Shop Small in the Pocono Mountains

Now in its 12th year, Small Business Saturday encourages everyone to support local establishments on November 27. Here in the Pocono Mountains, downtown shopping districts from Jim Thorpe to Milford are taking part in this nationwide movement that celebrates small, independently owned shops.

Despite global supply chain issues and inflation, small businesses in the Pocono Mountains are stocked with unique and affordable items to fulfill your holiday gifting needs. Shoppers will enjoy discounts and specials, new products, and community events to celebrate the occasion.

“Small businesses in the Pocono Mountains offer a personalized and thoughtful experience that you may not get in a big box store,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “The pandemic has hit our small businesses hard, and they need our support now more than ever. Although holiday shopping is nowadays just a click away, nothing compares to seeing and interacting with products in-person.”

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is happy to share highlights for these downtowns to help small businesses during one of the busiest times of the year:

Stroudsburg:

Stroudsburg is a bustling and eclectic downtown district nestled in the Pocono Mountains with boutique shoppes, art galleries, restaurants, cafés, wineries, live music, and seasonal entertainment. Many stores are offering discounts and displaying new products to celebrate Small Business Saturday. It is also the debut weekend for the popular Snowmen of Stroudsburg and a magical lights display along Main Street.

Hawley:

For the past several years, Hawley’s shops, galleries and specialty retailers have been a part of Small Business Saturday. Many businesses will be offering complimentary refreshments, holiday specials and lots of joyful fun. The festivities continue with Hawley Winterfest, December 3-12. For your old-fashioned Christmas, check out Penny Lane Candies & Candles with more than 500 varieties of candy in a setting right out of It’s A Wonderful Life. There are also many places to warm up with a meal or beverage including The Settlers Inn across from Bingham Park.

Jim Thorpe:

Christmas shopping in the historic district of Jim Thorpe is truly a magical experience. Stroll through more than 50 boutiques, galleries and tasting rooms to find that perfect gift for everyone on your list. There's also plenty of unique clothing and accessory shops to find your perfect holiday ensemble. Downtown is decked in Victorian style for the 40^th annual Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas, with special events held over three magical weekends in December (4-5, 11-12, and 18-19). The event includes a tree lighting ceremony at Josiah White Park, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, The Krampus Festival, live entertainment throughout town, and the Santa Claus Special train ride. The Jim Thorpe Visitors Center is also a great resource for information about all there is to see and do while in town.

Honesdale:

Small Business Saturday coincides with this historic town’s hallmark event, Winter Wonderland, November 26-27. Following the Santa Parade Friday night, everyone gathers in Central Park for a tree lighting ceremony and to sing songs of the season including “Winter Wonderland” which was penned by Honesdale native Dick Smith. On Small Business Saturday, take pictures with Santa (11am-1pm) and enjoy live entertainment (1-3pm) at the Fred R. Miller Pavilion, followed by the unveiling of Dick Smith’s Historical Marker at 922 Church Street (2pm). Shoppers can stop in quaint stores up and down Main Street as well as breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Not to mention you can ride on the Santa Christmas Tree Express on the Stourbridge Line excursion railroad through December 19.

Milford:

Beautiful downtown Milford features white lights that line the streets dotted with shops and eateries where shoppers can enjoy an experience rich with history and unique small businesses. Milford’s Annual Tree Lighting on the grounds of the Milford Community House will be held December 4 complete with free hot cocoa and cookies, children's chorus singing holiday favorites, Holiday Antique Train Display from 10am-6pm at Milford Community House, live music, and Santa’s arrival by fire truck!

Find something for everybody on your list across the Pocono Mountains this holiday season. For more information on where you can shop for friends and loved ones, PoconoMountains.com has many options for you to discover.

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Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at (570) 421-5791. Follow @PoconoTVNetwork on X (formerly Twitter) to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit membership organization. The PMVB is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon in Northeastern Pennsylvania.