A Hocking Hills weekend getaway in late November or December gives you quiet trails, holiday events, and cabin nights by the fire, about an hour from Columbus. We’re Fox’s High Rock Farm on OH-664 in Logan, and our Christmas on the Farm dates line up with other holiday events in the region. This guide shows you which weekend to pick, where to stay and eat, and how to fit a farm visit, a short hike, and a Santa Train ride into two days.
Pick Your Holiday Weekend in Hocking Hills
Two weekends stand out this year because several holiday events land on the same Saturdays. Christmas on the Farm runs on Saturday, November 28 and Saturday, December 12, 2026. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train starts its season on November 28, and the free Holidays in Ash Cave event falls on December 12.
| What’s happening | Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 27-29) | Mid-December weekend (Dec 11-13) |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas on the Farm at our farm | Saturday, Nov 28 (ticketed) | Saturday, Dec 12 (ticketed) |
| Santa Train from the Nelsonville Depot | Sat Nov 28: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. Sun Nov 29: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. | Fri Dec 11: 6 p.m. Sat Dec 12: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. Sun Dec 13: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. |
| Holidays in Ash Cave (free) | Not running | Saturday, Dec 12, 3 to 5 p.m. |
| Private farm tours | By appointment, usually Fri to Sun | By appointment, usually Fri to Sun |
Thanksgiving weekend works well if you have the long weekend off and want a getaway right after the holiday meal. The December weekend packs the most into one Saturday, so it suits groups who want a full holiday day.
Riding the Santa Train
The Santa Train leaves from the Nelsonville Depot at 33 W. Canal St. and runs round trip to East Logan and back. Santa walks through the train and visits with each child, and kids get a candy cane after his visit. The coaches are heated and decorated, with Christmas music playing on board, so it works well on a cold day.
The railway says these trains often sell out, so buy tickets early. Plan to arrive 45 minutes before your departure and pick up paper tickets inside the depot, since your email confirmation won’t get you on the train. If someone in your group needs wheelchair access, buy a wheelchair ticket, because the antique coaches have limited space.
Where to Stay and Eat in Hocking Hills
Cabins, Lodges, and Inns
Cabin rentals are the classic choice here. You’ll find everything from small one-room cabins for couples to large lodges that sleep a whole family, and many come with private hot tubs, fire pits, and full kitchens. Holiday weekends are popular, so reserve your cabin as soon as you pick your dates. If a private hot tub or a wood fireplace matters to you, filter for it when you search, and check the listing’s check-in time before you plan your Friday.
A few other options cover different trip styles:
- Hocking Hills State Park Lodge: You can book a lodge room or a park cabin. The lodge has indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor hot tub, and its Rock House Restaurant, so it’s a good fit when you want everything under one roof. The lodge says dinner reservations at Rock House are required.
- The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls: This resort on State Route 374 rents cabins, cottages, suites, and yurts, and it has a spa and its own restaurant. It’s a good fit for couples.
Groups with kids often like lodging closer to Logan, where you’re near grocery stores, restaurants, and our farm. Couples who want quiet evenings often pick cozy cabins tucked into the forest near the state park.
Where to Eat
Logan and the area around the state park have good options for a weekend of meals. Book dinner ahead on holiday Saturdays, since the smaller dining rooms can fill up.
- Millstone BBQ (12790 Grey Street, Logan): Southern smoked meats cooked on site for 15 to 17 hours. It’s a casual pick for lunch or dinner, and it stays open until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Kindred Spirits at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls: Breakfast and lunch daily, with dinner starting at 5 p.m. The inn strongly suggests reservations, especially on weekends.
- Rock House Restaurant at the State Park Lodge: Full-service dining inside the park. Reserve your table ahead through OpenTable. The lodge also has the Rock House Pub and Café 22, a grab-and-go spot for a trail lunch.
- Hocking Hills Winery (30402 Freeman Road, Logan): Wine, pizza, and charcuterie, plus live music every weekend. It’s closed on Tuesdays and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Spend Saturday at Christmas on the Farm
Christmas on the Farm is our 4th annual holiday event. Your ticket includes time with Santa as he shares stories and visits with guests, holiday games, a festive craft, and a hello to our animals. We also serve hot chocolate, fresh popcorn, and cookies, all included with admission.
You can add gem mining at our sluice, and we run warm water through it for the event so your hands stay comfortable. Our gift shop will be open too, so it’s an easy stop for last-minute Christmas gifts.
Christmas on the Farm is ticketed and separate from regular admission. Tickets are sold for set dates and times, so buy yours on our events page before you finalize the rest of your Saturday. For more holiday events around the region, see our Hocking Hills Christmas guide.
