Holiday travel feels truly magical, from the anticipation of reconnecting with loved ones to seeing bucket-list destinations decked out in festive decor. Hilton Grand Vacations Members have a long list of locations to choose from to make their holiday season unforgettable. We asked four Members for their holiday travel stories and how vacation membership is the gift that keeps giving.
1. Thanksgiving In Las Vegas
For many people, November officially starts the holiday season. “Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because it’s a chance to embrace the upcoming season’s excitement,” explained Greg B., a Hilton Grand Vacations Elite Premier Member. “With so many things to do at Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Las Vegas, our family decided to spend Thanksgiving there. I couldn’t wait to combine two of my favorite things.”
Gratitude filled Greg’s family holiday getaway the moment he arrived at Elara. He recalled dedicated Team Members worked hard to bring life to the holiday traditions and make his family vacation memorable.
It was important to Greg’s family that the resort could accommodate a large gathering of family and friends for this special holiday, so they appreciated the spacious 2- and 3-Bedroom Suites.
“Elara also has a 4-Bedroom Penthouse Suite. Imagine having over 2,000 square feet to kick back, enjoy with friends and family and soak in Las Vegas’ city views as your backdrop for Thanksgiving dinner. Talk about a gratitude-worthy experience,” he said. “Besides being one of my favorite days to celebrate family, it’s also when families like mine venture out to find the best bargains and fight the large crowds of non-apologetic Black Friday shoppers.”
With adjoining access to the shops and restaurants of Miracle Mile, spending Thanksgiving at Elara made holiday shopping convenient and fun for Greg’s family. However, he stressed, “Don’t worry if you prefer to skip the shopping crowds; you won’t lack for things to do.” Check out “4 Seasons Of Fun In Fabulous Las Vegas” for some seasonal inspiration.
2. Holiday Lights In St. Augustine, Florida
Christmas in Florida is ideal for travelers seeking respite from snowier climates, from world-famous theme parks to miles of picturesque beaches.
Hilton Grand Vacations Member and Central Florida local Kassi P. enjoyed a trip to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights.
“The holidays are one of the best times to visit St. Augustine, thanks to the annual Nights of Lights, which takes place from mid-November to the end of January,” said Kassi. “The entire city lights up in a beautiful holiday display. St. Augustine is a walkable city, making it convenient to appreciate the lights as you stroll through town, climb aboard a trolley or cozy up for a horse-drawn carriage tour. Regardless of what you choose, it’s quite a sight.”
The couple stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Oceanfront, using Hilton Honors Points to soak up everything the historic city has to offer.
Kassi added, “However, one winter getaway to Florida’s oldest city was memorable because of the holidays and because my husband and I were celebrating our first wedding anniversary. It was the perfect winter escape.”
Discover 10 more off-the-beaten-path winter escapes Members can book by converting HGV ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points.
3. Christmas In New York City
For many travelers, Christmas in the Big Apple is the ultimate bucket list trip. Jan K., a Hilton Grand Vacations Elite Premier Member since 2007, traveled to New York regularly for years but had always longed to travel to the city during the holidays.
One year, her dreams came true. Jan used HGV ClubPoints and Hilton Honors Points to book 10 rooms for 15 family members at West 57th Street, a Hilton Club for the trip of a lifetime. “I loved arriving to the welcoming faces of the Team Members who’ve become my friends over the years. The reception area was decorated beautifully for the holidays with a lighted Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah and seasonal orchids,” recalled Jan warmly.
“December in New York City is a can’t-miss travel experience. The holidays come to life throughout the city with the help of beautiful decorations,” she said. “The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was even more spectacular in person, and the lights at Saks were gorgeous. It was worth braving the cold weather to view them at night.”
The family also enjoyed a Broadway production and shared breakfast, afternoon coffee and cookies in the Owners Lounge. As for Jan’s favorite part?
“Naturally, we had to attend the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular’s matinee performance for my first trip during the holidays. The synchronized moves are even more incredible than I had imagined.”
If you bring your extended family along, check out this multi-generational guide to New York City.
4. New Year’s Eve In Las Vegas
If your idea of celebrating the season includes ending the year with a bang, consider a trip to Las Vegas. Each year, Laurie L., an HGV Max and Hilton Grand Vacations Elite Premier Member, celebrates New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas — and loves it.
“When a sales executive suggested we consider purchasing New Year’s week in Las Vegas — also known as owning an ‘Event Week’ — I had my doubts,” Laurie admitted. “I wondered if we would really go to Vegas every year for New Year’s Eve. That was about six years ago, and except for pandemic-related interruptions, we’ve gone every year.”
Known for its year-round glitz and glamour, the Las Vegas Strip goes all out for New Year’s Eve, even shutting down to make way for a pedestrian walkway.
“We’re Members at The Boulevard, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. So, we enjoy watching the Las Vegas Strip’s fireworks display from our Suite,” said Laurie. “Considering that festivities get a little crazy, we like to enjoy the Strip early in the evening. We start at the south part of the Strip and walk up to the Boulevard.”
“We end up going against foot traffic, but it’s our thing. The fireworks displays from the various hotels are amazing, and all the rooms facing the Stratosphere get a top-notch view of those fireworks,” she said.
Making the holidays memorable is easy with vacation membership with Hilton Grand Vacations. Enjoy benefits from Hilton Honors membership to spacious accommodations in popular vacation destinations worldwide. Discover more stories from real Hilton Grand Vacations Members and see what possibilities await you.