IHG® Army Hotels is jumping right into the holiday spirit this year! From the best tree lightings to holiday shopping, here’s where to kickstart your holiday travel this season to catch up with friends and family.
New York City
The spirit of the holidays greets visitors with dazzling lights and colorful displays around every city 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 and coffee from the local coffee shops.
Hop onto the subway or take a wheelchair accessible vehicle with 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, snacks, and warm drinks. But your holiday travel plans aren’t complete without a spin around the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink.
Stay at Holiday Inn Express® on Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for convenient access to the city and just a short jaunt to Dyker Heights. Guests enjoy a free, daily hot breakfast, and rooms also come equipped with refrigerators, microwave ovens, and stovetops for cooking to keep your holiday travel budget in check.
Savannah
As one of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas, 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. Come and browse artifacts from the American Civil War to Desert Storm, including original uniforms and headgear.
For convenient holiday travel, stay at IHG® Army Hotels on Hunter Army Airfield adjacent to historic Savannah. The location is convenient to shopping, dining, and entertainment options with a walk down River Street. You can even take your beer and wine with you. The historic district of Savannah allows for one open container per person if it’s less than 16 ounces, giving you an opportunity to keep moving to stay active or steer clear of the crowds.
Honolulu
Embark on a warm-weather vacation and soothe your mind and body in tropical 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 Center also features photos with Santa for visiting kids, train rides, and live entertainment by local talent.
Stay at IHG® Army Hotels on Fort Shafter and soak up a backdrop of colorful flora that surrounds the hotel, all with a free on-post shuttle. Guests enjoy convenience to on-post sites including Palm Circle and the Engineers. After some downtime in your room, walk over to the Strike Zone bowling alley, the Post Gym, or the Nagorski Golf Course to hit the links.
Washington, DC
Honor the history of Washington, D.C. during your holiday travel. The city comes to life with the nightly National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace lighting up at dusk. D.C. is also known for its candlelight tours of historic haunts and homes, including at the iconic George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
D.C. can be surprisingly budget-friendly with a free walk through the landmark Washington Mall and the network of the complimentary Smithsonian properties, including the National Museum of American History. The museum showcases a superb military collection, documenting the service members of the armed forces with firearms, swords, uniforms and insignia, and military flags. And if you’re traveling with kids, the free National Zoo boasts over 500,000 environmentally friendly LED bulbs and animated light installations.
Keep your history-inspired holiday travel going across the Potomac River with a stay at IHG® Army Hotels on Fort Myer. Adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer is also home to The Old Guard, the oldest active infantry unit of the Army and the Old Guard Museum. Bowling, bingo, a fully equipped Rec Center, and sports bar are all on Fort Myer, so you can mingle with locals and visitors.
Seattle
Head to the Pacific Northwest and blend Seattle’s urban Christmas festivities with a nearby hike at the stunning Mount Rainier. A Christmas ship festival, lighting festival, and parade of boats are just some of the events bringing holiday cheer. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature also enjoy the chilly winter activities at Mount Rainier National Park. Inquire in advance about skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ranger-guided snowshoe walks.
While you’re in Seattle on a holiday travel adventure, stay at nearby IHG® Army Hotels is-McChord. Situated near Tacoma for a central location to both Seattle and Mount Rainier, guests enjoy a commissary, fitness center annex, and swimming pool. Recreational activities like the Whispering Firs Golf Course, movie theater, bowling alley, and Air Museum are also less than a mile away. Remember to stop by the on-post National Museum of American History for a look at historic firearms, uniforms, and U.S. Army artifacts.
Monterey
Wrap yourself in the warmth of the holiday season in Monterey. Local-approved events include the historic Cannery Row Tree Lighting, Christmas in the Adobes, and boat parades for a whimsical display of lights. Of particular interest to service members, the Presidio of Monterey Museum depicts the stages of military development from the indigenous period to present day.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take a reflective walk along Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for a day winding along thirteen trails of varying difficulty along dramatic rock formations along the Pacific Ocean. Bring a picnic, flex your shutterbug skills, or call ahead about taking a guided scuba dive for glorious underwater views and a reprieve for overworked muscles.
During your time in Monterey, stay at the hillside Presidio of Monterey within walking distance to various attractions, including the Presidio of Monterey Museum, and the infamous Cannery Row.
There’s an IHG® Army Hotel from coast to coast near your favorite holiday displays and attractions, with discounted rates to boot. But when it comes to holiday travel, the real magic is spending time with family and friends, no matter where your travels take you.
