Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel Reintroduces the Magical Ice Rodeo for 2025: A Winter Wonderland Full of New Experiences for Tourists

The Four Seasons Hotel Austin has always been adored for its lakeside retreat, but this holiday season it is set to transform into a winter wonder land. With the Ice Rodeo set to return, it will run from November 21st 2025 to January 4th 2026 along with a plethora of new holiday experience offerings. Designed to create magical memories, the event is sure to attract travellers. This year there is even more delightful family friendly programmed being offered alongside new additions to festive food and merriment.

Beverly Magee, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of the hotel, shared her excitement about the return of the Ice Rodeo, stating that it has become an important part of many families’ traditions. She expressed that seeing the joy of people of all ages coming together to celebrate the holiday season at the Ice Rodeo truly captures the warm spirit that defines Austin.

Ice Skating and Festive Food Trucks: A True Holiday Tradition

One of the key attractions of the Ice Rodeo is the 3,360-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink. Built atop the hotel pool, this real ice rink provides guests with a chance to skate beneath Austin’s crisp winter skies, with a stunning view of Lady Bird Lake. The rink is cooled by state-of-the-art chillers, offering an authentic ice-skating experience that draws in both locals and tourists.

After an exhilarating skate, guests can head to The Point, a charming outdoor lounge offering hot toddies, gourmet snacks, and treats from nearby food trucks. With sparkling lights and firepits to keep warm, The Point becomes the perfect setting for sharing s’mores with friends and family, providing a uniquely festive experience that embodies the welcoming atmosphere of Austin.

For many, the outdoor lounge and ice rink provide not only an enjoyable pastime but an opportunity to experience Austin in a way that blends both the holiday cheer of winter and the laid-back Texan charm.

Rinkside Cabins: A Cosy and Exclusive Experience

For those seeking a more private experience, Four Seasons Hotel Austin is offering rinkside cabins, designed with a lodge-inspired aesthetic to create a festive, intimate atmosphere. These cabins, which can accommodate up to six guests, are available for rent throughout the holiday season and offer a range of curated experiences.

With plush seating, seasonal décor, and personalised service, these cabins are perfect for a family celebration or a romantic evening for two. The cabins, which start at 450 USD for a two-hour rental, also include food and beverage options such as Champagne, shareable plates, and even tableside ensuring that guests have a memorable and festive experience during their visit.

Spectacular Holiday Décor and Texas-Themed Installations

The holiday décor at Four Seasons Hotel Austin is sure to captivate visitors, as the hotel is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, a 120-foot tunnel of lighted stars, and an array of Texas-themed art installations scattered throughout the property. For travellers looking to capture the magic of the season, the elaborate décor creates the perfect backdrop for holiday photos and makes exploring the property a magical experience.

The highlight of the outdoor holiday display is the towering 30-foot Christmas tree, which stands proudly on the back lawn, giving guests the chance to take in the splendour of the season while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

A Journey of Sweetness: Gingerbread Display

Indoors, guests will find the hotel’s famous gingerbread display, a yearly tradition that never fails to wow visitors. Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Pallagi and her team craft this magical creation each year, and this time, the hotel will transform its lobby into a Polar Express-inspired adventure with a Texan twist. Past creations have included life-sized replicas of the city and oversized ornaments; this year’s gingerbread masterpiece promises to be just as delightful and a perfect addition to the holiday festivities.

The Deck Pop-Up Lounge and A-Tea-X: Relax and Unwind

Those looking to unwind with a bird’s-eye view of the holiday festivities can visit The Deck, the hotel’s seasonal pop-up lounge located on the outdoor balcony of Live Oak. Open daily from 1:00 pm to midnight, The Deck features a curated menu of specialty cocktails, Champagne, caviar, and light bites, all designed to enhance the refined yet relaxed setting. With comfortable seating and winter-inspired décor, it is an ideal spot for both tourists and locals to gather and take in the magic of the season.

In addition, A-Tea-X, the hotel’s renowned afternoon tea service, will return on December 1, 2025, offering a festive twist with hot teas, tea-inspired cocktails, and a selection of holiday treats. Guests can enjoy this special experience daily from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the hotel’s stylish bar.

Winter Spa Treatments and The Hidden Flask: Seasonal Indulgence

For those in need of relaxation after an exciting day of holiday festivities, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin is offering seasonal treatments such as the Fire and Ice Ritual. This full-body treatment combines the soothing warmth of basalt stones with the cooling benefits of marble stones, ensuring a rejuvenating experience for guests.

Additionally, The Hidden Flask, a speakeasy hidden within one of the hotel’s specialty suites, will reopen for the season. Guests can unwind by the fireplace while sipping festive cocktails and indulging in a menu of holiday-inspired bites.

