive favorite that pairs perfectly with the venue’s celebratory atmosphere.

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Miami Beach

Celebrate the holidays with a touch of Miami glamour at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection. This beachfront gem showcases Miami Beach’s vibrant energy, offering the perfect backdrop for unforgettable holiday gatherings.

With 10,000 sf of event space, the Cadillac Hotel caters to gatherings of all sizes:

Golden Palms Ballroom: At 2,585 sf, this venue is ideal for New Year’s Eve galas and holiday receptions.
Riviera Meeting Space: Perfect for smaller groups, this 1,600-sf room features a terrace with views of the resort-style pool, creating an alfresco dining and event setting.
Cabana Pool Deck: This 3,772-sf outdoor space is surrounded by lush greenery and cabanas, offering a festive yet intimate atmosphere.
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill: Located along the Miami Beach boardwalk, this venue provides a magical ambiance for mingling under the stars with sand beneath your feet and twinkling lights above.