What’s so special about the holiday season? For many families, that’s an easy question to answer. It’s a time when children and their parents – and other relatives as well – gather to create and renew traditions that last for generations. These activities can be as simple as making hot chocolate, decorating a Christmas tree or getting together to watch a holiday movie.
The Hotel Bennett, which opened its doors in early 2019 in downtown Charleston and two years later was ranked by USA Today as the No. 1 luxury hotel in the United States, has taken the term holiday tradition to a new level, offering a wide range of family-themed activities now through the end of December. Here are some of the ways you and your loved ones can create a few new family traditions.
Visit North Pole on the Plaza
The North Pole has come to the Lowcountry on Gabrielle Plaza, facing Marion Square. This year it is the place to be for 25 nights of Christmas movies, delicious s’mores and specialty cocktails. Regardless of how cold it might get; the fire pits will keep you warm from Dec. 1 through Dec. 25. You can find the movie schedule on the Hotel Bennett website at: www.hotelbennett.com/play/event-calendar#north-pole-on-the-plaza
It’s Elementary
Ashley Hall’s elementary school choirs will entertain the crowd with classic carols on Dec. 13 and Dec. 15, beginning at 6 p.m., and cocktails and hot cocoa will be available. If there are no weather issues, activities will take place on the Gabrielle Plaza, but, if necessary, the program will move inside to the lobby.
Life-size Gingerbread House
Stop by our life-size gingerbread house in our first-floor lobby for a cup of fresh hot cocoa served by our elves for a truly magical experience. Open Sundays – Thursdays from noon until 5 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m.
Letters to Santa
Still working on your letter to the jolly old guy in the red suit? Hotel Bennett has access to the “Polar Express,” which will take your Christmas requests directly to his place at the North Pole. Drop by Hotel Bennett’s first-floor lobby between Dec. 1 and Dec. 24 to make sure he knows what you want this year.
Holiday Tea
Spend a few hours with friends and family members at Camellias, Charleston’s premier champagne lounge. Adults get a glass of bubbly and kids get a festive gift. “Tea times” are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 through Dec. 3, Dec. 8 through Dec. 10, Dec. 15 through Dec. 17 and Dec. 22 through Dec. 24. Call 843-990-5460 for reservations.
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy an excellent breakfast in the Crown Ballroom and hang out with Santa before the takes off for his annual trip around the globe. The fun is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 24. For reservations, call 843-990-5460 or visit Open Table.
Christmas Eve Eve
Visit with Santa and enjoy Christmas carols, classic reads and hot cocoa in the first-floor lobby of Hotel Bennett. The fun lasts from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 23.
Ready to create some new traditions for your family? Visit www.hotelbennett.com/dine/holidays to learn more.
