Celebrate the Holiday Season at an Ohio State Park Lodge
Festive décor, family traditions, and winter getaways shine across Ohio
Information provided
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is inviting visitors to celebrate the holiday season at an Ohio State Park lodge, where long-standing traditions and new experiences meet. From fireside retreats and breakfasts with Santa to holiday buffets and themed murder mystery dinners, the state’s lodges are preparing for a festive winter.
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“Our lodges take on a special glow during the holidays,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “They offer a welcoming place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the season whether you’re sharing a meal, joining a festive event, or simply relaxing by the fire. We’re excited to welcome visitors to celebrate with us.”
Each lodge is fully decorated for the season with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and garland-trimmed fireplaces. Nutcracker displays, ribbons and ornaments help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.
A variety of seasonal events will be offered across the state. Highlights include:
Holiday Events and Dining Options
Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center
• Holiday Family Movie Night and dinner specials: Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 5–8 p.m.
• Christmas morning all-you-can-eat pancakes: Dec. 25, 8–10 a.m.
Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center
• Breakfast with Santa: Sunday, Dec. 14
• Christmas Day brunch: Thursday, Dec. 25
The Lodge at Geneva
• Seventh annual Light Up the Lodge Weekend: Dec. 5–7
• Christmas Eve dinner: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4–8 p.m.
Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center
• Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Hometown Holi-days: Saturday, Dec. 13, all-day activities
• Christmas Eve specials: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 5–7 p.m.
• Christmas Day buffet: Thursday, Dec. 25, noon–4 p.m.
Hocking Hills Lodge and Conference Center
• Santa Claus at the lodge: Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center
• Cookies with Santa: Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, 4–7 p.m.
• Winter Carnival: Dec. 26–29, daily 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 3–7 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve party: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.
Mohican Lodge and Conference Center
• Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 8–10:30 a.m.
Punderson Manor Lodge and Conference Center
• Cocoa and cookies with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.
• Breakfast with Santa: Sunday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 8 a.m.–noon
• The Grinch Guzzle Hour: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
• Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 6, 8–11 a.m.
• North Pole Outpost: Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Murder mystery dinner: Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
• Christmas open house and buffet: Sunday, Dec. 21, noon–6 p.m.
Shawnee Lodge and Conference Center
• Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 6, 8–11 a.m.
• Holiday open house and buffet: Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve celebration dinner: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5–9 p.m.
ODNR encourages visitors to explore more events and make lodging reservations at greatohiolodges.com or thelodgeatgeneva.com.
Recognized as the nation’s top state park system with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft manages Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways with a focus on recreation, education and conservation.
More information is available at ohiodnr.gov.
