Celebrate Christmas in Grand Style

POINT CLEAR, AL--(Marketwire - Dec 12, 2011) - The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa has entertained with Christmas traditions since 1847, and this year is no exception. The décor at this exceptional Gulf Coast resort, with twinkling lights hanging from every tree branch, is awe-inspiring, and the schedule of events promises to be filled with Christmas spirit. From breakfast with Santa to the holiday welcome reception on Christmas Eve, the Grand provides the perfect atmosphere for a cozy, traditional Christmas.

The perfect Christmas season isn't complete without a visit from Santa. St. Nick is visiting the Grand hotel on Dec. 17 to have breakfast and take last minute requests from all of those who have been nice this year. There will also be photo opportunities to capture the moment. Reservations are required.

The week leading up to Christmas is filled with events for the whole family. On Dec. 22, the Alabama Gulf resort's staff will be leading guests in a family scavenger hunt and children are invited to create a beaded candy cane ornament and participate in make your own snowflake. On Friday, Dec. 23, start the day with a round robin tennis tournament with an entry fee of only $12. Join Rudolph in the Grand tradition of feeding the ducks and follow him to the Conference Center to create an ornament that looks just like him. End the day with the holiday classic "Miracle on 34^th Street" on the jumbo screen and don't forget your pajamas, pillow and blanket.

During the excitement of Christmas Eve, don't miss decorating your own stocking to hang over the Grand's fireplace. A fireside reading of "T'was the Night before Christmas" may inspire a visit from Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. At 5:30 p.m., join resort staff for the traditional holiday welcome reception featuring complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

When Christmas morning comes, children should check their stockings over the fireplace to see what Santa left for them. An eggnog reception in the lobby is the perfect way to start the day. The Grand Christmas buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will feature all of the traditional trimmings of a holiday feast plus live entertainment. Reservations are required. After lunch, explore the property while relaxing on a horse-drawn carriage ride. End the day with the viewing of "A Christmas Story" on the jumbo screen complete with hot cocoa and homemade s'mores over a bonfire.

For more information and hotel or restaurant reservations, please call 251.928.9201 or visit www.marriottgrand.com. Also make sure to join our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/thegrandhotel.