Catawba Island’s Christmas Coop Set to Open Nov. 6

A little kitsch, thousands of twinkling lights, retro decor, a warm fire and holiday cocktails combine to create a cozy environment that melts away seasonal stress at The Orchard’s annual Christmas Coop. 

Located among the trees and garden at The Orchard in Catawba Island, about an hour’s drive east of Toledo, the Christmas Coop launched in 2022. Staffers spend two days hanging sparkling, retro-style ornaments and twinkle lights from the cocktail lounge’s ceiling and wrapping 4,500 lights around the structure to conjure the vibe of the Griswold home in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The Christmas Coop opens Nov. 6 and runs through Jan. 3.  

“It’s much easier to have a festive drink in your hand and sit outside around a fire with all the festive decorations and get yourself into the spirit,” says Kenzie Blumensaadt, who is part of  The Orchard’s ownership family. “A lot of people are having trouble getting into the spirit these days. We want to kickstart that and take them back to what made them happy during the holiday season.”

In 2025, the Christmas Coop expanded the “Christmas Vacation” theme by adding a replica of Cousin Eddie’s dilapidated RV. Find inflatables of Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch, tinsel trees and icons of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. 

Cocktails include the Mistletoe Martini, made with Ketel One Vodka, white cranberry juice, house-made rosemary syrup and lemon offers a take on a Cosmopolitan.

Santa’s Midnight Snack blends Pusser’s British Navy Rum, RumChata Cream Liqueur, locally sourced eggnog and a fresh grate of nutmeg. The best part? It’s served with a fresh-baked gingerbread man. 

The Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini puts a holiday spin on the classic, made with Ketel One Nitro Espresso, Peppermint Bark RumChata and a drizzle of chocolate liqueur.

“Every year, it gets better and better,” Blumensaadt says of the Christmas Coop. “There’s always a new surprise. … It’s always gorgeous when it snows. It just really pops.”

3266 NE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 43452, 419/573-6003, orchardoncatawba.com

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