If your holiday calendar is still empty and you’re itching for a weekend-long escape, you should put The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa up on the list.
Besides being a stunning retreat only two hours from Chicago, the next few weeks promise everything from a Thanksgiving dinner and a tree lighting with Santa to a new Christmas pop-up bar and two New Year’s Eve parties—need any more convincing?
The Abbey Resort is launching five weeks of holiday events
Starting strong, the Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet runs Thursday, November 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes herb-roasted turkey, maple-glazed Virginia ham, pot roast, maple-glazed salmon, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, sage stuffing, sweet potatoes, a pasta station, chilled seafood, and a children’s buffet. Seasonal pies, cakes, and pastries close out the meal. Oh, did we mention it’s only $65 for adults and $25 for children ages 3–12?
Then, two days later, Santa’s Landing is taking over the lakefront on Saturday, November 28, from 3 to 7 p.m. The Fontana Fire Department kicks things off at 3 p.m. with a Candy Cane Drop on the Front Lawn.
Through the afternoon, families can make holiday crafts and toast s’mores by the bonfire on the Harbor Patio. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. for the tree lighting, then poses for photos at the Sandbar until 7 p.m. An outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas starts at 5:15 p.m. on the Waterfront Patio.
A first-time Christmas pop-up bar
Ok, so maybe Santa Isn’t your thing—maybe you’re more inclined to celebrate the holidays with a few drinks. If that’s the case, then you’ll be happy to know that the resort is turning its Bar West lounge into Bar West: Christmas Edition, with seasonal décor, creative cocktails, and delicious bites.
It opens November 27 and runs through January 2.
The holidays continue with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
On Thursday, December 24, the Abbey Resort is serving a $70 Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner at 240° West, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a view of the harbor. It starts with a pork tenderloin crostini and a Champagne toast, then moves to a winter wedge salad, squash and apple bisque, and petite filet with colossal shrimp.
The next day, Friday, December 25, they will have a $50 Christmas Day Brunch buffet running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features Eggs Benedict, cinnamon roll French toast bake, a Belgian waffle station, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, and Christmas sweets.
Maybe you already have Christmas plans, fine, but don’t count out their New Year’s celebrations. On Thursday, December 31, the resort offers two ways to welcome 2027, starting with the New Year’s Eve Gala.
The Rhythm Kings play live in the Harbor Ballroom from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests choose between a four-course prix fixe dinner at 240° West and a Gala Buffet. Late-night snacks, party favors, a Champagne toast, and a midnight balloon drop are included. If you’re bringing the kids, they also host an Abbeywood Family New Year’s Eve Party.
The night begins with a family buffet dinner, followed by a DJ dance party, magic shows, holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, and games. Younger guests get an early countdown, and the party continues until midnight.
