Nostalgic Holiday Magic at Mountain Lake Lodge

Anyone who loves the holidays will adore the cozy, nostalgic mountain atmosphere at Mountain Lake Lodge, where time slows down, and classic Christmas traditions come alive. Nestled in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, this historic stone lodge transforms into an immersive winter wonderland reminiscent of a storybook holiday scene, offering a festive experience filled with family memories.

The festive season officially kicks off with the spectacular Grand Illumination on Saturday, November 21st, 2026. That evening, the entire resort bedazzles in a breathtaking backdrop of twinkling lights to welcome the holidays. The opening weekend sets a festive tone with Westover Ballet performances, a Holiday Marketplace open on November 21st, November 28th, and December 5th, and the debut of Santa’s Cabin. At the cabin experience, families can capture photos with Santa after supporting the Toys for Tots donation drive!

Throughout the season, weekends are packed with magical programming. Scheduled Sundays feature Pancakes with Santa, leading up to the grand Brunch with Santa finale on December 20th. Visitors can enjoy classic horse-drawn carriage rides, a Celtic Christmas Celebration on December 5th featuring festive bagpipers, and The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon Production on December 12th. The celebration continues with an Annual Christmas Day Buffet and holiday movies, followed by a spectacular New Year’s Eve "Dancing Through the Decades Party". This end-of-year bash features live entertainment and the resort's first-ever New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, serving as the grand finale for Mountain Lake Lodge’s historic 175th Anniversary year.

During weekdays, the focus shifts to peaceful, self-guided holiday experiences. Guests can follow themed itineraries, enjoy seasonal dining, and stroll through the magical, self-guided holiday light displays. This front lawn walking experience is open daily to the public with free parking, allowing everyone to soak in the cozy winter atmosphere and seasonal music.

If you go…

Book the two-night Magic Package early. Accommodations and breakfast each morning are included. Mountain Lake Lodge is located atop Salt Pond Mountain amid a 2,600-acre nature preserve away from the noise and hubbub but convenient to Baltimore, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. It’s also where the iconic Dirty Dancing was filmed 39 years ago. Known as Kellerman’s Mountain House in the movie, it’s still the ideal place “to have the time of your life” with glorious views and 22 miles of pristine hiking trails.