Christmas came early this year. As my fiancé and I check into The Sebastian – Vail, natural light streams through the glass ceiling, while a double-sided fireplace crackles nearby, and holiday jazz music fills the air, perfectly complemented by the giant gingerbread house that stands proudly in the lobby, infusing the space with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and icing. Normally, I’m a “No Christmas Until After Thanksgiving” person, but The Sebastian has me ready to toss that old motto out the window. With festive decor decking the halls from late October on, it’s the perfect time to book a stay and embrace the magic of Vail Village’s holiday season.
If the stunning holiday decorations don’t already wrap you in the charm of the North Pole, the hotel’s globally themed holiday programming will definitely do the trick. The Holidays Around The World celebration, running from December 14 through New Year’s Day, features nightly cultural live music at The Gambit Bar, festive drink specials, and holiday-inspired dishes at the on-site restaurant, Leonora. Each evening pays homage to a different country’s traditions, creating a delicious culinary journey.
The hotel boasts 84 rooms, 16 suites, and seven residential suites, including the expansive Grand Galerie Penthouse, a spacious 12-person suite perfect for hosting the whole family. Since we only needed accommodations for two, we settled into the luxurious Executive Suite. It features a plush king bed draped in 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, a queen pull-out couch, two well-appointed bathrooms, a balcony, and a separate living area. Throughout the hotel, an impressive art collection adorns the walls, showcasing works by notable Mexican artists, including Leonora Carrington, after whom the hotel restaurant is named. Step outside to discover one of Vail’s finest pool decks—a private second-floor oasis with a heated outdoor pool and multiple hot tubs, providing a serene escape from the crowd and warming both body and spirit.
While we had no kids in tow and opted for a couples massage at the on-site Bloom Spa, The Sebastian truly excels at creating a festive experience for families during the holidays. Beyond its spacious and accommodating suites, the hotel offers supervised crafts and camps, a dedicated playroom, and a delightful kid-friendly hot chocolate cocktail menu at the bar. For those cozy nights in, there are in-room movie and game night options, plus a daily elf hunt that keeps little ones entertained. With all these family-focused activities, The Sebastian is a fantastic destination for families looking to create unforgettable holiday memories together.
Eat & Drink
During the holidays, Vail’s dining scene is as festive as it is flavorful. At The Sebastian, The Gambit Bar offers a newly renovated cozy spot to enjoy its menu of old fashions. Leonora, the hotel’s signature restaurant, delights with festive decor and Rocky Mountain cuisine using fresh, local ingredients by Chef Kevin Erving. This year’s four-course Christmas dinner centers on beef tenderloin, Norwegian salmon, or lentil stew with optional wine pairings. In the morning, its lavish breakfast bar is the best way to start your day, especially on Sundays. Don’t miss the hot chocolate experiences: The Sebastian’s version features a gold-dusted Valrhona chocolate sphere that melts into a decadent, spiced mix.
Explore
Vail comes alive every December, offering visitors attractions and activities from the slopes to the cobblestone streets. For snowsport enthusiasts, the mountains call and hotel’s adventure concierge services make answering easier than ever. Your gear will be warmed and brought to the gondola so you can save the sweating for the slopes. For adventure seekers, Sage Outdoor Adventures offers exhilarating snowmobile rides and snow tubing through Vail’s winter wonderland, and the Dobson Ice Arena in Lionshead Village offers ice skating right in town. Afterward, stop by Wild Bill’s Emporium, an iconic western-wear outpost, for quirky, Colorado-centric shopping. Or, relax with a couples massage at the hotel’s Bloom Spa.
