The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is welcoming families, friends, and winter travelers to celebrate the holiday season at Ohio’s state park lodges — including Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center, which is rolling out a full slate of festive activities.
ODNR officials say each lodge has been transformed with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and cozy fireplaces, creating the perfect backdrop for seasonal getaways. “Our lodges take on a special glow during the holidays,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “They offer a welcoming place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the season.”
Across the state, lodges are offering themed dinners, breakfast with Santa, Christmas buffets, holiday movie nights, murder mystery dinners, and more. From nutcracker displays to crackling fireside lounges, each lodge aims to deliver a warm, family-friendly holiday experience.
Highlighted Events at Deer Creek Lodge
• Breakfast with Santa — Sunday, December 14
Families can enjoy a festive meal and a chance for kids to meet Santa himself.
• Christmas Day Brunch — Thursday, December 25
A holiday buffet featuring seasonal favorites, perfect for families staying at the lodge or visiting for the day.
Holiday Events Across Ohio’s State Park Lodges
Each lodge is offering unique celebrations, including Christmas Eve dinners at Geneva, winter carnivals at Maumee Bay, all-you-can-eat Christmas pancakes at Burr Oak, and themed activities like Shawnee’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner and Salt Fork’s North Pole Outpost.
ODNR encourages families to check the full event lineup and book overnight stays at greatohiolodges.com or thelodgeatgeneva.com.
Ohio’s state parks were recently recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence.
