Christmas at The Greenbrier 2026: A Magical Holiday Getaway

Quick Facts: Christmas at The Greenbrier

• The Greenbrier lists Christmas events from Wednesday, December 23, through Tuesday, December 29, 2026, on its official Christmas page.

• Reservations are required for activities, and guests can book them by calling +1 844-837-2466.

• The Christmas and New Year’s Package requires a two-night minimum, or three nights if you stay over December 31.

• The package includes a daily breakfast buffet in the Main Dining Room and a resort spending credit for each room, each night.

• The Nutcracker Ballet performs on December 28 at 7:30 p.m. and December 29 at 11 a.m.

• The Traditional Yule Log Ceremony and the Christmas Eve Service are both complimentary on December 24.

A Christmas Getaway That Feels Straight Out of a Holiday Movie

There are some places that seem made for Christmas, and The Greenbrier is certainly one of them. With its grand white exterior, beautifully decorated interiors, and mountain setting, this historic West Virginia resort already has plenty of charm. Add Christmas trees, glowing lights, and a full calendar of holiday activities, and it’s easy to see why families return year after year.

For 2026, The Greenbrier is celebrating Christmas from December 23 through 29, with special events planned throughout the week. You can spend Christmas Eve enjoying a traditional Yule Log ceremony, take the kids to meet Santa, or settle in for a festive performance of The Nutcracker. There are also plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the season, whether that’s an afternoon tea, a carriage ride through the grounds, or simply wandering through the beautifully decorated hotel.

And perhaps the best part is that you can enjoy all those wonderful Christmas traditions without having to worry about cooking Christmas dinner or hosting everyone at home.

Red velvet curtains frame a glimpse of trimmed Christmas trees inside the Greenbrier. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

A Week of Christmas Activities at The Greenbrier

One of the things we love about The Greenbrier's Christmas celebrations is just how much there is to do. Rather than planning your entire trip around one big holiday event, you can spend several days enjoying different activities, with something for younger children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Here's a list of some of the activities:

Santa and Family Moments (Reservations Required)

• Photos with Santa on December 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.: meet Santa and take home a keepsake photo of the big moment.

• “Reindeer” Fun Run on December 24 at 8 a.m.: start Christmas Eve with a festive morning run and a smile.

• Jingle Bell Hunt on December 25 at 1 p.m. and December 28 at 11 a.m.: a playful scavenger hunt that keeps everyone on the lookout for holiday surprises.

• Family Bingo on December 23 at 8 p.m. and December 29 at 2 p.m.: a relaxed game for the whole family, with plenty of cheering along the way

Santa reads a Christmas story to a group of children in a Greenbrier sitting room. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

Christmas Eve Traditions

• Traditional Yule Log Ceremony at 5:15 p.m.: gather for a time-honored tradition that welcomes Christmas Eve evening.

• Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m.: a peaceful moment to pause and reflect together.

• Season’s Greetings Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m.: end the night with a festive dinner, with the cooking taken care of for you.

Hands-On and Tasting Experiences

• Cookies & Crafts on December 24 and 25 at 11 a.m. and December 26 at 10 a.m.: get creative and make something sweet together.

• Tidings & Tea at 4 p.m. on December 23, 24, 25, and 29: a cozy afternoon tea to help you slow down and savor the season.

• Art Alive Family Painting Workshop on December 24 and 26 at 1 p.m.: paint side by side and bring home a memory you made together.

• Art Alive Children’s Painting & Craft Workshop on December 27 at 1:30 p.m. and December 28 and 29 at 10 a.m.: a creative morning for young artists.

• Cookie Decorating Workshop & Meet the Ballerinas on December 28 at 3 p.m.: decorate cookies and say hello to the ballerinas.

• Mixology and tasting evenings: raise a glass at Sip & Sleigh Mixology on December 23, A Taste of Tequila on December 24, The Day After Drink-Up Mixology on December 26, and Second Sip of Christmas Mixology on December 27.

• Have Your Cake & Wine Too on December 24 at 1 p.m. and the Cheese, Charcuterie & Wine Experience on December 28 at 3 p.m.: two indulgent ways to treat yourself.

Shows and Games

• The Nutcracker Ballet on December 28 at 7:30 p.m. and December 29 at 11 a.m.: a holiday classic to enjoy live, right at the resort.

• Decades of Christmas on December 25 at 2 p.m.: a Christmas Day treat to share with the people you love.

• Family Entertainment Show at 8 p.m. on December 26 and 27: an evening of fun for the whole family.

• Family Pickleball Tournament at 2 p.m. on December 26 and 27: work off the cookies with a little friendly competition.

• Puzzles & Board Games daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., December 24 through 29: a cozy spot to settle in between events.

Nutcracker dancers pose with a giant nutcracker beneath a garland-draped chandelier. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

Beautiful Christmas Decorations Around Every Corner

Of course, half the fun of visiting a hotel like The Greenbrier during the holidays is simply seeing how beautifully everything is decorated.

Outside, a towering Christmas tree covered in colorful lights stands near a miniature holiday train, while illuminated trees and wreaths welcome guests to the resort. It's especially beautiful after dark, when the lights create the kind of Christmas scene you'd expect to find on a holiday postcard.

The Greenbrier’s lit Christmas tree and miniature train glow against the night sky. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

Inside, the decorations are every bit as impressive. Grand staircases are draped with garlands and oversized red bows, elaborate Christmas trees fill the rooms, and festive displays bring a playful touch to the hotel's elegant interiors. You'll even find life-size nutcrackers standing beside a miniature Christmas village.

