--- title: Holidays at Shawnee date: 2026-10-28T14:13:00-05:00 author: Brenynn Mowery canonical_url: "https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/holidays-at-shawnee" section: Pages --- ![A lit Christmas Tree sits next to two leather chairs and a rocking chair in the lobby.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Holiday/Shawnee-Christmas-Tree.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=bae6da44&v=0cc27f4c407361e0406ad44edd3b323fb73cc38d3d68d13ce1547687b635f85f) # Unwrap the Magic of the Holidays Gather with family and friends in the heart of Shawnee State Park. From Thanksgiving traditions and cozy December weekends to a memorable New Year’s celebration, experience warm Appalachian hospitality, festive dining, and seasonal cheer surrounded by southern Ohio’s rolling hills. > [Book Your Stay](https://be.synxis.com/?hotel=61996&chain=16552) ![A colorful drink with lemons on the rim sitting on a bar counter.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Holiday/9O7A7539.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=86209429&v=88cb41987358dff3bfea6e68cd5efab92c367c8175f211dade90338d308aa141) ![The front lobby decorated for the holidays with pine trees, white lights, and red bows.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Holiday/Shawnee-Holiday-Lobby.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=143f0f10&v=3c6de7266daa8ae04af0b71fb54f1336ba59b425422a06e45d6c6564343d4254) ![A tall Christmas tree in the center of the lobby, light up with white lights and a red bow on top.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Holiday/Shawnee-Holiday-Main-Tree.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=50a51a49&v=71d88084a4614430d834920ad125509a8e2a43bfa50ba81d779b32bc32af2c8e) ![A rocking chair in front of the fire place next to a brightly lit Christmas tree.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Holiday/Shawnee-Holiday-Lobby-Fireplace.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=7f74379c&v=980d7c04615d7392e9900b268b93b20a856cdbafbb06632d5217fcad95ff81a8) ![A lit Christmas Tree sits next to two leather chairs and a rocking chair in the lobby.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Holiday/Shawnee-Christmas-Tree.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=bae6da44&v=0cc27f4c407361e0406ad44edd3b323fb73cc38d3d68d13ce1547687b635f85f) ![](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Files/Add-Ons/SH_Christmas-Tree-Decorated.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=1f7d9ea3&v=2eb94a6ef0812d637573e43701f889c0cf62a1824080eaa3f8b729bb242946d4) ### Christmas Tree Delivered **20** + taxes and feesArrive to a fully decorated, glowing Christmas tree right in your room or cabin, Pre-decorated and twinkling bright, it’s the perfect backdrop for your festive retreat. A part of the Cozy Christmas Collection. [Request Add-On Christmas Tree Delivered](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/specials-rewards/enhance-your-stay/request-add-on?add-on=8463) ### Santa's Workshop at Shawnee December 4th Enjoy an evening packed with interactive holiday activities designed for all ages. Every $20 ticket includes all supplies for hands-on Make & Take Crafts, a Cookie Decorating station, a Reindeer Food Station, and access to our fully stocked Hot Chocolate Bar. To top off the evening, we’ll host a special holiday movie screening starting at 7:00 PM! [ Learn More Santa's Workshop at Shawnee ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/events/santas-workshop-at-shawnee) ### Breakfast with Santa December 5th It's a Shawnee Holiday Tradition! [ Learn More Breakfast with Santa ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/events/breakfast-with-santa) ### Holiday Open House December 5th Celebrate the season with us at Shawnee Lodge! Come marvel at the stunning holiday displays crafted by local garden clubs, join us for Breakfast with Santa, and shop one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans. [ Learn More Holiday Open House ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/events/holiday-open-house) ### Puzzle Play Weekend The Winter Puzzle Play Weekend at Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center offers the ultimate seasonal retreat for puzzle enthusiasts of all ages. December 11 - 12, 2026 [ Learn More Puzzle Play Weekend ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/events/puzzle-play-weekend) ### Holiday Events Join us for seasonal celebrations, festive feasts, and family traditions all holiday season long inside the lodge. ### Festive Traditions in Our Communities **White Gravel Mines Christmas Caves** This unique portrayal of the Savior's birth has quickly turned into a cherished Christmas tradition and offers an unforgettable blend of storytelling and visual excellence. [Learn Morw](https://whitegravelmines.com/) **Winterfest** Winterfest, the festival that earned Portsmouth's designation as an Official 2026 Hallmark Christmas Town, runs from Thanksgiving to New Year' [Learn More](https://www.friendsofportsmouth.com/winterfest) **Otway Covered Bridge: A Bridge to the Holiday's** Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Scioto County to the Otway Covered Bridge in Otway, Ohio. Adorned in