Hotel Holiday Spirit: Decorations From Around The World (PHOTOS)

The holiday season is officially underway, and there's no place better to see some of the best seasonal displays that at hotels. Properties around the world deck the halls with everything from crystal ornaments to life-like Santas, ushering in an ambiance that inspires visions of sugar-plum fairies and candy-land dreams.

The pièce de résistance is the famous tree at Claridge's of London, which each year is decorated by a famous designer. This year, Claridge's welcomed long-time guest Alber Elbaz, who chose to design the tree with his trademark marionettes dressed in Lanvin-designed Claridge's hotel uniforms. Not to be outdone, other designers got into the decorating spirit this year: Pink-prowess Betsy Johnson, summer-fun brand icon Vilebrequin and local fashion designers in Paris all took to trees this year, leaving their signature mark on spruces around the world.

It's not all crystal and couture this year, though. More hotels are giving back this holiday season than before, hosting holiday events that include decorating trees, baking gingerbread and reading to kids, all in an effort to give back to their communities.

So, whether you plan to take tips from one of these designer trees, help others spread holiday cheer or stay awake in hopes of getting a first glimpse of Santa, there's a hotel ready to welcome you this holiday season.