Celebrate the Magic of the Holiday Season at The Abbey Resort & Spa
The Abbey Offers an Array of Events this Holiday Season

FONTANA, Wis. – November 18, 2011 – Get festive this holiday season at The Abbey Resort & Spa, the only full service resort on the shores of Lake Geneva, Wis.  The Abbey is bustling with holiday cheer and kicking off the special season with a number of exciting events.
From tree lighting to visits with Santa, The Abbey continues to offer festive traditions for families, couples and children. The snowcapped grounds make for a scenic view and add that special touch for completing the holiday experience.
“There will be something for everyone this holiday season at The Abbey” said David Lindelow, general manager of The Abbey Resort & Spa. “The Abbey is bursting with events for the whole family. Our activities are warm and inviting, just like the joyful holiday season. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday madness is the perfect chance for the friends and families to get together and celebrate the season.”

The Abbey Resort will offer an array of events this holiday season including:

• Thanksgiving: The Abbey will host a Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) buffet with an assortment of traditional Thanksgiving fare. The seasonal menu includes turkey with all the fixings and sweets. The Abbey will offer room specials depending on the duration of the guest’s visit. For two nights the rate will vary between $99-$119 per night, for a three night stay $109 per night, and for a four night stay $99 per night.
• Third Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Nov. 26 from 6-7 p.m. The official lighting happens at 6:30 p.m. and kicks off the holiday season.  Festive refreshments will be served and strains of holiday songs will fill the air.
• Sunday Visits with Santa: Santa Claus will be visiting children young and old each Sunday during breakfast and brunch at The Abbey’s Fontana Grill.  Santa will greet families at their tables as well as welcome all to sit on his lap and whisper their special requests.  Each visitor to Santa will receive a candy cane and don’t forget that Santa loves a photo opp. Santa will be at The Abbey from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. every Sunday starting Nov. 27.
• Eye Spy 12 Days of Christmas Mural: From Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, 8 a.m. -10 p.m., the challenge of a mural search is matched with a Twelve Days of Christmas theme for a festively fun challenge for guests of all ages. Prizes are awarded to successful seekers.
• Yuletide Bonfire: Revel in the crisp Wisconsin winter nights at The Abbey’s Yuletide Bonfire each Friday and Saturday evening Nov. 25 - Dec. 18 from 7-9 p.m. Roast marshmallows over the fire and enjoy making holiday memories with loved ones.
• Fireside Story Time: Nestle in next to The Abbey’s cheery Yuletide fire for Christmas storytelling each Friday and Saturday evening from Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, 7:30-8 p.m. Cookies and milk are enjoyed as the story unfolds for listening ears.
• Holiday Flick ‘N Float: Each Friday evening from Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, starting at 8 p.m., dive into the Christmas spirit by heading to the indoor pool to enjoy a traditional holiday film.
• Santa’s Workshop: Each Saturday and Sunday morning from Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Santa’s Workshop will be open for children to enjoy. Crafts to create for the season include gingerbread houses, reindeer food, and ping pong snowmen. Young guests are also invited to enjoy a cup of tea or hot apple cider while creating a unique personalized gift tag.
• Peppermint Bingo: Played with peppermint candy markers, this holiday Bingo game puts a sweet twist on a traditional favorite. Offered each Saturday afternoon from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17, 4-4:45 p.m., this holiday game is played by adults, children, or a mixed crowd. Small prizes will awarded to the winners of each round.
• Holiday Cinema: There’s nothing like a classic Christmas movie to bring back cherished holiday memories. Each Saturday evening from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17 cuddle up on a couch in the Academy with popcorn from Harbor Sweets and enjoy the film. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m.
• Twelve Days of Christmas: Starting on Dec. 22, The Abbey has a number of special traditions in store each day leading up to Christmas and through Jan. 2. Each day’s events are based upon the corresponding Twelve Days of Christmas; a magical Grey Goose Pear martini event for a partridge in a pear tree, a special chef demonstration using Dove chocolates for two turtle doves, a lavish Christmas Eve Diner with Cornish hens for three French hens and so much more.
• Avani Holiday Family Special: Designed for children ages 16 and under, the newly renovated Avani Spa is hosting a special holiday treat from Dec. 22-30 from 1-3 p.m. Bedecked in cozy robes, young guests can enjoy a Do it Yourself Facial Party for $15 per person. With the help of a trained esthetician, guests are taught how to give themselves facials, including a deep cleanse, exfoliation and hydration treatment. For $20 per person, guests can enjoy the Lips and Tips treatment. Avani nail specialists will file nails, apply polish and end with a lipstick or gloss application of young guests’ choice. Guests may also choose a Polish Change or the Young Gentleman, a nail shaping and buffing, both for $15 per person.
• New Year’s Eve: When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, toast to 2012 in style at The Abbey Resort. There are a variety of New Year’s Eve packages to fit every festive style.  Guests are invited to ring in the New Year with dancing, live entertainment, spirits and delicious foods at Lake Geneva’s only full-service resort and spa. Three party packages are available including The Abbey New Year’s Eve Gala, Dinner in Fontana Grill and The Waterfront Party Pass. Guests can chose from room deals that vary from $149- $199 per night plus tax and resort fee based on the number of nights selected. Entertainment for the evening includes Triple D, a variety, R&B and dance band and The Business, a Chicago-based horn band that is experienced in many musical styles and genres.

To make a reservation or learn more about The Abbey, please visit www.theabbeyresort.com or call 800-709-1323.

More About The Abbey Resort
Located just 80 miles from downtown Chicago and 50 miles from Milwaukee, The Abbey Resort & Spa is a treasured icon, nestled on 90 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. Totally renovated in 2005, it is the only full-service resort on the shores of Lake Geneva. The resort boasts a breath-taking setting, award-winning dining and banquet facilities, nearby championship golf courses and a wide range of outdoor activities. That only scratches the surface of all the activities and offerings that The Abbey Resort has; with impeccable customer service, the team at The Abbey Resort can meet the needs of the guests and meeting planners. The 35,000-square-foot Avani Spa, which reopened in June 2008 after a $1.5 million renovation, enhances the resort experience with innovative spa treatments and the modern luxuries of a first class spa that today’s sophisticated spa consumers expect.

The Abbey Resort & Spa is managed and operated by Hostmark Hospitality Group of Schaumburg, Ill. For more information, please visit www.theabbeyresort.com or join The Abbey Resort on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/abbeyresort and www.twitter.com/abbeyresort, respectively.