Experience the Joy of Victorian Holidays at Our Hudson Valley Resort
There is something especially magical about the holidays at Mohonk Mountain House. As winter settles over the Shawangunk Mountains, our historic Victorian castle resort takes on a festive glow, with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, seasonal traditions, twinkling lights, and activities that invite guests of all ages to slow down and enjoy the season.
Victorian Holidays at Mohonk bring together the charm of a traditional holiday celebration with everything that makes a winter visit to the Hudson Valley special. Guests can explore our decorated mountain resort, enjoy outdoor winter activities, warm up beside a crackling fire, and discover festive events throughout the season.
You don’t have to stay overnight to experience the holiday magic. From the annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition to winter hiking and outdoor ice skating, Mohonk offers several ways to make a day on the mountain part of your holiday traditions.
A Holiday Tradition in a Victorian Castle Resort
Mohonk Mountain House has welcomed guests to the Hudson Valley since 1869, and our historic setting makes the holiday season feel particularly timeless. During Victorian Holidays, our New York castle resort is transformed with Christmas trees, wreaths, lights, and other festive decorations. One of the most memorable ways to experience our grounds is the self-guided Christmas Tree Tour, which invites visitors to wander through the Mountain House and discover beautifully decorated trees throughout the season.
Holiday programming changes throughout the season and may include seasonal crafts, our annual gingerbread house decorating competition, campfires with s’mores, live music, family-friendly activities, snowshoeing, and special performances. Guests can also enjoy our handcrafted winter lights display that brings an extra bit of magic to the mountain after sunset. The result is a holiday experience that feels less like a single event and more like an invitation to spend time together and enjoy the season at your own pace.
Our Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition
One of the most beloved of the Victorian Holiday traditions is our annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition!
The competition began at Mohonk in 2016 and has become a holiday highlight for competitors and visitors alike. Each year, individuals and teams put their creativity to work, constructing elaborate gingerbread creations that are judged for their craftsmanship, originality, holiday spirit, and connection to Mohonk. The finished pieces are truly more than gingerbread houses. Elaborate structures, imaginative scenes, and intricate edible details transform the competition into a miniature holiday art exhibition.
Following the competition, the winning creations are displayed throughout our Upstate NY resort, allowing visitors to admire them during the holiday season. Categories have included awards such as Best Holiday Spirit, Most Innovative Structure, Best Mohonk Inspired, and Best Food Inspired, giving competitors plenty of room to interpret the holiday tradition in their own way.
It’s a tradition that is just as enjoyable for longtime Mohonk guests as it is for families looking for a new holiday activity to share.
A Sweet Tradition That Gives Back
The Gingerbread Competition also carries an important spirit of giving. Admission to the Gingerbread Pass supports the Regional Food Bank, with 100% of the pass fee donated to help alleviate hunger in the local community. In recent years, the competition has helped raise significant funds for the organization, adding an especially meaningful element to an already beloved holiday tradition.
Enjoy Victorian Holidays Without an Overnight Stay
A holiday visit to Mohonk doesn’t have to mean booking a full getaway. Several day pass options make it possible to enjoy the mountain for a few hours or an entire day.
The Gingerbread Pass is one of the most festive options during the holiday season. Available on select December dates, the pass provides access to the gingerbread display, Christmas trees and holiday decorations, and open hiking trails. It also includes special discounts on select shopping, dining, and more.
For a classic winter outing, the Ice Skating Pass offers 90 minutes on Mohonk’s outdoor ice skating rink overlooking Lake Mohonk, with skate rentals included. After skating, visitors can warm up with a hot chocolate beside the pavilion’s impressive stone fireplace. Ice skating is weather-dependent and is generally available from November into early spring.
Those who would rather explore the landscape can choose a Hiking Trail Pass. Mohonk’s trails remain open year-round, weather and trail conditions permitting, making winter an especially peaceful time to explore the Shawangunk Mountains. A snowy walk, a quiet view of Mohonk Lake, or a hike to one of the mountain’s overlooks is a wonderful complement to the holiday festivities.
For visitors who want to combine their time at Mohonk with a meal or a little relaxation, the Dining Reservation Pass and Spa Treatment Pass offer another way to build a memorable day at the resort. A mountaintop meal can turn a holiday outing into a special occasion, while time at The Spa offers a chance to step away from the busyness of the season and simply unwind.
For those who want to embrace winter beyond the holidays, the Winter Sports Pass offers access to seasonal activities including ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking equipment when conditions permit.
Make a Holiday Day at Mohonk Your Own
One of the best parts of visiting Mohonk Mountain House during Victorian Holidays is that there isn’t one right way to experience the season. A family might spend the day admiring gingerbread creations, exploring the Christmas trees, and watching a production of A Christmas Carol. A couple might combine skiing with a leisurely meal or an afternoon of ice skating. Friends might make a tradition of visiting the mountain each year to enjoy the decorations, shop for gifts, and take in the winter scenery. You can make your visit as active or as relaxing as you’d like!
For an especially festive day, start by exploring the decorated Mountain House and gingerbread displays. Take some time to walk the grounds or hike a nearby trail, then enjoy lunch or a warm drink before ending the day beneath the glow of winter lights. If you’re visiting when the ice rink is open, you can add an outdoor skating session for a classic winter experience.
Start a New Holiday Tradition
The holidays have a way of making familiar places feel new again, and that’s part of what makes Victorian Holidays at Mohonk so memorable. The combination of a scenic mountain resort setting, elaborate holiday decorations, creative traditions like the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors gives families, friends, and couples plenty of reasons to return year after year.
Whether you visit to admire the gingerbread creations, skate above our glacial lake, explore the winter trails, enjoy a meal, or simply take in the glow of the season, a day at Mohonk can become a holiday tradition of your own.
Plan your stay or Hudson Valley day trip today!
