If you like snow - and it's not storming - Lake Arrowhead. Also like Palm Springs, and some liked the resort in Death Valley.

If you are looking for something different than Lake Arrowhead or Palm Springs:

And you usually stay on the westside of LA, you might try a day in Pasadena. Stay at the Huntington Hotel (it is especially lovely at the holidays), go to Huntington Library and Gardens, visit the Norton Simon Museum or Asia Pacific Museum, go shopping in Old Town, have dinner at one of several interesting restaurants whatever your culinary mood; such as, Bistro 45 or Cheval Bistro for French, Saladang or President Thai, Akbar (Indian), 1810 Argentinean, Parkway Grill, Arroyo Chop House or Smitty's for steak, The Counter or Pie & Burger for burgers, Chado Tea Room or Scarlett Tea Room for tea and so on.

Or, consider Mission Inn in Riverside. The Inn is cool and I enjoyed shopping the main street. I was there in the summer but they will probably have special lights and decorations for the holidays.

Just realized neither of these accommodation suggestions are "modern" - in fact, their interest comes from their age but they are clean. We haven't visited Death Valley, so no help in that quarter.

Did you ever stay in any of the Primm Valley Resorts? I like Buffalo Bill's. http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/
Check later to see who is playing in the theatre.
Miss Ashley's has a quality breakfast.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I will check out the resort at Death Valley and whether they have any vacancies.
We did enjoy Lake Arrowhead and the resort was lovely but not the drive there ( We are not experienced snow drivers )
We have not been to Pasadena before so that could be an option.
Where are the Primm Valley Resorts?
I will check out the web sites.
Thanks so much
Donna

Primm is at exit 1 in Nevada. Buffalo
Bill's is the best of the 3 IMO. I did see Bonnie & Clydes' shot up car there once. In the summer it is a good place to take kids and adults to ride a great roller coaster.
There is also a shopping mall and a couple of gas stations at that exit.

Primm is not (I'm pretty sure) quite what you are looking for

Death Valley would be terrific, if you can get in.

But Pasadena is a wonderful idea IMO.

Thanks again everyone.
I am home from work now and will check out the options.
Does anyone have any info about 29 Palms??? Or Similar?
Look forward to more suggestions.
I will let you know what we decide.

Personally - I would just drive the 4 hours to Vegas and forget stopping along the way.

I wouldn't deal with Dec 24 traffic issues just to stop the night in Twentynine Palms. Maybe drive all the way to Nevada and spend the night out at Lake Las Vegas or Lake Mead.

www.boulderdamhotel.com
www.ravellavegas.com

Thanks again.
We didn't really think about the Christmas Eve traffic issues.That is something to consider.
Still thinking about our options.
Donna
Australia

Leaning towards another night in Vegas or perhaps 2 in Red Rock 2 in Vegas.
We didn't realize we would be travelling Christmas Eve and don't want it to be a big issue.
Will still check out the last couple of hotel suggestions.
Thanks again

Not sure traveling/driving Christmas eve is that big of a deal? - especially if you are arriving later - and it's a pretty straight/freeway/4 lane road type drive from LA to Vegas.

If you mean Red Rock resort - it's very nice - but a bit off-strip.

As for 29 Palms - don't know there is any big attraction there.

Well - 29 Palms is close to Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree - which also is not that high on my list. Some people do love the barren desert though.

My best advice: Get over to the beautiful Red Rock resort - and kick back there the next morning, even if you had to push it a little the night before.