Best Ohio State Parks at Christmas

It is the most wonderful time of the year, and Ohio State Park Lodges have been decorated to the hilt, with every part of the lodge covered with holiday cheer. From the top of the chimney to the lobby door, you will find Christmas magic in the air. Here are the best Ohio State Parks Lodges at Christmas time.

Use GLEASON for 15% off your stay; black-out dates apply.

Shawnee State Park Lodge at Christmas

This southern Ohio gem is one of the most decorated lodges and offers some of the most relaxing spaces to unwind after a day of enjoying the little smokies hiking trails. When you walk in the door, you are greeted with the sights and sounds of the holidays.  Here are the 2023 Holiday events; you can book your stay here.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 9 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Christmas Open House Sunday, December 10 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Punderson Manor Lodge and the Nutcrackers

In 2021, Punderson Manor Lodge has gone above and beyond with the nutcracker theme. Sit by the large fireplace and take in stately standing tall nutcrackers. Visit the sledding hill or hike the boardwalk by the lake before having supper in the dining room. Feeling festive for Christmas day, make a reservation for the Christmas Day buffet. Kids love Punderson, so grab a space for breakfast with Santa!

Read more about things to do at Punderson Manor Lodge in winter: click here

Stay at Salt Fork State Park During Dickens Victorian Village

Cambridge comes alive at Christmas, and no visit to this area is complete without staying at Salt Fork State Park Lodge. December 19, 2021, is their Christmas open house and buffet; make your reservation early for this perfect holiday escape. Click here to book the Salt Fork Christmas Open House. 

Read more about things to do at Salt Fork State Park Lodge: click here

Wine Sip & Dip Event Saturday, Decmeber 2 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Santa’s North Pole Outpost Saturday, December 2 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 9 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Santa’s North Pole Outpost Saturday, December 9 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Santa’s North Pole Outpost Saturday, December 16 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Murder Mystery Saturday, December 16 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Santa’s North Pole Outpost Saturday, December 23 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Christmas Open House Buffet Sunday, December 17

Deer Creek State Park Lodge; a Quiet Christmas Escape

During the holiday rush, we can sometimes forget to sit back and enjoy the Christmas quiet. Grab your favorite people and stay at the impeccably decorated Deer Creek State Park Lodge. The Christmas spirit can’t be beaten at this off-the-beaten-path but close to it all state park.  Deer Creek State Park website

Breakfast with Santa and Open House December 10th

Have Breakfast with Santa at Mohican State Park Lodge

One of my favorite state parks opens its doors to invite Old Saint Nick to have breakfast with the kids. I think this just might be the ticket for the Gleason grandkid’s Christmas getaway in the woods! 

Read more about things to do at Mohican State Park Lodge in winter: click here

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 2
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 9
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 16
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 23

Burr Oak State Park Lodge has Thought of Everything for the Holidays

Grab the kids or your significant other and experience Burr Oak State Park Lodge with all the halls decked with holiday cheer. They have thought of everything for their Christmas add-ons. The Tis’ the Season package will wrap you up cozy with a themed throw, coffee mugs with hot cocoa, and marshmallows. A Holiday Cheer package will warm your bones with a bottle of wine, Burr Oak glass, and a wine opener. If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve getaway, they have two packages for you, Cheers to the New Year or Celebration Countdown. Click here for the Burr Oak State Park Lodge packages

Read more about what to do at Burr Oak State Park: click here

Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Christmas Lake Getaway

Lake Erie is perfect any time of the year, but Christmas is an absolutely magical time to visit. Maumee Bay State Park Lodge is one of the more perfect places to take the kids in winter; indoor play areas, a large game room, and the beautiful indoor pool are all centrally located. Sit in the dining room to look out on Lake Erie and her winter waves or play a round of racquetball in the indoor courts. Maumee Bay State Park website

Read more about things to do at Maumee Bay State Park: click here

Cookies with Santa

December 8 & 9, 2023

4pm – 7 pm

Bring your little ones to meet Santa Claus and enjoy delicious cookies! Our partner, The Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce will be collecting monetary or new toy donations to be distributed back into the community. Free Santa portraits will be available courtesy of Oregon’s own, Alexa Marie Photography! This event is free to attend and open to all.

Hueston Woods State Park Lodge

Last but certainly not least is Hueston Woods State Park Lodge. With a home for the holiday’s package that will make the family smile, Hueston Woods State Park is ready to welcome guests for the Christmas season. If you are looking for a place to enjoy yourself on Christmas Day, make a reservation for the buffet at the Smokehouse. With the welcoming fireplaces blazing, this stay will surely be a memory maker. Book here: Hueston Woods State Park Lodge

Read more about things to do at Hueston Woods State Park: click here

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Santa is coming to Hueston Woods! Enjoy a pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa!

Hocking Hills State Park Lodge

Santa Claus is Coming to the Lodge!

For more information, click here

Saturday, December 16th

As the holiday season approaches, Ohio State Park Lodges transform into enchanting havens adorned with festive delights, offering an escape from the bustling world. From the charming Nutcracker-themed Punderson Manor Lodge to the serene allure of Deer Creek State Park Lodge, each destination promises a unique Christmas experience. With events ranging from Breakfasts with Santa to Murder Mysteries at Salt Fork State Park Lodge, there’s an abundance of joyous activities to partake in. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the merriment; use code GLEASON for a special discount of 15% and create cherished memories amidst the yuletide magic. Embrace the holiday spirit and make this Christmas a memorable escape with your loved ones amidst the cozy warmth of Ohio’s State Park Lodges.

Happy Road Trips!

Brandy

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