Presidents' Day Weekend Itineraries in the Pocono Mountains

Winter Thrills in Carbon County

Take your adrenaline to the next level with Skirmish Paintball. Battle it out on different frosty terrains at the world’s premier paintball facility. This is a whole new way to appreciate the winter landscape! Take advantage of special offers and events like the Valentine's Scavenger Hunt, Half Price Ladies Day, and the 2026 Special.

Want to get out in the fresh air but looking to go at a slower pace? Book a gentle canter through the forest with Jim Thorpe Horse Adventures.

Drive into elegant Jim Thorpe to check out the Annual Jim Thorpe Winterfest celebration happening February 14 and 15. Enjoy the luminaries, discover winter specials at the shops and eateries, or take a carriage ride through the old world streets.

Step back in time in Jim Thorpe and try a form of transportation that Victorian tourists might have taken! Hop aboard an old-fashioned trip with Jim Thorpe Trolley Company or a train excursion with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

If you're in the mood for live music, plan a Friday night visit to Mauch Chunk Opera House to see The ELO Tribute Show.

When it's time to eat, you'll find plenty of restaurants both in downtown Jim Thorpe and in the surrounding area. Grab a meal in the old world atmosphere of the Broadway Grille or the Marion Hose Bar in the heart of Old Mauch Chunk. Treat yourself to Italian fine dining at The Mansion House of Summit Hill or savor made-from-scratch meals, with gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options, at The Gorge Eatery in Weissport.

How about some evening snow tubing? It’s an easy and exciting way for everyone to enjoy the slopes! The snow tubing park at Big Boulder Ski Area offers tubing sessions as late as 6 p.m. on Sunday. Blue Mountain Resort boasts the largest snow tubing park in the country and offers incredible glow-in-the-dark sonic tubing sessions from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. With magic carpet lifts taking you back to the top at both parks, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is sliding down the lanes as many times as possible.

Immerse yourself in the history of the area at charming accommodations in Jim Thorpe such as Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed and Breakfast, High Street Guesthouse, Trail's End Bed and Breakfast, and The Owl House. Find space for large groups to spread out at nearby vacation rentals like The Retreat at Bear Creek Lakes by Veteran Property Managers or book a comfortable room for the night at area hotels like Country Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn Jim Thorpe Area of the Pocono Mts.

Frosty Fun in Monroe County

Skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are calling! From first chair to night skiing, Monroe County's Shawnee Mountain and Camelback Mountain have something for all abilities including world-class learning programs - the perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills or learn skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Bring your friends and family along for a group lesson! You'll find special ski and stay packages in the Poconos as well as a variety of ski events. Shawnee Mountain will be hosting a Paint the Mountain Pink event during Presidents' Day Weekend on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with pink freebies for the first 200 guests to arrive on Saturday morning.

Spend Saturday afternoon strolling through Stroudsburg while enjoying WinterFest in Downtown Stroudsburg! View spectacular ice sculptures in Courthouse Square and in front of local shops and restaurants. This year's theme is "Love, the Heart of the Poconos." Enjoy the ice creations scattered around town and don't forget to scavenge for the striking Snowmen of Stroudsburg, a set of life-size snowmen statues painted by local artists.

From stately Courthouse Square to modern, colorful murals, from cupcake bakeries like Just Like Magic Bakery to wine bars like Tolino Vineyards, there's so much to discover in Stroudsburg. Enjoy breakfast classics at The Cure Cafe or savory eats and delicious brews at Bovino's Brewery. Choose from many local things to do, including shopping, yoga, axe throwing, and escape rooms.

Gather with friends and loved ones for a special meal or show! Sample the Friday and Saturday Shellabration Menu at Smuggler's Cove Restaurant, enjoy some time with the girls during the Friday night GALentines Mixer at Pocono Organics Cafe, get tickets to see the Roots Revival Roadshow or the Grierfest Valentine's Day Comedy Show at the Sherman Theater and Sherman Showcase

Looking for warmer temperatures? It's always 84 degrees in the indoor waterpark resorts in the Poconos. Book an overnight stay at popular Monroe County spots like Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Great Wolf Lodge, or Camelback Resort & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark to slide, splash, relax in a cabana, enjoy a beverage at a swim-up bar or ride the waves in a wave pool. You'll even find great events at the resorts happening throughout the weekend. Prepare to be amazed by Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic Live at Camelback or get tickets to see the Taylor Swift: Tribute Concert at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.

