Christmas at the Anatole Review – Peppermint Park, Movie Night, Breakfast with Santa and MORE!

Our friends at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX hosted our family for this Christmas at the Anatole review. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, no for real. I am THAT person who absolutely loves Christmas. One of the main reasons I love this holiday season is watching our kids embrace a love for all things Christmas, just like their mama. Each year, we write up a bucket list of things we want to do to celebrate the season. While it can be a whirlwind – enjoying this time and these things with family is priceless. We have 4 kids – ranging in age 6 to 14-years-old. I know that the years are short and before we know it, things will change. But until then, Christmas is our favorite. 

Christmas at the Hilton Anatole Review

The last few years we have had the privilege of attending Christmas at the Anatole. Each year we walk away with amazing memories and a wonderful time – this year, was no exception. The Anatole changed a few things up, and somehow we managed to have even more fun this year than last. 

One thing that always impresses me with the Anatole is that it is family friendly.

When our 4 kids go with us anywhere, as much as we try to keep them in line and on their best behavior – at the end of the day, they are kids. The Anatole embraces the kids’ spirit and the staff in every area are always over accommodating to make sure that the kids are just as welcome as the adults.

If you haven’t stayed at the Anatole, don’t miss out on the hotel’s amazing art, plus the Christmas decor is absolutely stunning through-out the hotel. 

Peppermint Park

A new feature this year at Christmas at the Anatole is Peppermint Park. The beautiful courtyard between the hotel and Jade Waters water park has been transformed into a winter wonderland. From twinkling lights to the beautiful sound of Christmas music – Peppermint Park is a holiday memory dream come true. 

Peppermint Park has free entry, but in order to participate in the various shows, games, and activities you will need to buy a pass or coupons. Learn more here. 

A few things to note: Peppermint Park is open on select days from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Here are the dates for 2017: 

• November 24-26, 2017
• December 1-3, 2017
• December 8-10, 2017
• December 15-23, 2017
• December 26-30, 2017

Make sure to dress weather appropriate as this is an outdoor activity!

Here is a taste of the things to do while at Peppermint Park at the Hilton Anatole:

Elf Houses

Some of the features that our kids’ love were the darling elf houses, each featuring a fun activity for the kids to do. We painted ornaments, decorated cookies, and even wrote a letter to Santa. Each house is manned by an elf!

Photos with Santa Claus

In front of the huge, gorgeous Christmas tree at Peppermint Park – sits Santa. Go and visit Old St. Nick and get your photo taken with him. 

Reindeer Games

Another fun Christmas feature was the outdoor arcade. This was unlike any arcade I had ever been to – it was old school fun! Remember all those fun carnival games you use to play as a child before technology?

That’s what the games are like at Peppermint Park! Each game, ran by an elf – of course, is old school fun. We threw “snowballs’ and did some bowling, played a spin game and more. With each game, you had the chance to win a wooden token. The wooden tokens are redeemed for toys.

Outdoor Shows

In addition to the sparkling lights, elf houses and games are a host of outdoor shows to watch. From a talking Christmas tree to a penguin show, the kids enjoyed each. 

Activites

If all of that wasn’t enough – there are various activities to do as well.

There is a Reindeer Dance Party, a holiday train to ride thru-out the park, storytime with Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookie decorating and more. 

Christmas Staycation

We were hosted for the night for Christmas at the Anatole. As always, the rooms were amazing.If you have multiple kids like us, ask about family options.

Our room was configured perfectly for a family with children. We each had our space but we had easy access to one another. 

Movie Night – Polar Express

The Anatole offers a Holiday Experience package. Learn more here. Part of the fun at Christmas at the Anatole is the movie night!

That’s right, you can visit a ballroom if you stay on a holiday weekend and enjoy a Christmas movie. We watched Polar Express. The Anatole staff goes all out, offering pillows to lay on while watching the show. 

Media Grill Review

For dinner and lunch, we dined at Media Grill in the Anatole. It’s a great restaurant that offers a variety of food types, an awesome beer menu and a cheese plate that is to die for.

I have actually tried to replicate it since we’ve been home – I failed, guess we need to go back!

Breakfast with Santa

Peppermint Park was amazing. We loved the hotel room and the wonderful food. But guys, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Christ – and Santa. I had to say Christ – but you know SANTA – he kind of is a big deal. 

Breakfast with Santa at the Hilton Anatole is the best. No seriously. The Anatole goes ALL out for breakfast. The food is amazing and TOTALLY KID FRIENDLY. From Grinch casserole to a pancake bar to an amazing assortment of eggs, bacon and what have you. I drool just thinking of all of the yum on that breakfast buffet. I can’t forget to mention unlimited chocolate milk.

Santa walks from table to table greeting each of the children. It’s so sweet as it’s the same Santa we’ve seen there the last several years. Our third kid was asked by Santa if he has been good. This kid is too honest – so he told Santa that he is smart. He didn’t dare tell Santa that he might not have been on his best behavior this year!

Breakfast with Santa at Christmas at the Anatole concludes with storytime with Santa. All of the kids circle around Santa’s chair and he reads them the Night Before Christmas. My very busy, can’t-sit-still-child – sat and listened attentively. Talk about Christmas miracle!

Geppetto’s Marionette Theater – Featuring Winter Wonderland

Our wonderful Christmas Staycation at the Anatole itinerary ended with a fabulous puppet show at Geppetto’s Marionette Theater. Geppetto’s is located in the Hilton Anatole. This puppet theater is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. From walking downstairs to this darling quaint theater, you instantly know something special is about to happen.

This Christmas’ puppet show is called Winter Wonderland. It’s a fun collection of holiday songs featuring various puppets. The show ends with a backstage tour. Totally fun and this is something you can buy tickets for without doing the entire Christmas at the Anatole event (but the whole Christmas at the Anatole event is so worth it.)

Take a whirlwind journey to the North Pole in Geppetto’s Marionette Theater’s holiday show, featuring a cast of over 60 hand-carved marionettes. Children will delight as they meet the Winter Wizard, the North Pole dancing elves, the magic toys of Santa’s workshop and a whole host of other holiday favorites, including Rudolph and Frosty.

Learn more about Geppetto’s. 

Family Christmas Memories

If you are looking for an all-inclusive family Christmas memory making event, definitely consider a staycation at the Hilton Anatole.

Thanks Anatole for hosting us. We had a blast and made memories that will last a lifetime. 

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