A Boost to Austin’s Tourism Sector

The return of Ice Rodeo brings a wealth of new opportunities for tourists and locals alike. With a variety of activities, from ice skating and holiday-themed food trucks to private cabin rentals and luxurious spa treatments, Four Seasons Hotel Austin is positioning itself as the go-to destination for holiday getaways. This festive celebration of winter and Austin’s charm is expected to significantly boost tourism by attracting both domestic and international visitors, eager to experience the city’s unique blend of holiday cheer and Texas hospitality.

Bottom Line

Like with other events hosted by the Four Seasons, the Ice Rodeo will be a great opportunity for travellers during the holidays, especially with the newly added features. With the promise of increasing tourism throughout Austin, the opportunity for unforgettable memories is high for this event, especially given the real ice Rockette and cabin features. The opportunity for January 1st as a re-engagement event, people watching will meet skaters while others will be warming themselves with steaming cups of holiday drinks, will offer a unique way to showcase Texas charm.

Image Credit: Four Seasons Hotel, Austin

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New York Holiday Tourism Boost as Club Wyndham Unveils Let It Dough Suite Immersive Baking Retreat

New York City, famous for its festive energy and magical holiday atmosphere, now offers a playful new seasonal experience unlike anything travelers have seen before. In a creative collaboration that blends nostalgia with immersive design, Club Wyndham has introduced a themed holiday accommodation at its Midtown 45 property — a delightfully unconventional retreat known as the Let It Dough Suite.

Inspired by cheerful holiday baking traditions and the spirit of wintertime coziness, the suite invites families, couples and festive explorers to rediscover the joy of the holidays through whimsical design and interactive experiences. Available for booking beginning November 17, 2025 and open through January 6, 2026, this specialty suite transforms a New York hotel stay into a storybook-style holiday getaway.

A Storybook Suite in the Heart of Manhattan

The Let It Dough Suite is designed as a charming, cottage-style hideaway infused with wintry personality. Instead of typical New York luxury minimalism, guests step into a comforting world of sweetness and imagination. From the moment they enter, they are greeted by the subtle scent of cookies and an interior crafted to resemble a holiday bakery brought to life.

Walls are treated with hand-drawn-style illustrations that resemble a festive kitchen sketch, and oversized décor pieces create a playful sense of dimension. Surfaces are trimmed with faux icing drips, cookie motifs appear across the walls, and vintage-inspired shelving holds jars and bowls that feel plucked from a storybook pantry. Frosted window art completes the illusion of a snowy winter just beyond the glass — even on days when Manhattan streets are clear.

The centerpiece of the suite is a cozy kitchen and dining space designed for memory-making moments. Here, families can roll dough, decorate cookies, and enjoy warm pastries fresh from the oven. The holiday theme flows seamlessly from room to room, culminating in a dreamlike bedroom inspired by cinnamon rolls, with swirled bedding textures and comforting caramel tones that wrap the room in visual warmth.

A Stay Filled with Interactive Holiday Fun

The Let It Dough experience extends beyond décor. This seasonal suite was curated for hands-on enjoyment, featuring interactive touches throughout. Guests can:

• Cozy up by a warming electric fireplace while sipping hot beverages
• Capture share-worthy photos in a built-in holiday photo booth
• Enjoy a direct-dial hotline offering festive baking tips and cheer
• Access a dedicated “Cookie Concierge” service that delivers extra baking supplies or sweet ingredients upon request
• Open a refrigerator stocked with ready-to-bake treats
• Decorate cookies with sprinkles, icing, and themed baking kits included with the stay

Every detail encourages travelers to slow down, savor holiday traditions, and create memories. Even bedtime is treated as a seasonal ritual, with themed eye masks and plush blankets to complete the experience.

Holiday Cheer Spreads Across the Country

Though the Let It Dough Suite is exclusive to New York City, the collaboration extends beyond the East Coast. Holiday travelers at select Club Wyndham resorts across the United States will be treated to Cookie Happy Hour, a seasonal moment when warm baked treats are offered to guests at no additional cost. Participating resorts include:

• Club Wyndham Anaheim
• Club Wyndham Atlanta
• Club Wyndham Resort at Avon
• Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek in Orlando
• Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows
• Club Wyndham Grand Desert in Las Vegas

These select properties will host afternoon cookie gatherings throughout the holiday period, bringing a touch of festive joy to travelers nationwide.

A Chance to Win a Holiday Stay in New York

Adding to this seasonal surprise, Club Wyndham has launched a giveaway that will grant one winner a two-night stay in the Let It Dough Suite from December 17–19, 2025. The prize also includes round-trip airfare for two, giving one lucky guest the chance to enjoy a festive escape in Manhattan during the height of the holiday season.

Booking Information

The Let It Dough Suite accommodates up to four guests and is available for both Club Wyndham owners and general travelers. Two- and three-night stays can be reserved between November 17, 2025 and January 6, 2026, with nightly rates starting at $399 plus tax. Ahead of public booking, select Club Wyndham owners with existing Midtown 45 reservations from November 3–16 may receive complimentary upgrades as a surprise benefit.

