Celebrate a Coastal Christmas on Las Olas
Celebrate a Coastal Christmas on Las Olas: A Holiday Guide from the Atlantic Hotel & Spa
There’s something uniquely enchanting about spending the holidays where palm trees meet twinkling lights and the glow of the Intracoastal reflects a season of celebration. Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard — with its boutiques, galleries, restaurants and lively street scene — becomes a festive destination each December. Nestled between the beach and the Riverwalk, the Atlantic Hotel & Spa is the perfect home base for a Christmas escape that blends seaside relaxation with the merry pulse of Las Olas.
Why a Christmas on Las Olas is special
- Warm-weather holiday charm: Trade snow shovels for light layers and an ocean breeze. Fort Lauderdale’s mild winter climate makes walking from shop to café a pleasure.
- Festive streetside energy: Las Olas comes alive with lights, holiday window displays, seasonal menus, live music and pop-up markets that invite lingering and discovery.
- Culture and shopping in one stroll: From independent fashion boutiques and jewelry ateliers to contemporary art galleries and home décor shops, Las Olas offers thoughtful gifts and one-of-a-kind finds.
- Waterfront ambiance: After an afternoon of shopping, the canals, promenades and outdoor dining patios create a relaxed, romantic backdrop for evening celebrations.
Why the Atlantic Hotel & Spa is your ideal holiday base
- Location: A short walk or quick ride from Las Olas’ central shopping and dining corridor, the Atlantic puts you close to everything while offering a serene retreat when you want peace and pampering.
- Restorative spa: Holiday travel and shopping call for recovery. The on-site spa specializes in treatments designed to melt away stress, boost glow and set you up for festive evenings.
- Comfortable rooms and suites: Spacious accommodations with thoughtful amenities make it easy to unwind after long days exploring the Boulevard or preparing for family gatherings.
- Personalized service: Concierge assistance for dinner reservations, private shopping guides, event tickets, and arrangements for transport helps you make the most of a busy holiday calendar.
- Small-group and private event spaces: Ideal for family get-togethers, intimate office parties or friends’ celebrations on the Boulevard.
Holiday experiences on Las Olas — what to do
- Boutique and gallery shopping: Hunt for handmade jewelry, coastal-inspired home décor, limited-edition art and fashion pieces. Las Olas is a great place to find gifts that feel curated and personal.
- Seasonal dining and tasting: Many restaurants feature holiday menus, prix-fixe dinners and special cocktails — a wonderful way to celebrate a Christmas Eve dinner, brunch or festive night out.
- Live music and holiday performances: Restaurant patios and sidewalk stages often host local musicians. Look for seasonal concerts and pop-up entertainment as you stroll.
- Waterfront strolls and photo moments: Capture sunset views along the Riverwalk or the Intracoastal — perfect for family photos, holiday cards and romantic memories.
- Holiday markets and pop-ups: Keep an eye out for artisan markets featuring local makers, edible gifts and stocking-stuffers.
Suggested itineraries
Couple’s Christmas getaway
- Morning: Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely holiday brunch at the hotel, then head to Las Olas for boutique browsing and a gallery tour.
- Afternoon: Return for a couple’s spa treatment — try a seasonal Ritual Massage and a hydrating Facial Glow to restore and refresh.
- Evening: Reserve a romantic dinner on Las Olas or have the concierge arrange a special private dining moment at the hotel. Finish with a moonlit walk along the waterfront.
Family-friendly Christmas
- Morning: Start with a family breakfast at the hotel and then explore kid-friendly shops and toy stores on Las Olas.
- Afternoon: Visit nearby attractions — a short scenic drive away — or enjoy a family spa experience with child-friendly treatments or an express pamper session for parents.
- Evening: Choose a casual, family-friendly restaurant on Las Olas for holiday classics and desserts. Consider a room with extra space so kids can relax before bedtime.
Girls’ holiday weekend
- Daytime: Boutique-hopping and gallery browsing on Las Olas, with stops for coffee, champagne, or tapas.
- Afternoon: Book a group spa escape — side-by-side massages, mani-pedi packages and a relaxation lounge for toasts and treats.
- Night: Private cocktail-making class or a reservation at one of Las Olas’ festive dining destinations. Cap the night with a cozy rooftop or lounge gathering back at the Atlantic.
Spa treatments and holiday recovery
The spa at the Atlantic is the antidote to holiday hustle. Recommended seasonal offerings (ask the spa team for availability and customizations):
- Holiday Glow Facial: A hydrating, brightening facial to refresh skin after travel and late nights.
- Warm Spice Massage: A 60–90-minute muscle-melting treatment with warming oils and aromatherapy to soothe tired shoulders.
- Peppermint Foot Revival: A brisk, restorative foot treatment perfect after a day of shopping and walking the Boulevard.
- Couples’ Retreat: Shared treatment space with complementary refreshments — ideal for celebrating together.
Tip: Book spa appointments early in December — prime time’s fill quickly.
Dining — festive tastes both on and off-property
- Hotel dining: Expect seasonal takes on coastal cuisine, warming soups, citrus-forward winter salads, festive desserts and house-crafted cocktails. The hotel kitchen can assist with group menus or private dining requests.
- Las Olas restaurants: From intimate bistros to lively seafood restaurants, Las Olas chefs often create holiday menus and tasting events. Reserve ahead for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services and consider asking the concierge about quieter service times or private dining options.
- Brunch and pastries: Local cafés offer holiday pastry specialties and warm drinks that pair perfectly with a stroll down the Boulevard.
Shopping tips and gift-finding
- Seek out unique: Las Olas’ independent merchants carry artisan goods, local art and jewelry that make memorable gifts.
- Ask for gift-wrapping: Many boutiques provide complementary or premium holiday wrapping — a helpful way to travel light.
- Bring a tote: Handy for multiple purchases and eco-friendly shopping.
Reserve your booking now!
