Poconos Christmas Vacation | Feliz Navidad! | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Feliz Navidad! A Poconos Christmas Vacation for the Ages

With autumn officially in the rearview mirror, it’s time to turn our attention to the most popular holiday in North America: Christmas. As we near 2020, more and more families are choosing to spend the holiday season away from home. And the best Christmas gift, after all, is a family vacation to a dazzling winter wonderland! Every winter, Woodloch Resort’s employees and guests are filled with the holiday spirit thanks to the countless Christmas-themed activities, the Festival of Lights, and, of course, the arrival of ole Kris Kringle himself. Don’t forget that our all-inclusive, Poconos Christmas vacation packages include family-style diningmodern accommodationsnightly entertainment, and over 30 daily on-site activities and amenities. Keep reading to learn more about our particularly beautiful property in the Pocono Mountains, which was recently named the top-rated family resort in the U.S.

A Christmas to Remember in Hawley, PA

No Poconos Christmas vacation is complete without a visit from Santa Claus, caroling under falling snow, and a traditional yule log hunt. But there are literally dozens of homegrown, holiday-themed activities ongoing on our sprawling, 135-acre campus. To ensure that your late December escape to Woodloch Resort is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled ten of our favorite Christmastime traditions. Many of these activities occur in the outdoors, which is often glossy and white thanks to our good friend, Old Man Winter. Guests can look forward to:

The Festival of Lights

Besides a visit from Santa Claus and his faithful reindeer, the on-site attraction that most guests look forward to is our annual Festival of Lights. This dazzling display of light, sound, and pyrotechnics is a visual treat for elves of all ages. For a peek at last year’s grand finale, please visit our website. All guests have the exclusive privilege to hop aboard a wagon ride through our wilderness trail where a lengthy, colorful display ensues. We’re continuously upping the ante and adding new state-of-the-art lighting and decor. After the wagon ride, retreat indoors to meet Santa Claus, sip on eggnog, and devour a plate of Christmas cookies. This short video gives you a glimpse of what to expect this December during the Festival of Lights.

All-Inclusive Poconos Christmas Vacation Packages

As we stated earlier, Woodloch Resort’s all-inclusive Poconos Christmas vacation packages include everything from decadent meals to a meet-and-greet with Saint Nick. We’ve evolved into one of the best Christmas vacations in the U.S., thanks to our never-ending pursuit of excellence. For couples looking for an adults-only, holiday-themed escape, we’re also home to a premier Pocono resort and spa: The Lodge at Woodloch. To book a long-overdue Poconos family Christmas vacation, please give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562. We’re happy to help piece together a package to perfectly suit your family’s size, style, and budget!

Filed Under: holiday, Uncategorized, Winter

From the Woodloch History Book: The Tale of "The Funny Pants" | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

From the Woodloch History Book: “The Tale of the Funny Pants”

A wise soul once said… “life is just too short to wear boring clothes.” 

If anyone has ever visited our resort (and for those of you who will in the future), you know that you are bound to meet all sorts of characters- it’s part of what makes Woodloch such a special place to visit and work. Everyone’s quirks and quips have been instrumental in shaping our identity since we opened our doors way back in 1958.

Along the way, you’ll stumble into Mr. John Kiesendahl- our boss. And aside from his charming demeanor and stately good looks, you’re bound to notice something else: his pants. They’re always a little bit… funny.

But that’s exactly what JK (as we call him) is going for.

It all started in the magical year of 1981. Ronald Reagan had just taken office, Indiana Jones was raiding lost arks, and JK had just bought Woodloch from his parents- a big undertaking for a thirtysomething. Right before our famous “horse races,” JK unfurled a size 32 pair of corduroys adorned with holly leaves, just in time for Christmas. And so the tradition began.

Doing something lighthearted not only reminded employees that Woodloch is a fun place to work, but also helped JK smile during the early days of ownership.

“It was great to see guests start to respond to pants as I would wear them,” says John. As years went by, guests recognized him by his trademark slacks. Today, 35 years later, it’s odd to see John NOT donning the funny pants. As a matter of fact, we’ve had guests visit and pay loving homage to JK and his pants over years… see?

jk_halloween_2.jpg

As the years went by, JK collected pants of all shades with all sorts of characters- superheros, children’s book characters, Santa Claus, and everything in between. He even makes a concentrated effort to match a tie with said pants. “All in all, I have probably 60 pairs of pants,” says John- 24 in rotation, and the rest in the archives. “I’m attached to them all… but my current favorites are my brand new Star Wars pants!”

jk_pants_collage_3.jpg

Hawley, PA: A Quintessential Poconos Borough | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Hawley, PA: A Quintessential Poconos Borough

Every year, thousands of families flock into the Pocono Mountains for the vacation of a lifetime at Woodloch Resort, the top-rated family resort in America, according to USA Today. Families have the rare opportunity to partake in a wide variety of homegrown activities, savor classic East Coast eats, and enjoy rousing nightly entertainment. And naturally, first-time guests often have questions about our lakeside haven’s history as well as nearby Hawley, PA. Many are surprised to discover that downtown Hawley, PA, is a charming, historic, and scenic destination—and it’s just eight miles southwest of Woodloch.