Outdoor & Indoor Action in Wayne County

Weather permitting, bring your cross-country skis to explore the beautiful trails at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills. Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, the sanctuary's many miles of trails are great for peaceful winter hiking. Lovers of history can pace the towpath of the Delaware & Hudson Canal while learning more about the area's past.

Presidents' Weekend is also Valentine's Day Weekend in 2026! Celebrate with a cozy dinner overlooking a waterfall at Glass - Wine.Bar.Kitchen at Ledges Hotel. There are lots of romance packages and Valentine's deals available at area accommodations to help you impress your love with a romantic getaway.

Winter is a great time to focus on wellness. Prioritize self-care by signing up for a fitness or dance class at The Eddy Studio in downtown Hawley or meditate and find your center with holistic programs and offerings on the beautiful grounds of the Himalayan Institute.

Looking for indoor winter itinerary ideas in the area? There are so many things to do near the charming small towns of Honesdale and Hawley! Visit a gallery like The Art Factory of White Mills to admire the creations of more than 60 local artists, do some antique shopping at spots like Across the Tracks Antiques and More and find treasures to take home, or test your aim at Pocono Axe Works.

Find cozy accommodations in the area and settle down for a relaxing evening! Stay on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack at East Shore Lodging, which is offering a Presidents' Day special deal for the weekend and midweek. Check out even more welcoming hotels, inns, cottages, and vacation rentals in the area like The Lodge at Keen Lake, Equestrian House, and the Lakewood Lodge and Restaurant.

Nature's Majesty in Pike County

It doesn’t get much more majestic than a bald eagle in flight. These inspiring creatures migrate to the Pocono Mountains during the winter season to take advantage of the eco-friendly habitat. Explore the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River to see if you spot one while eagle watching!

Located along the Delaware River, the small town of Milford has been charming visitors for generations. Wander the storybook streets and find things to do like museum visits along the Pocono History & Art Trail. Learn about presidential connections to the Poconos as you step back in time at Grey Towers National Historic Site and the Columns Museum.

Browse unique shops like BetterWorld Store & Cafe which boasts an array of healthy-living goods as well as delicious organic coffee. Milford Wine & Cheese is the perfect place to put together an incredible charcuterie board.

Toast to a great weekend and get a taste of handcrafted beverages at taprooms like Log Tavern Brewing Company and Jam Room Brewing Brewing Company, both of which feature food menus if you're in the mood for some bites to go with your brews. Milford's Jive Bar & Lounge is an atmospheric hangout perfect for cocktails. The Varsity Bar at the historic Tom Quick Inn Restaurant down the street is a beautiful vintage speakeasy with a welcoming atmosphere and a gourmet menu. Sign up for the free mobile Pocono Beverage Trail to discover even more great drink spots throughout the region.

Get dressed up for a night of retro glamor! The beautiful Milford Theater & Performing Arts Center will be hosting a night of great big band songs during Shades of Bublé: A Three Man Tribute to Michael Bublé.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is open until 9 p.m. select nights during Presidents' Week: double check the opening hours on their website then bundle up for a twilight run down the slopes! With 100% snowmaking, equipment rentals and fantastic lessons, the northernmost ski area in the Poconos is an ideal place to try your tricks at the terrain park and glide down eighteen trails.

Why rush away? Treat yourself to a restful stay at lodgings in Milford and Pike County. Get cozy in your very own cabin at Babbling Brook Cottages or spend the night in the colorful rooms at La Posada Inn.

Pocono Presidents' Day Fun

Mix and match these options to create your own ideal itinerary! There is so much to experience this winter in the Pocono Mountains. Check out our winter day trips and winter bucket list for even more ideas to help plan your vacation and don't forget to check out things to do and events coming to the Pocono Mountains this holiday weekend. Find ski and snow activities as well as places to stay.

Happy Presidents’ Day from the Pocono Mountains!