Press Release

DURHAM, N.C., November 5, 2025 – This JB Duke Hotel and Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, both AAA Four Diamond hotels located on the campus of Duke University, are welcoming guests for a memorable holiday season filled with joyful gatherings, inspired workshops and cherished moments with family and friends.

Holiday traditions shine through annual tree lighting ceremonies and decadent multi-course feasts in the AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, new experiences spark imagination, whether guests are crafting Magnolia centerpieces with renowned floral artist Erin Weston, sipping tea with Santa or uncovering the secrets of perfect eggnog with JB Duke Hotel General Manager Don Ball.

Holiday Events Schedule:

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – Washington Duke Inn
Before the grand illumination of the Christmas tree, guests will enjoy rich hot cocoa, freshly baked cookies and a charming performance from The Victorian Carolers in the completely reimagined lobby. December 1 at 6 p.m. No registration is required.

Tree Lighting Ceremony – JB Duke Hotel
The JB Duke Hotel’s celebration pairs sophisticated décor and a cozy fireside ambiance with a jovial concert from The Pitchforks, Duke University’s oldest a cappella group. Guests can sip cocoa, enjoy holiday treats and savor the Lobby Lounge’s famous eggnog. December 3 at 6 p.m. No registration is required.

Cookies & Crafts with Santa – JB Duke Hotel
Kids of all ages will enjoy a delightful afternoon of face painting, coloring, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to capture complimentary professional portraits with Santa in the Atrium amid glittering holiday decorations. December 7 from 1–3 p.m. No registration is required.

Sips & Centerpieces Workshop – Washington Duke Inn
Join Erin Weston of Weston Farms, whose magnolia foliage has graced the pages of Elle Decor and Traditional Home, for a hands-on Magnolia Centerpiece Workshop. Guests will design their own arrangement with freshly gathered greenery while learning about Erin’s sustainable Southern aesthetic. December 11 from 6–8 p.m. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Art of Eggnog – JB Duke Hotel
Spend an evening at the stylish Lobby Lounge as General Manager Don Ball shares his beloved eggnog recipe and favorite stories from his 35-year hospitality career. Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from Chef Troy Stauffer’s culinary team and are invited to linger by the fireplace and soak in the relaxing ambiance after the demonstration. December 11 from 5–7 p.m. No registration required.

Santa’s Jolly Tea – Washington Duke Inn
The Fairview Dining Room presents an afternoon tea featuring premium blends from The Republic of Tea, handcrafted pastries by Chef Jason Brenon’s team and personal visits from Santa. Families can enjoy stories and capture complimentary professional photos with Santa – and are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Duke Children’s Hospital. December 13 and 14 from 2:30–4 p.m. Reservations required via OpenTable or by calling 919-493-6699.

Paint Your Pet: Holiday Edition – JB Duke Hotel
Artist Victoria Lowry leads this creative workshop where guests create custom holiday portraits of their pets. Attendees can sip seasonal cocktails, enjoy light bites and add playful touches like Santa hats or reindeer antlers to their custom paintings. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Animal Protection Society of Durham. December 17 from 6–8 p.m. Click here to reserve your spot.

Special Holiday Dining – Washington Duke Inn
Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his culinary team are planning indulgent four-course feasts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve at the completely reimagined Fairview Dining Room. Fresh seasonal ingredients highlight imaginative interpretations of holiday favorites, from decadent entrées to sumptuous desserts. Guests at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts will also receive a special holiday ornament handcrafted by local artist Heba Salama, a keepsake to remember their celebration at the Inn. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 919-493-6699.

“The holiday season brings a special radiance to our hotels, where every space reveals thoughtful décor and festive detail,” said Randy Kolls, co-managing partner and managing director of the family of hotels owned by Duke University. “Yet the true magic of the season is felt in the care and attention of our team, who turn each meal and celebration into a treasured tradition. We are honored to help families create moments of togetherness and joy that endure well beyond their visit.”

Visit www.jbdukehotel.com/experiences and www.washingtondukeinn.com/experiences for more information on all holiday happenings at the JB Duke Hotel and Washington Duke Inn.

The family of properties owned by Duke University, which includes Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, JB Duke Hotel and The Lodge at Duke Medical Center, are all accepting room reservations for holiday stays. To learn more or book a stay, please call 919-490-0999 or (800) 443-3853, or visit www.washingtondukeinn.com, www.jbdukehotel.com and www.lodgeatdumc.com.

About the Duke Family of Hotels
Nestled on 300 acres filled with tall pines and hardwoods at the edge of Duke Forest, the AAA Four Diamond Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is known for its luxurious lodging, world-class golf and award-winning dining on the campus of Duke University. Located directly across the street, the modern AAA Four Diamond JB Duke Hotel is known for its IACC certified executive venues used for corporate and academic events and meetings. Anchored by a striking peninsula bar, the hotel’s Lobby Lounge also offers light fare and upscale spirits. Complementing the Inn and JB Duke, the nearby Lodge at Duke Medical Center offers warm, spacious rooms and unparalleled convenience for visitors to the Duke University Medical Center.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Victoria Moore
Largemouth Communications   
919-417-8037 
[email protected]