festive evening lights, this historic landmark offers a truly magical winter photo spot. [Learn More](https://www.facebook.com/OtwayCoveredBridge/) ## Curated Holiday Itineraries ## The Festive Family Weekend ## Day 1: Arrival & Lodge Festivities - **3:00 PM – Check-In & Festive Touches** Arrive at Shawnee Lodge and check into your room or cabin. Get settled while enjoying your pre-arranged festive add-on items that bring an extra touch of seasonal cheer right to your space. - **4:30 PM – Explore the Decorated Lodge** Take a leisurely stroll through the main lodge. Shawnee is famous for its grand holiday decor and is beautifully decked out with glowing lights, oversized wreaths, and seasonal displays November - December. - **6:30 PM – Dinner at Smokehouse Restaurant** Head over to the Smokehouse Restaurant for a cozy dinner featuring hearty regional favorites, seasonal chef features, and incredible views overlooking the wooded hills. - **8:00 PM – Swim at the Indoor Pool** Wind down your first evening by taking a relaxing dip or letting the kids splash around in the lodge's heated indoor pool facility. ## Day 2: Nature, Winterfest & Downtown Dining - **8:30 AM – Breakfast at Smokehouse Restaurant** Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at the Smokehouse Restaurant, featuring farm-fresh eggs, breakfast meats, pastries, and hot coffee. - **10:00 AM – Morning Hike & Naturalist Activity** Lace up your boots for a crisp morning winter hike along the park's scenic trails, followed by a scheduled family-friendly naturalist activity back at the lodge. - **12:30 PM – Scenic Historic Portsmouth & Winterfest** Take a scenic drive into downtown Portsmouth (~25 minutes away) to experience local charm, explore the historic Boneyfiddle district, and enjoy outdoor ice skating and festive sights at Portsmouth Winterfest. - **6:00 PM – Downtown Portsmouth Dinner Recommendations** When dinner time rolls around, explore one of these fantastic local spots right in downtown Portsmouth: - **Patties & Pints:** A lively downtown favorite known for gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, and a great craft beer selection in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere. - **The Portsmouth Brewing Co.:** Ohio’s oldest operating microbrewery, serving classic American comfort food, steaks, and handcrafted house beers in a historic brick building. - **Scioto Ribber:** A legendary local institution famous for its world-class hickory-smoked ribs, steaks, and cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere. ## Day 3: Check-Out & Local Coffee - **10:00 AM – Check-Out & Morning Coffee at The Landing** Check out of the lodge and head into town for your morning caffeine fix at **The Landing in Portsmouth**. Enjoy specialty coffee drinks, fresh baked goods, and warm small-town hospitality right in the heart of 2nd Street before taking a scenic drive home. Flexibility built-in! Swap in scheduled lodge programming—such as Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Crafting and Holiday Dining —depending on which weekend you stay. ## The Outdoor Winter Adventure ## Day 1: Arrive & Settle In - **3:00 PM – Lodge Check-In & Basecamp Setup** - Arrive at Shawnee Lodge and check into your room or park cabin. Get settled and stretch your legs with a walk around the lodge grounds to admire the seasonal lobby decorations and panoramic ridge views. - **4:30 PM – Warm-Up Walk on LampblackRun Trail** - Lace up your boots for a 1.5-mile hike along the Lampblack Trail right from the lodge parking lot. Following the purple triangle trail markers, you'll wind through a quiet oak-hickory forest along high, dry ridgetops—a perfect late-afternoon stretch to soak in the crisp winter air. - **6:30 PM – Hearty Dinner at Smokehouse Restaurant** - Refuel with classic comfort food, seasonal entrees, and local craft beers while overlooking the dark, quiet hills of Shawnee State Park. - **8:30 PM – Lounge Fireside Session** - Gather in the Tecumseh Lounge or around the outdoor fire pit for seasonal cocktails, local brews, and stargazing under the clear winter sky. ## Day 2: Forest Hikes, Scenic Detours & Local Craft Trail - **8:00 AM – Trailhead Breakfast at Smokehouse Restaurant** - Fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet featuring eggs your way, bacon, hot pancakes, and fresh coffee. - **9:30 AM – Morning Hike in Shawnee State Forest** - Hit the trails! Explore the rugged beauty of Shawnee State Forest—known as the "Little Smokies of Ohio"—with a hike to the Copperhead Fire Tower or along the scenic ridge trails for dramatic winter views. - **1:00 PM – Scenic Forest Drive to Portsmouth** - Take a picturesque drive through Scioto County into historic downtown Portsmouth (~25 minutes away). - **1:30 PM – Craft Beer & Lunch at The Portsmouth Brewing Co.