Tahoe Wonderland

The Lake Tahoe ski resort has an obvious advantage when it comes to holiday getaways. “The resort itself looks like a winter wonderland with all the festive decor and beautiful scenery,” says the resort’s communications director, Kristin Yantis. That scenery includes ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley USA, an ice rink, and a kids program that includes sledding, broom ball, and snowshoeing.

Inside, the hotel also decks the halls. Its “Magical Memories” program has been running since the early 2000s and includes a giant Gingerbread Village, a Grand Tree Lighting ceremony, live music, Santa breakfasts, and cookie decorating throughout the season. Yantis admits the staffers may enjoy part of the holiday season a lot too. “Thousands of pounds of candy go into making the Gingerbread Village,” she says, “and a few hundred pounds disappear into the mouths of the chefs as they work.”