The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here! Get into the holiday spirit with some of the best destinations to experience this season.

New York

What can be better than the Big Apple this time of year? The spirit of the holidays greets visitors with dazzling lights and colorful displays around every corner. Whether you’re on leave or want to reconnect with family during the season, the city provides fun for every type of traveler. Start in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights, known internationally for its holiday light display. Stroll through the neighborhood and warm up by sipping on hot cocoa or other tasty beverages from the local coffee shops.

Hop onto the subway or take a ride-sharing service to see the famous Macy’s window depicting holiday stories. You can also walk over to the holiday markets at Bryant Park which feature outdoor shopping and food options. But your holiday travel plans aren’t complete without a spin around the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink.

Stay at the Holiday Inn Express® on Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for convenient access to the city and just a short jaunt to Dyker Heights. Amenities include free hot breakfast and rooms equipped with kitchenettes to help keep your holiday travel budget in check.

Savannah

As one of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas in the South, Savannah features dazzling holiday events throughout December. Look for Christmas on the River, a boat parade of lights, tours of historic homes, and more. This historic gem is full of gorgeous coastal landscapes with attractions like the Webb Military Museum in downtown Savannah. Browse artifacts from the American Civil War to Desert Storm, including original uniforms and headgear.

Holiday Inn Express on Hunter Army Airfield is near historic Savannah and a wide selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options along River Street.

Colorado Springs

Colorado is a winter wonderland just waiting for skiers, hikers, and cold-weather enthusiasts to come out and play. Snow doesn’t slow down hikers carefully navigating the picturesque waterfalls at The Broadmoor Seven Falls, near Colorado Springs. During certain winter days, you might even see the falls frozen over!

You can also try winter hiking the Cheyenne Mountain State Park for stunning views and mule deer nosing around the trails. Mix up your winter vacation and hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort or Eldora Mountain resort which are under 120 miles from the Colorado Springs area.

After you’re done exploring, warm up and relax at the Candlewood Suites® on Fort Carson. You can share your outdoor adventures with your fellow guests during the complimentary hot breakfast or one of their weekly Wednesday evening socials.

Honolulu

If warm weather is more your thing, soothe your mind and body this winter in Honolulu. After a must-see trip to the Pearl Harbor Memorial, make time for the annual Honolulu City Lights featuring the lighting of the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree and downtown parade. For something more tranquil during your holiday vacation, try the 12 Days of Polynesia in Waikiki for a short boat ride through an illuminated lagoon with holiday decor. The Polynesian Cultural Center also features photos with Santa for visiting kids, train rides, and live entertainment by local talent.

Stay at the IHG® Army Hotels on Fort Shafter and soak up a backdrop of colorful flora that surrounds the hotel, and enjoy the outdoor spaces and games for guests of all ages.

Wherever you travel, we hope you’re able to spend time with your loved ones. Many families can’t bring their loved ones home for the holidays, but they can still spend time with them on post. We’re here to help make those days extra special, and many of our IHG Army Hotels locations offer special holiday rates from mid-November through early January. Contact the property you are planning on visiting from our Locations page to find out if they’re offering discounts this season.

Happy holidays! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Lendlease is the owner, design-builder, asset manager, and the exclusive developer for the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolio, the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program. IHG Hotel & Resorts is the hotel operator and manager of IHG Army Hotels.