The History of Hawley, PA

Founded: 1884
Municipality: Borough
Population: 1,162 (2019)
Annual Events: Wally Lake FestHarvest Hoedown, and Winterfest

About: While the borough was founded in 1884, pioneers discovered powerful Paupack Falls in the 1790s. Oddly enough, the city’s keystone marker claims it was founded in 1827. Hawley, PA, was fittingly named after Irad Hawley, the original president of the Pennsylvania Coal Company. The once-thriving Waterfront District is sadly a thing of the past, but what remains is a quiet picturesque community with a handful of hidden gems worth exploring the next time you’re in the area.

Hawley PA

The 6 Best Restaurants in Hawley, PA

While Woodloch Resort does have spectacular all-inclusive meal plans, guests also have the option to dine out during their stay. We have four on-site dining options, two of which are among the top-rated restaurants near Hawley, PA, as well as three spots for a “quick bite.” The region is known for its locally-sourced, farm-to-table ingredients and fresh seafood. And don’t overlook the charming mom-and-pop restaurants in downtown.

Best Candy Store: Penny Lane Candies & Candles
Best Casual Dining: The Boat House
Best Cheap Eat: Lake Wally Cafe
Best Coffee: Cocoon Coffee House & Bakery
Best Fine Dining: TREE Restaurant
Best Ice Cream: Coutts Handcrafted Ice Cream

Hawley PA

7 Things to Do in Hawley, PA

Yes, the highly-talented team at Woodloch Resort pieces together a daily activity sheet with over 30 homegrown activities and events. But it’s not uncommon for adults to swing into town for a quick peek at this charming borough. While you’ll likely spend the majority of your trip splashing, water skiing, rock climbing, and, of course, bonding, we encourage you to visit nearby this lovely borough before or after your stay.

Family-First Hotels in Hawley, PA

Woodloch is proud to be one of the best all-inclusive family resorts on the globe. We cover absolutely everything during your stay: meals, fun, entertainment, relaxation, and comfort! There’s still time to book a last-minute autumn escape or long-awaited winter getaway—simply give us a call today at 800-966-3562 or check availability online. We cannot wait to see all of your smiling faces!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Large Family Reunion Rentals | An Autumn Getaway | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

An Autumn Get Together | Woodloch’s Large Family Reunion Rentals

As we approach yet another new decade, more and more groups are beginning to plan family reunions during the cooler seasons such as autumn and winter. It has become abundantly clear that summer is no longer the only season for a good, old-fashioned, family get together, especially if you’re aiming to gather in the breathtaking Pocono Mountains. Sifting through potential family reunion venues can be a dizzying, strenuous process. There are so many things to consider, including cost, location, activities, and entertainment. 

Luckily for you, Woodloch Resort’s well-priced large family reunion rentals are less than two hours from New York City. We were recently named the number one family resort in the country by USA Today, thanks in large part to our seemingly endless all-inclusive activities, events, and adventures. Woodloch also has world-class meeting facilities, spectacular catering services, and talented, detailed reunion planners.

Event Space and Group Coordination

Yes, Woodloch Springs is home to several large family reunion rentals near our championship golf course, but you won’t (and shouldn’t) be constricted to your overnight accommodation. We have an entire staff of dedicated specialists that help coordinate fully-customizable family reunions. While Woodloch Resort offers over 30 homegrown activities 365 days a year, we fully understand if your group prefers to stick together in a private setting. We have a wide variety of event spaces located throughout our 135-acre campus—these spaces are often utilized for structured team-building activities. Guests can either cook up a feast for the whole gang or let our talented culinary team treat them like royalty.

Homegrown, Group-Friendly Activities

Large Family Reunion Rentals

No two family reunions are the same. As we mentioned earlier, guests can choose between over 30 homegrown activities on any given day, including staff-led games, contests, and challenges. We’ve grouped together ten of our most popular group activities to provide you with a “taste” of what a long-overdue family reunion could look like here in the Poconos.

  1. Fall Olympics
  2. Scavenger hunt
  3. Bakery wars
  4. Woodloch Feud
  5. Broadway-style theme show
  6. Cooking class
  7. Forest bathing
  8. Indoor splash zone
  9. Cocktail reception
  10. Golf outing

Large Family Reunion Rentals

Large Family Reunion Rentals

In order to become one of the top-rated family reunion resorts in the U.S., you must provide your guests with a diverse array of overnight accommodations. Yes, our 135-acre campus has dozens of hotel-style guest rooms and suites, but don’t forget about Lake Estates, SouthwoodsTallwoods Vacation Rentals, and Woodloch Springs. All of these three-to-six bedroom family reunion vacation rentals can house a large portion of your group under one roof. These spacious modern rentals feature full kitchens, living rooms, awe-inspiring views, comfortable beds, and easy access to a plethora of homegrown activities.

To inquire about a potential Poconos family reunion, please call us today at 800-453-8263 (option #2), or fill out this form.

Header photo courtesy of Danni P Photography!

Filed Under: reunions, Uncategorized