Holiday Group Experiences for Memorable Gatherings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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As the holiday season draws near, meeting planners have an array of options for group gatherings at hotels across the country. Whether organizing an end-of-year corporate celebration, an intimate team-building retreat or a large-scale festive reception, hotels offer distinctive settings that can cater to every type of holiday event.

Here’s a look at what some hotels are offering to make this holiday season unforgettable for corporate groups and event attendees.

Holiday Corporate Gatherings at Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts is inviting companies to celebrate the spirit of the season with customized experiences for corporate meetings, incentives and holiday events. With festive Signature Experiences, private Santa Suites and enchanting lobby activations, Omni properties across the country are creating memorable backdrops for both intimate gatherings and large-scale events.

Jeff Doane, Chief Commercial Officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts, highlights the brand’s dedication to fostering togetherness: “Our holiday experiences bring people together to make lasting memories and enjoy the magic of the season. For corporate groups, it’s a way to strengthen connections and reflect on the year’s accomplishments in a truly festive setting.”

Signature Experiences for Corporate Groups

Omni’s Signature Experiences are ideal for groups seeking unique ways to celebrate the season together. For example, Omni Parker House in Boston offers an exclusive A Christmas Carol experience, complete with a private dinner in a Victorian setting that transports attendees to the classic Dickens era. At Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, group planners can work with Executive Chef Emily Brubaker to create custom, family-inspired dishes for a unique holiday-themed dinner. Omni Amelia Island Resort offers group-friendly beachside igloos, complete with holiday refreshments and s’mores—perfect for a relaxed, team-focused celebration by the sea.

Omni’s festive Santa Suites and immersive lobby decorations offer event planners unique spaces to surprise and delight attendees. Available at properties like Omni Dallas Hotel and Omni Berkshire Place, Santa Suites allow companies to host guests in suites transformed into holiday wonderlands. Lobby activations, including Omni’s signature Hot Chocolate Ritual and live tree lighting ceremonies, add a warm, interactive element that can be incorporated into evening gatherings, welcome receptions, or networking sessions.

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Exclusive Offers & Magical Memories

Omni’s holiday packages, available from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 19, 2025, provide corporate planners with up to 20% off stays and an additional $25 food and beverage credit. The Magical Memories promotion extends these savings to groups booking Santa Suites, with added credits to enrich the guest experience. To facilitate multi-room accommodations for larger groups, Omni’s “Stay Together” initiative ensures guaranteed connecting rooms across its 50 properties, making it easy for corporate teams to stay close and celebrate in comfort.

Coastal Holiday Celebrations at Zachari Dunes

Nestled in the coastal town of Oxnard, just an hour north of Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach offers a vibrant selection of holiday event venues and unique experiences. Ideal for end-of-year corporate gatherings or family celebrations, Zachari Dunes provides tailored event options set against a stunning beach backdrop. 

Sugar Beats at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach (Photo by Zachari Dunes).

Groups booking by Nov. 20 can enjoy a 10% discount on venue rental fees, adding extra value for holiday planners. Here are a few spaces at the property where groups can enjoy exclusive offerings and versatile spaces for a holiday gathering: 

  • Fiesta de Sabores (Festival of Flavors) at Sugar Beats
    This unique event offers small groups a casual, fun-filled food truck experience at Sugar Beats—a converted airstream trailer nestled within the resort. Ideal for a lively holiday gathering, the Fiesta de Sabores includes festive decor and a menu of Mexican-style tacos, margaritas and Mexican beers. 
  • Deck the Grill BBQ Bash at Sugar Beats
    For medium-sized groups seeking a laid-back outdoor vibe, the BBQ Bash at Sugar Beats features classic barbecue fare—hot dogs, hamburgers, pork ribs and all the fixings. This event offers a relaxed yet festive atmosphere for team bonding or client celebrations.
  • Holiday Cheers at DIVE
    Perfect for a sports bar-style celebration, DIVE provides a fun, interactive setting for small to medium groups. Guests can enjoy classic bar foods like sliders, chicken wings, and nachos while engaging in games such as basketball and darts. For an enhanced experience, groups can add a pool party complete with heated pool access, lounge chairs and private cabanas.
  • Taste of the Season at Ox and Ocean
    For an upscale, elegant dining experience, Zachari Dunes’ signature restaurant, Ox and Ocean, offers locally sourced seafood and land-based dishes paired with craft cocktails and a curated wine list. Perfect for larger holiday gatherings, Ox and Ocean can host groups in a private dining room, the patio, or even accommodate a full restaurant buyout.
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Ox and Ocean (Photo by Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach).

A Southern-Inspired Experience in Nashville

Located in the Gulch neighborhood, Thompson Nashville offers a memorable, culturally rich experience for groups looking to host corporate events or holiday gatherings with a local twist. 

As part of Thompson’s Culture Lives Here initiative, the hotel now presents Taste of Thompson Dinner Parties, available for private customization on the scenic Goldtop Terrace. Overlooking Nashville’s vibrant skyline, the terrace offers a backdrop for an exclusive Southern-inspired dining experience, ideal for companies and groups seeking authentic hospitality with Music City flair.

Groups can indulge in local favorites, creating a distinctly Nashville dining experience. Enhancing the atmosphere, the dinner party includes an intimate live performance from one of Nashville’s top songwriters, offering a taste of the city’s musical heritage.

The Goldtop Terrace at the Thompson Nashville (Photo by Thompson Nashville).

Meeting Spaces That Impress

Thompson Nashville’s meeting facilities, spanning 6,000 sf, provide a variety of upscale venues for holiday gatherings.

Key spaces include:

  • The Boardroom: A pre-set space featuring a large wood table and a sleek, mid-century modern aesthetic.
  • Meeting Room with Terrace Access: Offering the flexibility of an adjoining terrace, perfect for breakout sessions or post-meeting receptions.
  • Private Dining Room Behind Marsh House: Located within the acclaimed Southern-inspired Marsh House restaurant, this venue is perfect for exclusive dining events.
  • Pre-Function Area: Ideal for networking and registration, complementing the main meeting areas.

With the support of Thompson Nashville’s expert events and culinary teams, planners can be confident that every detail of their holiday party or event will be executed flawlessly, delivering an unforgettable experience for attendees.

 

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