A holiday gathering is the one weekend of the year when everyone wants to be in the same place, and the host usually ends up running a kitchen, a guest list and a spare-room schedule at once. A private cabin changes that. You pick your dates, the house is yours alone, and the group shares the work. This guide covers what to settle before you book, with the house rules that matter for a New Year's or family holiday weekend.
Start with headcount and beds
The house sleeps 21 across four bedrooms and 11 beds, three of which are pull-out couches. For a family holiday, decide early who takes the bedrooms, who takes the bunk room and who is happy on a pull-out. If you expect more than 21 for the day, they can join you for dinner or the countdown without staying overnight.
Plan the food like a potluck
The kitchen has an island and room for several cooks. A common approach is to assign one meal per family: Friday dinner, Saturday brunch, a big Saturday supper. For a catered meal or a private chef, the kitchen is chef-ready. If you need more seating than the house provides, you can rent 72-inch round tables, chairs and tablecloths for a day gathering.
House rules worth knowing before you invite anyone
- The primary guest must be 25 or older and present for the stay.
- A sound system for indoor and outdoor use is provided, with no time limit on music. No additional amplified music is allowed outdoors, because of a town ordinance.
- If you serve alcohol to guests at an event, day-of event insurance is required, so ask us when you book.
- No smoking or vaping indoors. Pets are welcome.
- No confetti, glitter or similar hard-to-clean decorations.
- The hot tub holds a maximum of 4 at a time. See our hot tub guide for how to run a rotation.
The full list is on the party and event rules page and in the terms.
If it is a Christmas weekend
The same plan works for a family Christmas. Assign dinners by family, keep gifts and the main gathering in the great room by the fireplace, and use the game room and hot tub to give kids and adults somewhere to go. Standard check-in is 11:00 a.m., so you can arrive in the morning and still have the whole day.
A simple New Year's timeline
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Arrival day, from 11:00 a.m. | Settle bedrooms, set up the kitchen, easy dinner |
| New Year's Eve | Big shared dinner, games, music on the sound system, countdown in the great room |
| Late night | Hot tub in turns of four, sauna, fireplace |
| New Year's Day | Slow brunch, a walk, check-out by 3:00 p.m. |
Booking steps
Send your dates, headcount and plans, and we confirm availability and send a written quote. At standard rates a Friday and Saturday weekend is $5,000 plus the $700 overnight cleaning fee. Deposits and payment timing are on the rates page. Holiday weekends are priced at the same standard rates, with no separate holiday rate.
“Amazing views, meticulously kept property and home. Can’t wait to return for our next event.”
Danielle Rivard, Google review
See the cabin dressed for the season
This one-minute tour was filmed in December. The tree and garland in the great room are part of what guests see at the holidays.
More ideas
For things to do on the days around your gathering, see things to do near New Hartford in winter and the CT Visit list of things to do in Connecticut in December. Comparing places? Read how to choose a cabin for a big group or our winter cabin guide.
Holiday gathering questions
Can we have a party or gathering?
Yes, parties and events are allowed within the house rules. The primary guest must be 25 or older and present for the stay.
Is there a sound system?
A sound system for indoor and outdoor use is provided. There is no time limit on music, and no additional amplified music is allowed outdoors because of a town ordinance.
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes. If you are serving alcohol to guests at an event, day-of event insurance is required.
Can we rent extra tables and chairs?
Yes. For non-wedding events, 72-inch round tables are $13, chairs are $3.85 and tablecloths are $18, priced per item.
Do rates change on holidays or New Year's?
No. Rates stay the same during the holidays.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Standard check-in is 11:00 a.m. and check-out is 3:00 p.m., which leaves room for a slow New Year's Day brunch.