Normally about this time of year the staff at Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park is getting ready to close down for the winter. But this year the lodge will stay open through New Year's Day 2014.

The extended season is a result of demand from regular lodge guests and residents in the Port Angeles, Washington, area who want to enjoy the iconic property through the holidays, explains a release from ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, which manages the property.

“We’re excited to reopen the Lodge and look forward to providing guests with an enjoyable visit during their next trip to Olympic National Park,” said Todd Gubler, general manager of Lake Crescent Lodge. “As a token of our appreciation, we’ve extended our season so fans of Lake Crescent Lodge can enjoy the property and its amenities beyond the traditional vacation period. Locals can simply dine, plan a long weekend or enjoy one of our new events.”

From October 21 through the end of the year, the lodge is offering a new Stay & Dine Package, featuring an overnight stay and a $20 restaurant credit. Lake Crescent guests will enjoy local culinary flavors from the Olympic Peninsula Dining Room, which overlooks beautiful Lake Crescent and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner service. The Stay & Dine Package is available from Oct. 21 through Jan. 1, 2014.

The lodge has developed a new calendar of themed events to celebrate the year’s biggest holidays, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. They include:

Fall Murder Mystery Dinner

Friday, Oct. 25 & Saturday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m.

$75 per person for dinner, or dinner & room package starting at $299 per couple

Reservations required, call 360-928-3211

Halloween Witches Tea

Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m.

Enjoy a frightfully delightful tea party on the historic sun porch

$24 adult and one child, $9 additional child, $15 additional adult

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Thursday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$29 adults, $25 seniors, $12 children under 12, children under four free

Reservations suggested, call 360-928-3211

Lighting of Lake Crescent

Saturday, Nov. 30

Holiday lighting ceremony, free to the public

Franklin & Theodore’s Teddy Bear Tea

Saturdays Nov 30 – Dec. 28, 1 p.m.

Franklin & Theodore host a special holiday tea party every Saturday in the historic sun porch

$22 adult and one child, $8 additional child, $12 additional adult

Reservations suggested, call 360-928-3211

Sundays with Santa

Sundays Dec 1- 29, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Traditional Sunday brunch with Santa, free family photos in front of the Christmas tree

$22 adults, $18 seniors, $10 children under 12, children under four free

Reservations suggested, call 360-928-3211

Charles Dickens-Themed Christmas Eve Buffet

Tuesday Dec. 24, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

All the traditional favorites guaranteed to make your holiday memorable

$29 adults, $25 seniors, $12 children under 12, children under four free

Reservations suggested, call 360-928-3211

Charles Dickens-Themed Christmas Day Brunch

Wednesday Dec. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Create new traditions this season. Exquisite food presentations, action stations and all the fixings.

$25 adults, $20 seniors, $12 children under 12, children under four free

Reservations suggested, call 360-928-3211

New Year’s Eve Gala

Tuesday Dec. 31

Formal black tie gala with live music to celebrate the finale of Olympic National Parks’ 75th anniversary year. Three package options available.

New Year’s Day Brunch

Wednesday Jan. 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Holiday brunch wraps up the closing day and the celebrations for the season

$29 adults, $25 seniors, $12 children under 12, children under four free

Reservations suggested, call 360-928-3211

For more information on Lake Crescent Lodge, the Stay & Dine Package and its upcoming events, visit www.olympicnationalparks.com.