A Seasonal Stay Designed for Delight

At a time of year when New York glows with holiday lights and festive markets, this imaginative suite offers an immersive retreat that embraces holiday whimsy without sacrificing comfort. With its blend of creative décor, interactive surprises, and joyful nostalgic energy, the Let It Dough Suite turns a city break into a fully baked holiday experience.

Travelers seeking seasonal magic, family connection, or simply a cozy escape amid Manhattan’s winter wonderland will find a warm welcome in this playful hideaway.

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Embrace the Magic of Winter in Boone, North Carolina: Skiing, Tubing, and Blue Ridge Beauty

Standing in the shadow of the more famed ski destinations in the Rockies or the Northeast, Boone, North Carolina, has nonetheless earned the title of ‘The Ski Capital of the South’. Its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains endows Boone with an exclusive skiing experience thanks to the proximity of three ski areas, located within 19 miles of one another. Alongside the historic allure of the town, visitors can indulge in the myriad of winter activities available, including night skiing, tubing parks, or mountain-bounded driving tours.

The Southern ski vacation has never properly made the ‘to-visit’ list of the average traveller but Boone is the perfect alternative to the crowded Southern ski resorts. Boone lies in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and is ideal for ski enthusiasts thanks to the proximity to three ski areas: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. Each ski area has an assortment of slopes, runs, and terrains for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

In the midst of the Appalachian Mountains, Boone, one of the towns that the Blue Ridge Parkway intersects, is one of the most scenic routes in the United States that spans 469 miles and is accessible through the Parkway. The drive’s stunning scenery is accentuated during the winter as snow blankets the entire region, drawing tourists and visitors alike to Boone.

With Boone’s nearby ski resorts, tourists will have no shortage of winter activities to engage in. Boone is home to three resorts with vastly different terrains and runs, all of which are within arm’s length of one another. Since Boone is such a popular winter destination, the range of skills within a group is never a problem, as the resorts offer a variety of runs for all ages and skill levels.

For those in Boone’s region wishing to indulge in night skiing, there are some of the best options available. Sugar Mountain Resort is one of the few ski resorts in the South that permits night skiing, giving guests the opportunity to ski under the stars, floodlights, and evening sky until the late hours. In other regions, there are few other chances to ski in the dark under the brilliant floodlights that offer a singular aspect of skiing.

Another popular winter activity is Boone’s tubing parks, in addition to skiing and snowboarding. One of the biggest regions for snow tubing in the area is on Appalachian Ski Mountain, which provides entertainment for families and young children who are not of age to ski or snowboard. Without the above-average snow and specialized skills and equipment, the tubing experience allows visitors to appreciate the mountains and snow.

The route taken from Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway is a drive full of memorable sights and easily outspoken scenic views and access points for a quick getaway trek without straying from the road. Boone is situated on the parkway, which dogs the craggy Blue Ridge Mountains full of history and. Boone lays at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the old winter wonderlands framed so elegantly, providing a massive show on the topography of the land. It is no wonder that Boone routes are a favoured destination attraction on the parkway.

Boone is full of plenty of foot and highway challenges to ease the demands of travellers. Their cravings for local crafts will surely be appeased, as Blowing Rock crafts shop has all sorts of custom mountain cuisine, rich sweet fragrances that ignite the air as you ease into a stuffed chair of a comfortable old café. As you go, you will be taken into a small time walk from the swift modern world to the slow lifestyle of Boone and Blowing Rock. The closer you get, the more you will feel the old-world charm. The old and modern architecture of the area complements each other brilliantly and looks down from high chairs at the storm of tourists, with its local cafes, known for the slowest wifi in the world, and the fastest frozen hot chocolate.

A Perfect Winter Vacation For Families and Adventures

Boone is convenient for adventure seekers and families too. Boone is close to the ski slopes and has many accommodation types, from mountain lodges to luxurious resorts. Boone has has many winter activities but is not limited to. Hiking, fishing, and mountain biking are some activities that make Boone a year-round destination for nature lovers seeking peace in the mountains. For visitors who wish to go to Boone in the off skiing season, there are other activities that are available. Boone has a lot to offer and can be visited at any time of the year.

Getting to Boone is quite easy. Boone can be reached directly from the airports in the South East located in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, driving for almost 2 hours. The other alternative for direct airplane travel is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport from which Boone is 90 miles away and connected to many regional airports in the country. Boone has many transports available such as public buses and cabs to ski areas, tubing parks, and other attractions.

Conclusions: A Southern Ski Destination Yet to be Explored

In the South, Bowen, North Carolina, is one of the few towns that provide an easily accessible destination to experience winter sports. Bowen, along with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, ventures skiing during the night and the beautiful drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bowen is adapted for most users, be it families, thrill-seekers, as well as those who prefer to take it easy, providing a mountain life. The culture, the winter sports, along with the outdoors activity makes it an essential location to not miss out for anyone who wants to experience the Ski Capital of the South.

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