Nestled in the serene Pocono Mountains in Hawley, Pennsylvania, Woodloch has been creating cherished family memories for nearly seven decades. Since opening in 1958, this family-owned resort has become synonymous with togetherness — a place where the pace slows, laughter echoes across the lake, and the magic of the season is more than just a feeling.
“The holidays at Woodloch are truly something special,” says Erica Bloch, Associate Director of Communications. “We’re built around connection — families coming together, celebrating traditions, and simply enjoying being with one another. It’s not just about what you do here, but how you feel while you’re doing it.”
That feeling begins the moment guests arrive. With three distinct properties — Woodloch Pines, Woodloch Springs, and The Lodge at Woodloch — visitors can choose the experience that best fits their style, from an all-inclusive family adventure to a tranquil spa or golf getaway. “Each property offers something different, but together, they create one complete experience,” Bloch explains. “It’s about flexibility, variety, and comfort.”
At Woodloch Pines, the heart of the resort, the holidays come alive with beloved traditions like Very Merry Woodloch Weekends, Breakfast with Santa, and the wildly popular Gingerbread Wars. Families can join trivia contests, play games, or embark on the Festival of Lights Ride — a glowing journey through the woods synchronized to holiday music. For New Year’s, guests enjoy curated dinners, live entertainment, and a midnight toast. “We want the holidays to feel immersive, joyful, and meaningful,” says Bloch.
Amid the excitement, there’s something deeper that defines Woodloch’s holiday spirit — an intentional return to connection. “So many of our guests come from major metro areas,” Bloch notes. “They’re looking to escape — to trade screens and schedules for nature and conversation. Whether it’s sitting around a meal with no distractions or watching the snowfall from a lakeside cabin, the magic really comes from the moments families share together.”
That philosophy guides everything Woodloch does. Guests can fill their days with archery, bumper cars, yoga, or Broadway-style shows — or simply slow down and savor the stillness. With meal plans, daily activities, and entertainment all included, there’s no need to leave. “Our mission has always been to treat every guest as if they’re company in our own home,” Bloch says. “Our staff truly embodies that — it’s part of what makes Woodloch so enduring.”
While amenities have evolved — from high-speed Wi-Fi to new outdoor adventures — the heart of Woodloch remains unchanged. “Travel has changed, people’s needs have changed,” Bloch reflects. “But what hasn’t changed is the desire to feel welcome, to belong, to share experiences together.”
That balance of evolution and tradition keeps families returning generation after generation. “If you want adventure, it’s here. If you want peace and quiet, it’s here,” says Bloch. “But no matter what, you leave feeling renewed and reconnected.”
For many, the true Woodloch magic lies in the simple moments — decorating gingerbread houses, strolling snowy trails, or gathering by the fire. As Bloch puts it, “We want people to feel like they’ve gotten back to their roots — to family, to nature, to themselves. That’s what Woodloch is all about.”
Long after the snow melts, families carry that feeling with them — the reminder that the best gifts are the moments shared, in a place where holidays truly feel like home. https://www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com/
“The magic comes from the moments families share together, away from screens and schedules.”