Just a short drive from Blacksburg, Virginia, nestled atop Salt Pond Mountain in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Mountain Lake Lodge is once again transforming into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. From November 22, 2025 through January 3, 2026, the resort will host its beloved Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace, a festive celebration filled with lights, music, family-friendly activities, and seasonal cheer.

A Holiday Destination Like No Other

Now in its third year, the Magical Christmas Village is inspired by the charm of a European holiday market, offering visitors a unique blend of Appalachian hospitality and holiday magic. Whether you're coming from Roanoke, Richmond, or even farther afield like Baltimore or Knoxville, this is a destination worth the trip.

The Grand Illumination kicks off the season on Saturday, November 22 at 6 p.m., lighting up the entire resort in dazzling holiday displays. The evening features a live performance of Westover’s Christmas Ballet and the debut of the Savor the Holidays Marketplace, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcasing artisan crafts, interactive workshops, and festive beverages.

Highlights of the Magical Christmas Village

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of holiday experiences, including:

Winter Whimsy Village Shop – Handcrafted gifts, baked goods, ornaments, and locally-sourced products. (Every Friday through Dec. 26, the first 100 guests receive a limited-edition holiday gift.)
Glow-in-the-Dark Ice Skating at the Winter Bliss Ice-Skating Rink
Illuminated Nights – Nightly light displays beginning at 6 p.m.
Life-Size Gingerbread House – Featuring hot chocolate, s’mores, and an adult coco-bar
Strolling Carolers from Jenny’s Music Studio (Nov. 28, 5:30–6:30 p.m.)
Holiday Boot Scoot – Line dancing and two-stepping fun (Nov. 29, 8–10 p.m.)
Holiday Music Bingo – Friday evenings, 7–9 p.m.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides (Dec. 20, 3–8 p.m.)
Holiday Channel Movie Wonderthon – Live parodies of holiday movie favorites (Nov. 28 & 29)

Special Holiday Dining

Celebrate with festive meals at Harvest, Mountain Lake Lodge’s farm-to-table restaurant:

Thanksgiving Day Buffet – Nov. 27, noon to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day Buffet – Dec. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Reservations are available via OpenTable.

Mainstage Holiday Entertainment

Don’t miss these seasonal performances:

Westover’s Christmas Ballet – Two performances of The Nutcracker (Nov. 22)
Candlelight Serenade – Harp and string quartet (Dec. 19)
Celtic Christmas – Featuring The Fiddler & The Flutist and Appalachian Highlanders Pipes & Drums (Dec. 20)
Dancing Through the Decades – New Year’s Eve celebration with DJ Rick and The Decades Band (Dec. 31)

All events are open to the public. For hours and ticket info, visit EventBrite or Mountain Lake Lodge’s website.

Make It a Holiday Getaway

Mountain Lake Lodge offers several overnight packages to make your visit even more magical:

Two-Night Magic Package – Includes breakfast and ice-skating passes
Four Nights of Magic – Includes breakfast, unlimited ice-skating, and a $250 resort credit
Thanksgiving Getaway – Includes curated activities and daily breakfast

More Than Just Holiday Cheer

Beyond the holiday festivities, Mountain Lake Lodge offers 22 miles of hiking trails, regional arts and culture, guided nature experiences, and outdoor adventures like fly fishing and river floats. It’s also the iconic filming location of Dirty Dancing, where fans return year-round for commemorative weekends.

Recently inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, Mountain Lake Lodge has earned accolades from TripAdvisor, The Knot, and the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, including Hotelier of the Year and Hotel of the Year honors.

Plan your visit today and experience the magic of the season at Mountain Lake Lodge. For more information, call 540-626-7121 or visit www.mtnlakelodge.com.