Best US Cities for Celebrating New Year’s Eve
December 9, 2025Gift of Travel Soars in Popularity for Holidays as Americans Seek Connection and ‘Antidotes to Stress’
December 12, 2025
Christmas brings a special kind of magic to Princess Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya at the holidays, where the Tree of Happiness initiative transforms the festive season into something truly meaningful.
This charitable campaign invites guests to participate in a heartwarming tradition that extends beyond the resort walls and into the surrounding communities, where children await the joy of Christmas with hopeful hearts.
The Tree of Happiness operates as a toy collection program designed to bring smiles to kids in underprivileged areas. Guests can bring new or gently used toys in excellent condition and drop them in designated collection areas throughout the hotels.
Princess Hotels staff carefully organize and distribute these gifts to local public schools, ensuring that children who might otherwise go without receive at least one present during the holiday season.
In Punta Cana, the campaign runs through January, though guests can donate toys year-round through Customer Service departments.
During the peak Christmas months, specially deorated collection boxes appear in hotel lobbies. The initiative extends across all Bávaro properties, with each location featuring dedicated spaces adapted to match the hotel’s unique style.
Donations typically go to public schools in the local community, with Princess Hotels coordinating directly with school principals to organize special delivery days that bring excitement and hope to deserving students.
The Riviera Maya locations at Grand Sunset Princess and Platinum Yucatan Princess also participate. Trees positioned alongside traditional Christmas decorations create inviting spaces that remind visitors of the impact their contributions can make.
Guests can leave donations at Concierge desks in the Sunset lobby or Deluxe lobby, with the campaign continuing until January 7, 2026.
The gifts primarily serve children aged 5 to 12 in local Mayan communities and schools facing vulnerable situations.
At Platinum Yucatan Princess, donations benefit students at Constituyentes de 1974 Primary School, while Grand Sunset Princess works through organizations such as Contando con un Amigo, Aitana and Kodomo to reach children most in need.
This initiative represents more than simple gift-giving. The program encourages solidarity, tolerance and equality by fostering connections between international guests and local communities. For many children in vulnerable families, these donations provide their only opportunity to experience Christmas magic on equal terms with their peers.
The Tree of Happiness has evolved into a cherished tradition that unites visitors and hotel staff in pursuit of a common goal: bringing excitement, hope and genuine happiness to those who deserve it most.
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.
Contact My Journey Begins Travel to book your stay at the holidays – or any time – at Princess Hotels & Resorts.