INSIDE NEMACOLIN’S HOLIDAY VILLAGE WITH TWINKLING LIGHTS, FESTIVE SHOPS, AND ELVES AFTER DARK

I got a sneak peek of Hardy’s Holiday Village at Nemacolin this fall, and even without snow on the ground, the holiday magic was impossible to miss. This jewel box resort in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands goes all out for the holidays, transforming 2,200 acres into what feels like a winter fairy tale.

Hardy’s Holiday Village is back for its third year, and it’s the main event. Pathways lit with twinkling lights connect themed holiday shops while elves in designer Jackson Wiederhoeft costumes perform throughout the village. I watched kids’ faces light up as they spotted the elves around every corner. It’s the kind of thing that makes you remember why holidays felt magical when you were little.

This year’s big addition is “Wrapped in Wonder,” a reservation-only experience that gives families private time with Santa, plus elf performances and activities like gingerbread decorating. There’s also Breakfast with Santa, where he sits with families during a holiday buffet. I loved hearing about the Bedtime Elf visits, where elves come to kids’ rooms for story time, which sounds like the kind of detail parents will remember long after checkout. During winter months, you can try dog sledding and meet the sled dogs, which adds a real mountain adventure element you don’t find at most destinations.

My room at The Chateau was everything you’d want for a holiday getaway. This property was recently renovated and inspired by the Ritz Paris. My room had vaulted ceilings with crystal chandeliers and a marble bathroom with a soaking tub that became my evening ritual after full days exploring the resort. The whole place has that old-world elegance that makes you want to slow down and savor the experience.

Nemacolin has accommodation options for different tastes and group sizes. Falling Rock is the most exclusive, a 42-room property with 24-hour butler service and design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Grand Lodge reopened in 2023 after being completely reimagined, offering 56 suites with a more contemporary feel. For larger groups, The Estates and Homes are private residences sleeping 8–22 people, with butler and chef services available.

The dining scene impressed me more than I expected. Fawn & Fable in The Grand Lodge does farm-to-table steakhouse food using local Laurel Highlands ingredients. Lautrec in The Chateau is the formal option with Toulouse-Lautrec prints on the walls that serves the kind of food you’ll think about for days. Aqueous at Falling Rock specializes in modern seafood, while Gusto! does Italian fare, including wood-fired pizzas. With over 18 restaurants and bars, I never ran out of options.

One of my favorite surprises was Nightcap in the evenings. The same elves who entertain families during the day return for “Elves After Dark,” an adults-only cabaret show that’s more entertaining than you’d expect. Combined with well-made cocktails, it’s the perfect way for parents to unwind after a day of family activities.

During the day, I tried ice skating and spent time on the ski slopes when the weather allowed. The Peak has activities year-round like heated pools, cosmic bowling, and indoor axe throwing. In winter, you can add skiing and snowboarding to the mix.

The Woodlands Spa spans 32,000 square feet with 30 treatment rooms and all the relaxation amenities you’d want. The art collection has over 1,000 pieces from artists like Chihuly and Fernando Botero placed throughout the resort.

Hardy’s Holiday Village runs from November 29 through December 28, 2025. It’s the kind of place that offers holiday magic without feeling forced, where families can make the memories that stick around long after the decorations come down.