** - Head to The Portsmouth Brewing Co. (Ohio’s oldest operating microbrewery) for a flight of handcrafted house beers and a warm pub lunch in a historic brick setting. - **3:30 PM – Boneyfiddle District Explorer** - Spend a couple of hours walking through the Boneyfiddle Historic District, checking out local shops, riverfront murals, and regional artisan stores. - **6:00 PM – Dinner at Patties & Pints** - Head to Patties & Pints for gourmet stacked burgers, artisan pizzas, and an exceptional regional craft beer list. - **8:00 PM – Nighttime Otway Covered Bridge Drive** - Take the scenic country route back to the lodge via Otway, Ohio, stopping to see the historic Otway Covered Bridge lit up with festive evening lights. ## Day 3: Breakfast & One Last Hike - **8:30 AM – Farewell Breakfast at Smokehouse Restaurant** - Start your final morning at the lodge with a warm breakfast buffet at the Smokehouse Restaurant. Enjoy fresh coffee, cooked-to-order eggs, hot pancakes, and breakfast meats while taking in your last morning views over the park's wooded hills. - **10:00 AM – Final Trail Hike & Morning Crisp Air** - Lace up your boots one last time for a scenic morning hike along the Shawnee State Park trails (such as the Lake Shore Loop). Take in the quiet winter forest, crisp air, and serene natural views. - **11:30 AM – Late Check-Out & Departure** - Head back to your room or cabin to wrap up packing, check out at the front desk, and stop by the Lodge Gift Shop for local Ohio souvenirs or ornaments before beginning your drive home. **Lodge Event Tip:** Check the lodge event schedule upon arrival for weekend guided naturalist hikes, seasonal craft beer features in the lounge, or live music in the lobby to add to your evening plans! ## Cozy Midweek Getaway for Couples ## Day 1: Peaceful Arrival & Fireside Warmth - **3:00 PM – Check-In & Room Unwind** - Arrive at Shawnee Lodge and check into your room or cozy cabin. Unpack, settle in, and admire the festive lobby displays and glowing seasonal decor around the property. - **4:30 PM – Sunset Stroll & Lobby Fireplace Session** - Take a quiet sunset walk along the lodge grounds overlooking the wooded hills of Shawnee State Park. Afterward, snag a comfortable chair by the grand lobby fireplace with a warm beverage. - **6:30 PM – Relaxed Dinner at Smokehouse Restaurant** - Savor a cozy dinner at the Smokehouse Restaurant featuring seasonal chef specials, regional wines, and peaceful evening views over the surrounding forest. - **8:30 PM – Nightcaps at Tecumseh Lounge** - End your evening with a seasonal craft cocktail or local brew by the lounge fire before heading back to your room. ## Day 2: Historic Charm, Downtown Dining & Nighttime Bridge Lights - **9:00 AM – Relaxed Breakfast at Smokehouse Restaurant** - Sleep in and enjoy a slow morning, followed by fresh coffee, omelets, and breakfast favorites at the lodge. - **11:00 AM – Explore Historic Boneyfiddle & Shopping** - Head into downtown Portsmouth’s historic Boneyfiddle District (~25 minutes away). Stroll through local antique shops, artisan boutiques, and seasonal gift stores. - **1:00 PM – Casual Local Lunch at Market Street Cafe** - Stop in at **Market Street Cafe** in the heart of downtown Portsmouth for fresh specialty sandwiches, hot soups, crisp salads, and handcrafted coffee drinks in a charming, relaxed setting. - **3:30 PM – Quiet Lodge Afternoon** - Return to the lodge for a quiet afternoon. Spend time reading by the fireplace, playing board games in the lobby, or taking a dip in the heated indoor pool. - **6:00 PM – Intimate Downtown Dinner** - Head into downtown Portsmouth for a cozy dinner at **Scioto Ribber** for legendary hickory-smoked steaks and ribs, or enjoy gourmet burgers and stone-baked pizza at **Patties & Pints**. - **8:00 PM – Nighttime Illumination Tour: Otway Covered Bridge** - On your drive back toward the lodge, take a romantic detour through the rolling hills of Scioto County to Otway, Ohio. Experience the historic **Otway Covered Bridge** glowing under magical evening lights—a picturesque night photo stop to cap off your day. ## Day 3: Slow Morning, Woodland Hike & Late Check-Out - **9:00 AM – Leisurely Breakfast at Smokehouse Restaurant** - Enjoy a peaceful, unhurried morning meal at the Smokehouse Restaurant with hot coffee, cooked-to-order eggs, and fresh pancakes overlooking the morning mist in the hills. - **10:30 AM – Morning Stroll on Lampblack Trail** - Lace up your boots for one last quiet woodland walk along the Lampblack Trail right from the lodge parking lot, following the purple trail markers through the scenic oak-hickory forest. - **12:00 PM – Late Check-Out & Coffee at The Landing** - Take advantage of an arranged late check-out to wrap up packing at your own pace. On your way home, stop in downtown Portsmouth for a specialty coffee and pastry at **The Landing in Portsmouth** before taking a scenic drive home ![Wooden overlook shelter silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky, with rolling hills and leafless trees stretching across the landscape.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/9O7A7621.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=136b9ef4&v=e3cfd06eae233f98f9b7a601e898fd046a6002d575803b1e1ae89b3e9f274a70) ## Book Direct for Exclusive Savings A little extra savings goes a long way toward your next getaway. Explore special offers at Shawnee Lodge and enjoy more time discovering scenic trails, breathtaking overlooks, great dining, and the natural beauty of southern Ohio. No matter the season, there's always a new adventure waiting. [Specials & Rewards](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/specials-rewards)