Press Release

DURHAM, N.C., November 20, 2024 – The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and JB Duke Hotel, both AAA Four Diamond hotels located on the campus of Duke University, are ringing in the holidays with luxurious winter stays, fine dining and a calendar of lively events that celebrate the magic of the season.

The beautiful decorations at the Washington Duke Inn and JB Duke Hotel, including life sized Nutcrackers and more than 20 stunning Christmas trees, create an idyllic setting for family photos and memorable holiday gatherings. Visitors will revel in beloved annual traditions at the Inn, including a tree lighting ceremony and exuberant holiday feasts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. This year, both properties are also dazzling guests with new festivities including a brunch with Santa, a Sips and Centerpieces workshop and a crafting event for families.
 

• Tree Lighting Celebration at JB Duke Hotel: At the JB Duke Hotel’s inaugural tree lighting celebration on December 2 at 6 p.m., guests will soak in the property’s sophisticated decorations, settle in by the cozy fireplace, sip a complimentary handcrafted beverage and delight in a joyous musical performance from The Pitchforks, Duke University’s oldest acapella group.
• Tree Lighting Celebration at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club: On December 3 at 6 p.m., the Inn will host an enchanting tree lighting celebration in its artfully decorated lobby. Guests will savor a complimentary beverage prepared by the award-winning Fairview Dining Room culinary team while enjoying a special performance from local group, The Victorian Carolers.
• Candle Making Class at JB Duke Hotel: Join Lit Moments Candle Company for an unforgettable candle-making experience at the JB Duke Hotel on Monday, December 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy creativity and connection as they make their own custom fragrance and transform it into two beautiful eight ounce candles — perfect for holiday gifts. Tickets for this class are $55, and advanced registration is required at the following link.
• Sips and Centerpieces Workshop at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club: On December 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., plant enthusiasts will create a signature Magnolia bouquet with help from expert Erin Weston of Weston Farms. In this intimate session, Erin will share her creative vision and design expertise, guiding attendees through the process of creating elegant table decorations using Weston Farms’ exquisite magnolia. Attendees will take home their custom 20” x 16” magnolia bouquets to complement their holiday decor. The class costs $125, and registration is required at the following link.
• Santa’s Jolly Brunch at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club: Old Saint Nick will stop by the Inn’s Fairview Dining Room on Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a delightful holiday brunch. This is the perfect event for all ages, with opportunities to make ornaments, capture family photos and listen to Santa tell classic tales from the North Pole. Don’t forget to explore the hotel and take in the signature decor before or after brunch. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 919-493-6699.
• “Sunday Crafts with Santa” at JB Duke Hotel: Put on your “Sunday best” and stop by the JB Duke Hotel for an afternoon of fun and crafting with Santa Claus. After enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate, children of all ages will unleash their creativity at coloring and cookie decorating stations in the hotel’s beautifully decorated atrium. A professional photographer will also be on-site to capture complimentary family portraits with Santa. This free community event takes place on December 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.
   

“When guests walk through our doors at the start of the holidays, they immediately feel the joy and spirit of the season,” said Randy Kolls, co-managing partner and managing director of the family of hotels owned by Duke University. “Our attentive staff takes great pride in helping families create cherished memories, whether they are welcoming Santa for magical visits, ringing in the holidays with nostalgic tree lighting ceremonies or preparing exquisite seasonal family meals.”

Alongside special holiday events, Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his culinary team are inviting guests to discover the difference at the Inn’s newly renovated AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room. Reservations for the following events are available via OpenTable or by calling 919-493-6699:

• Holiday Tea: From Dec. 4, 2024, through January 1, 2025, additional teatime reservations are available Wednesday through Sunday afternoons from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• Christmas Eve: Fairview Dining Room is serving a four-course prix fixe menu from 1 to 8 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Fairview Dining Room is serving a four-course prix fixe menu from 1 to 8 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve: Fairview Dining Room is serving a multi-course dinner from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The cozy Bull Durham Bar will remain open until 11 p.m.

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. 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 
vmoore@largemouthpr.com