Book a Private Farm Tour on Any Winter Weekend
If your getaway falls on a different weekend, our private tours are the way to visit from November through March. They usually run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and we may be able to fit other days depending on availability.
Each tour lasts up to 90 minutes and starts with feeding the animals. Private tour guests can step inside the pens for closer time with our animals, and we shape the visit around what your group wants to see. When the ground is dry, you can ride our side-by-side to the top of our hills for a view of the farm. Tours start at $150 for 1 to 2 guests, and you get 15% off in our gift shop afterward.
A private tour works for couples as well as families, since your group has the farm to itself.
Fit In a Short Winter Hike
The hiking trails in Hocking Hills State Park stay open year-round, from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. On a holiday getaway, a short hike in the morning leaves your afternoon free for events. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) rates the main routes like this:
- Ash Cave: a quarter mile, easy, and wheelchair accessible. It ends at a large recess cave, and it’s the easiest pick for mixed groups.
- Old Man’s Cave: 1 mile and moderate, passing the Upper and Lower Falls.
- Cedar Falls: another moderate 1-mile route that ends at the waterfall.
- Rock House: also a mile and moderate, with window-like openings in the cliff.
- Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve: two routes, one of them wheelchair accessible. Pets aren’t allowed.
ODNR warns that the trails are often icy in winter, so pack ice cleats and dress in layers. Our farm is 15 to 25 minutes from the main caves, so a morning hike and an afternoon at the farm fit in one day.
A Sample 2-Day Hocking Hills Weekend Getaway Plan
Here’s a simple plan built around the December 11-13 weekend. For Thanksgiving weekend, use the same plan and skip the Ash Cave event.
- Friday evening: Check in to your cabin or lodge room, then grab dinner in Logan or ride the 6 p.m. Santa Train from Nelsonville.
- Saturday morning: Walk the Cedar Falls or Old Man’s Cave trail.
- Saturday midday: Head to Christmas on the Farm for your ticket time. Visit Santa, see our animals, and try the warm-water gem mining.
- Saturday late afternoon: Stroll back to Ash Cave for Holidays in Ash Cave from 3 to 5 p.m., or take the 2 p.m. Santa Train if your farm ticket is earlier.
- Saturday evening: Book dinner at Kindred Spirits or Rock House, then relax back at your cabin.
- Sunday: Hike Rock House or Conkle’s Hollow, eat lunch at Millstone BBQ, and stop at the winery on your way home.
For a clear night, the John Glenn Astronomy Park is free to visit. Its public programs end around Thanksgiving, but you can drive up on your own any night it isn’t hosting a program.
What to Pack for a Winter Weekend
Pack for time outside on both days. You’ll want warm layers, a hat, gloves, and waterproof boots for the farm and the trails, plus ice cleats that slip over your boots for icy paths. Bring a thermos for hot drinks and a few snacks for the car. If you’re riding the Santa Train, print or save your confirmation so you can pick up your paper tickets at the depot.
A Hocking Hills weekend getaway in the holiday season gives you farm time with Santa and our animals, a short winter hike, and dinner by the fire, all within a short drive of each other. Get your Christmas on the Farm tickets on our events page, or book a private tour for any weekend from November through March. Call (740) 370-0800 with any questions. We’re at 14977 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fox’s High Rock Farm open in November and December?
Our regular walk-in season runs April through October. From November through March, you can visit with a private tour by appointment, or with a ticket to Christmas on the Farm on November 28 or December 12, 2026.
What’s included with a Christmas on the Farm ticket?
Your ticket includes time with Santa, holiday games, a festive craft, our animals, hot chocolate, fresh popcorn, and cookies. You can add gem mining at our warm-water sluice and shop in our gift shop during the event.
Which weekend is best for a Hocking Hills weekend getaway in December?
The December 11-13 weekend lines up the most events. Christmas on the Farm, the Santa Train, and the free Holidays in Ash Cave event all happen on Saturday, December 12.
How far is the farm from Hocking Hills State Park?
We’re 15 to 25 minutes from the main caves in the state park, including Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. Logan is about an hour from Columbus on US-33.
Are the Hocking Hills trails open in winter?
Yes. The state park trails are open year-round, from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. ODNR notes the trails are often icy in winter, so bring ice cleats and dress in layers.
Can couples book a private farm tour?
Yes. Private tours start at $150 for 1 to 2 guests and last up to 90 minutes. You’ll feed the animals, step inside the pens, and get 15% off in our gift shop afterward.