The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS – A time-honored holiday destination for generations of guests, The Homestead is unveiling a new tradition this year with a spectacular Holiday Lights and Ice show.
Thousands of twinkling lights will outline the resort’s architectural details and illuminate the grounds, creating a breathtaking backdrop to the Casino lawn – transformed for the season into a fun-filled ice skating rink from Nov. 22, through Jan. 16.
This show of lights also includes themed displays along an arched outdoor walkway to delight the young and young-at-heart.
Strolling down Candy Cane Lane, children will marvel at oversized gingerbread figures and other holiday goodies interpreted in light – from 10-foot candy canes to a six-foot gum drop tree and lollipops.
Victorian Village and Reindeer Lane will feature 19th century ice skaters and carolers, towering animated swans and a family of reindeer.
A third area will leave guests of all ages feeling like “babes” in Toyland, with its 10-foot animated toy soldiers, eight-foot jack-in-the-box, rocking horse and other classic toys, punctuated by gargantuan gift boxes and starbursts.
After a stroll through this light-filled wonderland, guests can warm themselves with a hot chocolate by The Homestead’s crackling fireplace.
It all sets the scene for a holiday package filled to the brim with the spirit of the season and boundless fun for families.
The Homestead’s Holiday Lights and Ice Unlimited Activity Package offers opportunities for family-friendly fun. Guests enjoy limitless access to resort activities including ice skating, hayrides, falconry, golf, sporting clays, gorge hikes, horseback riding and bowling.
Scenic drive tours, a Homestead history tour and the resort’s Vibz Teen Space are also included in this package, and spa services are available for 15 percent off a la carte rates.
The Holiday Lights and Ice Unlimited Activity Package is available Nov. 22 through Jan. 16. Rates are $249 per room, per night for two people, or room-only rate of $149, excluding peak holiday dates.
From Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, the Holiday Lights and Ice Activity Package is available for a rate of $395 per room, per night for two people. The room-only rate is $295. Taxes and a 15 percent daily resort charge are additional.
For more information and reservations, call 540-839-1766 or toll-free 800-838-1766. You may also visit the Web site at www.thehomestead.com. Open since 1766, The Homestead is one of America’s most storied resorts, offering hospitality and Southern charm in a 3,000-acre setting within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia.
Renowned for its natural healing springs, The Homestead is distinguished by 483 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 72,000 square feet of meeting space, a wide array of fine and casual dining choices, a world-class spa, three championship golf courses that include one of the nation’s finest mountain courses in The Cascades, the south’s first downhill ski area and 48-stable Equestrian Center and show ring, one of the top-rated shooting clubs and a wealth of other recreational attractions.
