A December to Remember: Holiday Activities in the Poconos, Week by Week
- Dmitry & Marina Feldberg
- Dec 6, 2024
- 3 min read
The Pocono Mountains come alive each December with a variety of festive activities catering to all interests. Here's a week-by-week guide to the region's holiday highlights:
Week 1: Kickoff the Holiday Spirit (December 1–7)
Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas: Begin your holiday season in the Victorian town of Jim Thorpe, where the annual Olde Time Christmas festival features live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and shops adorned with festive décor.
Pocono Mountains.
Snow Tubing at Blue Mountain Resort: Experience the thrill of snow tubing at Blue Mountain Resort, home to the country's largest snow tubing park with up to 46 lanes. After 5 PM, enjoy the Sonic Snow Tubing experience, where the park transforms with a laser light and music show.
Mountain View Vineyard: Warm up with a glass of mulled wine at Mountain View Vineyard. Take a tour, sip on seasonal favorites, and enjoy breathtaking views of the winter landscape.
Week 2: Adventure Meets Holiday Cheer (December 8–14)
Hickory Run State Park Winter Hike: Bundle up for a scenic hike to Hawk Falls or the iconic Boulder Field. The frost-covered trails add a magical touch, making the journey feel straight out of a winter wonderland.
Shop & Be Merry! in Jim Thorpe: Participate in the exclusive "Shop & Be Merry!" event at Jim Thorpe where ticket holders enjoy special discounts and a souvenir tote bag while exploring the town's unique shops.
Holiday DIY Workshops: Channel your inner elf at a wreath-making workshop at Pocono Organics. Bring home a handmade piece of holiday cheer!
Week 3: Family Fun and Festivities (December 15–21)
Santa Train Rides: Hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a festive journey through the mountains. Santa himself will be on board, spreading joy and taking photos with the kids.
Ice Skating at Skytop Lodge: Glide across the ice at this enchanting outdoor rink at Skytop Lodge surrounded by snow-covered trees. Afterward, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire pit.
Christmas Cookie Crawl: Indulge your sweet tooth with a cookie-tasting adventure! Local bakeries and cafes participate in this deliciously fun event, offering seasonal treats to savor.
Week 4: Celebrate and Reflect (December 22–31)
Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Camelback Mountain or Jack Frost Big Boulder. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s no better way to embrace the season.
Holiday Dinner Cruise: End the year in style with a festive dinner cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack. Enjoy a gourmet meal and live entertainment while cruising under the stars.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Ring in the New Year with fireworks at Shawnee Mountain or a cozy celebration at your cabin. Some local resorts host family-friendly events, complete with countdowns and champagne toasts.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Poconos Holiday Getaway
Plan Ahead: Popular events fill up quickly—grab your tickets early!
Stay Cozy: Pack warm clothes and plan to spend evenings around a crackling fire.
Try Something New: Whether it’s snowshoeing or crafting, make room for unique experiences.
The Poconos in December is a winter dream come true. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect place to create unforgettable holiday memories with loved ones. Which event will you try first? 🎄✨
For a visual glimpse into the festive spirit of the Poconos, check out this video on Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas celebration:
What a great collection of things to do during the holiday season. Thank you very much for putting this together and making my job easier.