Life-size nutcrackers stand guard around a model-train village in a Greenbrier lobby. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

It's the sort of place where you'll probably end up taking far more Christmas photos than you intended, and we certainly wouldn't blame you!

Carriage Rides, Ice Skating, and a Little Holiday Relaxation

While the Christmas events are a wonderful reason to visit, there's plenty to enjoy beyond the official schedule.

One of the loveliest ways to experience The Greenbrier in winter is with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the resort's beautiful grounds. Bundle up and enjoy a leisurely ride past the historic hotel and surrounding landscape, taking in the festive decorations along the way. It's a charming way to slow down and enjoy the scenery, especially during the Christmas season.

A horse-drawn carriage rolls through the snow-dusted grounds. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

And if you're looking for something a little more active, you can lace up your skates and head to the resort's outdoor ice skating rink. With The Greenbrier's grand white exterior and festive decorations providing the backdrop, it's a particularly beautiful setting for a little winter fun. The rink is especially magical after dark, when the hotel lights up for the evening.

Skaters circle the outdoor rink in front of the hotel’s lit entrance. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

You can also enjoy a game of bowling or spend an afternoon relaxing at the spa, making it easy to balance festive activities with a little downtime during your stay.

How to Book a Christmas Stay at The Greenbrier

Booking the room and reserving activities are two separate steps, so it helps to handle both before you travel.

1. Pick your dates on the package page, which shows which December 2026 and January 2027 nights are eligible.

2. Book online through the package page or call +1 844-837-2466.

3. Reserve the activities you want by phone, since reservations are required for them.

4. Reserve your airport shuttle if you are flying in, because the resort requires reservations for all shuttles.

The package requires a two-night minimum, or three nights if you stay over December 31, and it applies to new leisure reservations only.

Children spot Santa at the front desk during a Christmas visit. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

A Few Tips to Help Plan Your Christmas Getaway

If you're thinking about spending Christmas at The Greenbrier, there are a few things worth knowing before you go. From holiday packages to transportation options, here's what to keep in mind when planning your trip.

• Christmas packages: The Greenbrier's Christmas and New Year's Package starts at $525 per night, based on double occupancy, and includes daily breakfast and a $100 resort credit per room, per night.

• Resort credit: You can use your credit toward dining, spa treatments, ice skating, bowling, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

• Additional fees: A $49 daily resort fee, taxes, and a Historic Preservation Fund charge apply. The resort credit cannot be used toward your room rate or at The Casino Club.

• Complimentary activities: Several holiday events are free, including the Yule Log Ceremony, Christmas Eve Service, Jingle Bell Hunt, Family Bingo, and family entertainment.

• Paid holiday experiences: The Nutcracker Ballet costs $25 for adults and $15 for children, while Cookies & Crafts starts at $55 per person. Afternoon tea is $45 per person, and the special Christmas dinner costs $125 for adults and $55 for children.

• Flying to The Greenbrier: Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) is just 15 minutes away. Other options include Roanoke (ROA) and Charleston (CRW), although both require a longer drive.

• Arriving by train: Amtrak's White Sulphur Springs station is directly across the street from the resort, making it a particularly charming way to arrive for Christmas!

• Book early: Popular Christmas activities require reservations, so we'd recommend securing your favorite experiences well in advance, especially if you're visiting over Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

• Prices and availability are subject to change, so be sure to check the resort's official website for the latest details before booking.

A garland of poinsettias and greenery frames a doorway, with a decorated tree glowing at the far end of the hall. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

There's something special about spending Christmas somewhere that makes the entire holiday feel like an occasion. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with celebrating at home, we can understand the appeal of gathering your family at a beautiful historic resort, enjoying all your favorite traditions, and leaving the cooking and cleanup to someone else.

Between the decorations, festive activities, carriage rides, and Christmas performances, The Greenbrier looks like a wonderful place to make some new holiday memories. And who knows, it might even become a Christmas tradition you'll want to return to year after year.

A horse-drawn carriage waits in front of the snow-covered Greenbrier as the sun breaks through the clouds. Image source: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

Frequently Asked Questions: Christmas at The Greenbrier in 2026

When is Christmas at The Greenbrier in 2026?

The Greenbrier's official Christmas celebrations take place from December 23 through December 29, 2026, with special events and activities scheduled throughout the week.

How much does it cost to stay at The Greenbrier for Christmas?

The Christmas and New Year's Package starts at $525 per night, based on double occupancy, with a two-night minimum stay. Additional taxes and fees apply.

What is included in The Greenbrier Christmas package?

The package includes accommodations, a daily breakfast buffet in the Main Dining Room, and a $100 resort credit per room, per night. The credit can be used for dining, spa services, and selected resort activities.

Can children meet Santa at The Greenbrier?

Yes! Santa photos are scheduled for December 23, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are required, and pricing varies.

Does The Greenbrier have Christmas activities for children?

Yes. Families can enjoy cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, painting workshops, a Jingle Bell Hunt, games, festive performances, and other activities throughout the holiday week.

Is The Nutcracker performed at The Greenbrier?

Yes. The Nutcracker Ballet is scheduled for December 28 at 7:30 p.m. and December 29 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Are there free Christmas activities at The Greenbrier?

Yes. Several Christmas activities are complimentary, including the Yule Log ceremony, Christmas Eve service, Jingle Bell Hunt, Family Bingo, and selected holiday performances.

Can you take a train to The Greenbrier?

Yes! Amtrak serves White Sulphur Springs, with a station directly across the street from The Greenbrier. This makes train travel a convenient alternative to flying or driving.