Dashing through the desert
Don’t worry, kids: Santa will find you in the desert — especially if you stay at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. The resort is offering a “12 Days of Esmeralda” package with Christmas-themed events each day. Beginning on Dec. 17, activities include a holiday cocktail class, carriage rides and roasting chestnuts — on an open fire, naturally. Room rates start at $159 per night. renaissanceesmeralda.com
St. Nick at the Wick
Celebrate Christmas at the Wickaninnish Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property in Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. The two-night West Coast Christmas package includes a small, in-room tree, breakfast for two each morning, a four-course Christmas dinner for two and a $100 spa credit. Oh, yes: Stunning views of the Pacific (from every room) are included, too; a good thing, as December is prime storm-watching season. Valid for arrivals Dec. 23 to 25; rates start around $1,500. wickinn.com
Forking great
Spend Christmas on Long Island’s laid-back North Fork. The Christmas Package ($349) at the Harborfront Inn at Greenport includes two nights in a deluxe room (plus continental breakfast) for up to a family of four. Check in Dec. 24, check out Dec. 26. An additional night can be added for $149. theharborfrontinn.com
Have a Blue (Ridge) Christmas
The Clifton Inn — a luxury property in Charlottesville, Va. — offers an “epicurean inspired” event series known as “Twelve Days of Christmas at Clifton.” From Dec. 13 through Dec. 24, daily festivities include a Nutcracker Tea (with characters, $45), a “cookies and cocktails” hour ($25) and kid-friendly gingerbread house making ($10 per child). Rooms start at $129 per night. cliftoninn.net