9 Warm‑Weather Hotels That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit

When you think “white Christmas,” do you say, “Bah! Humbug?” Have no fear! Warm-weather destinations can be equally as festive during the holidays. If you’d prefer to experience a wonderful life on a beach, in the desert or in the southern hemisphere this holiday season, these Hilton hotels and resorts offer all the joys of Christmas, without Jack Frost’s bite, because, when you don’t want a white Christmas, it matters where you stay.

Whether ice skating under the Southern California sun at Skating by the Sea, cozying by a fire at Frostbite Lounge, gathering under the stars to roast s’mores, watching holiday movies on the beach, or stepping back in time with a Victorian Tea, all you’ll want for Christmas is a stay at Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, where this year’s Frosted by the Sea theme brings sparkle and shine to your holidays. Experience your seaside holiday at San Diego’s crown jewel with thousands of white lights and a touch of magical snow flurries at the “At First Light” Lightshow Spectacular and surprise loved ones with personalized deliveries from Santa’s little helpers before enjoying a holiday buffet fit for a king in the elegant Crown and Coronet rooms. Families can also book a stay this holiday season at Hotel del Coronado’s newest seaside residential-style property Shore House at The Del featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom oceanfront accommodations. 

The only things blue about Christmas at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort are the Pacific Ocean and the skies above. Becoming your home away from home during the holidays, guests enjoy special holiday luaus, choirs performing holiday tunes, Christmas movies on the Village Green, and photos with Santa as part of the jovial fun. The resort’s Bali Oceanfront restaurant gets all spruced up for the occasion, offering Breakfast with Santa, and kids of all ages can learn how to make holiday-themed leis and ornaments during their stay.

At the southernmost tip of the continental United States, the sugar-white sand beaches stand in for snow as Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton transforms its palm tree-lined grounds into a winter wonderland. Launching into the season with its annual lighting of a 12-foot Christmas tree made of sand, the beachfront property features a delicious Christmas Day brunch that includes a specialty raw bar and a carving station everyone will love.

From festive parrandas (caroling) to two distinct New Year’s Eve celebrations, enjoy a holiday season filled with Puerto Rican flair at Caribe Hilton. Kicking off at the end of November with an uplifting Christmas Tree Lighting called Trulla Navideña featuring Puerto Rican folk music from well-known musicians, fun-filled events are scheduled throughout the season, including meeting Santa at the Gingerbread Villa, making your own s’mores at the Hammock Garden, poolside movies under the stars, cooking classes, Piña Colada and coquito tastings, pond feeding and movement flow sessions. On Christmas Eve, join with fellow worshippers in a Christmas Eve Mass before feasting on a holiday dinner at Néctar del Caribe.

Surrounded by lush foliage, picturesque palm trees, magical marine life, powder-soft white sand and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island becomes an Enchanted Forest this holiday season and makes Christmas wishes come true. Guests are sure to have a holly jolly Christmas with a variety of culinary experiences like a Champagne and Lobster Beach BBQ, dazzling entertainment, and exciting activities and events, including Santa’s arrival on the beach and a special themed costume party for the kids.

Even in the desert, you can find holiday magic, especially at Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, which offers an artisanal Golden Season experience that creates child-like glee in guests of all ages. Find a desert winter wonderland filled with a dozen decorated trees within the grand lobby, listen to the chiming of the Bell Forest on Spire Lawn, experience a fire so delightful while staying at the Biltmore Cottages and discover an array of activities from holiday crafting to wreath building and from gingerbread house making to cookie decorating. Special Golden Goddess spa rituals, retail events, speakeasy cocktail making and even tarot card readings round out the festivities.

There’s plenty of magic to be found in Orlando during the holidays but laughter will fill the air when you stay at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Enjoy a number of merry activities like kids’ holiday-themed craft-making, afternoon delights offered poolside, nightly s’mores by the fire pits, and dive-in movies around the pool to experience the happiest season of all. Plus, savor what Signia’s chefs are cooking up at the signature Bull & Bear and La Luce restaurants – they totally sleigh it!

Celebrate the 12 Days Holiday Countdown on the white sand beaches of Aruba’s Palm Beach, where Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino welcomes guests to its Caribbean festivities. You’ll experience the magic of the season writing letters to Santa, enjoying cookies delivered by Santa’s Elves at the pool, meeting Santa on the beach, learning about the Aruban holiday tradition of Gaita bands and building an Aruban snowman out of sand.

There is nothing like the warmth of the holidays under the Cabo sun. Nestled between the cliffside and the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal awaits with festive celebrations for the whole family. Every day throughout the holiday season, you’ll have a bounty of activities to choose from. From kite-flying for kids or off-road adventures for teens to champagne and tequila tastings for grownups, you’ll find something for every whim and every wish. As it’s not Christmas without a visit from the jolly man dressed in red, meet him at the Deluxe Christmas Lunch at Don Manuel’s, where piñata-breaking and interactive food stations add to the Yuletide cheer. 

Hilton Honors members enjoying the holidays at any of Hilton’s 18 brands can earn double nights on stays through Dec. 31, 2022, with the Double Night Credit promotion. Not a member of the award-winning Hilton Honors program? It’s free to enroll.