It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And the Pocono Mountains is ready to celebrate the cheer of the season with an event calendar full of holiday festivities.
Pocono resorts, restaurants and downtowns are decking the halls for the month of December. Whether you want to meet Santa and his reindeer team or witness tree lightings and carolers, we’ve got the holiday treats for everyone!
‘Tis the season! Read on for a complete list of holiday happenings, and create your next family tradition in the Poconos.
Santa's Winterfest
Country Junction - World's Largest General Store
Date: Saturdays and Sundays through December 23, 2017
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: FUNband $6/adults, $12/kids; Breakfast $9.99/adults (13 and up), $6.99 kids under 12; $10/Pictures with Santa
There’s so much to do at Santa’s Winterfest! Activities include cookie decorating and ornament making, letters to Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus and meet-and-greets with costumed characters. Add-ons, including face painting, personalized Santa hats, and pictures with Santa, are available. Get your cameras ready for Breakfast with Santa on December 9-10 and 16-17, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required.
Magical Fireside Christmas
Pocono Manor Resort & Spa
Date: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 24, 2017
Time: Varies
Cost: Tickets are $10 for 8 and $5 for 3
All are welcome to enjoy the festivities at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa’s Magical Fireside Christmas. Opening night begins November 23 at 2 p.m., so kick off the holiday season early! Celebrations include a life-size gingerbread house, Santa’s workshop and Rudolph and friends feeding. There will also be photo opportunities, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, gourmet hot chocolate bar and much more. Overnight packages are available.
Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas
Downtown Jim Thorpe
Date: Friday, December 1, 2017, Saturdays and Sundays, December 2 – 17, 2017
Time: Varies
Cost: Free; fees apply to some activities
See Downtown Jim Thorpe all decked out for the holidays. The community’s Victorian Olde Time Christmas weekends feature holiday displays, train rides with Santa, caroling and live entertainment, shopping at over 40 galleries and boutiques, children’s activities and free family events. Be sure to check out the annual tree lighting in Josiah White Park. Dress appropriately; some activities take place outdoors.
Candlelit Christmas Dinner
The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 1 – 3, 2017
Time: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $95/person
Enjoy an elegant night out, and dine by candlelight in the beautifully decorated Settlers Inn Dining Room. For three enchanting evenings, the Settlers Inn will feature a Candlelight Christmas Menu and holiday entertainment. The Bradley Bunch will perform on Friday and Saturday and the Regional High School Choir will entertain on Sunday. Reservations are required. Lodging specials are available.
27th Annual Old Time Christmas
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 2 – 10, 2017
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $10/adult; $5/child (3-12)
Step back in time, and learn about past holiday traditions on a 19th century farm. Bundle up for a lantern-lit farm tour, and witness costumed re-enactors preparing for the season. Experience songs and stories, holiday shopping opportunities, and a living Nativity scene in the barnyard. Tours run every 15 minutes, and take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Please call for group rates and reservations.
Annual Tree Lighting
Downtown Milford
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Santa arrives in Downtown Milford during the annual Tree Lighting on December 2, 2017. There will be cookies, hot cocoa, and holiday caroling on the Milford Community House lawn. Remember to dress warm and bring your camera!
Santa and Mrs. Claus are Coming to Camelback!
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Santa and Mrs. Claus are making their grand arrival at Camelback! All are welcome to attend Santa’s personally hand-picked celebrations featuring holiday music, festive activities, and a holiday parade led by firetrucks, a marching band and dancers.
Tree Lighting Celebration
Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: Varies
Cost: Free; fees apply to some activities
Gather on the mountain for a holiday festival that lights up the night. Stroudsmoor’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration features displays, activities and performances all day including brunch and dinner buffets; tree lighting and fireworks at dusk. The grand finale begins with caroling at 6 p.m.
Hawley Winterfest
Downtown Hawley
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 8 – 10, 2017
Time: Varies
Cost: Free; fees apply to some activities
See historic Downtown Hawley draped in holiday décor in an event filled weekend. There will be festivities and activities all over town during the annual Winterfest! Look for dining specials, historic tours, fairs and sales, live performances, ice-carving demonstrations, and other festive things to do each day. Lodging packages are available.
Holiday Pop-Up Restaurant
Hawley Silk Mill
Date: Friday, December 8, 2017
Time: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cost: $39/person
Experience a holiday dining transformation of the Boiler Room in the Hawley Silk Mill. Enjoy a specially crafted menu of delicious foods and treats. Seating’s available at both 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call for reservations.
East Stroudsburg Winterfest & Downtown Tree Lighting
Downtown East Stroudsburg
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free; fees apply to train excursions
East Stroudsburg’s Winterfest celebration features music, art displays, craft vendors and horse drawn carriage rides. Tree lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. The Erie-Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society will offer short Santa Train Rides from Dansbury Depot at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. this year. Train tickets cost $23 for adults and $17 for children 4-12. Visit eldcps.org for more information.
Open House Holiday Party
Silver Birches Resort
Date: Saturday and Sunday, December 9 – 10, 2017
Time: Varies
Cost: $37/person
The Waterfront at Silver Birches is offering a variety of joyful celebrations this year. Come for dinner and dancing on Saturday night, or opt for brunch with a holiday show on Sunday morning. Reservations are required.
Ugly Sweater Party
Slopeside Pub & Grill
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017
Time: 8 p.m. to Midnight
Cost: Free
Dust off your ugly sweater, and head to Blue Mountain for an evening of festive fun. Slopeside’s third annual Ugly Sweater Party will feature food and drink specials, a photo booth and DJ entertainment. Anyone who dresses up will be entered for a chance to win cool giveaways! Prizes will be awarded for the ugliest sweater and the most festive outfit. Adults 21+ only.
Winterfest Brunch
The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park
Date: Saturday and Sunday, December 9 – 10, 2017
Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $39/person
Stop by The Settlers Inn’s during Hawley Winterfest to refuel with a tasty meal. Winterfest Brunch features a delicious seasonal menu and holiday harp music by Kristy Chmura. Call for reservations.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Blue Mountain Resort
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2017
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $3/person and $20/house
In its second year, Blue Mountain Resort’s Gingerbread House Workshop is sure to leave you feeling festive. Bring friends and family for a day of crafts, live music, and photos with Santa. All materials and hot cocoa are provided. Children 12 & under will even receive a gift from Santa! Space is limited.
Christmas Dinner at Split Rock Grill
Split Rock Resort & Golf Club
Date: Monday, December 25, 2017
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults/$28.95; Children/$11.95; 4 and under free
Relax this Christmas, and let Split Rock Resort do the all the holiday cooking for you! Sit back and enjoy a delicious dinner menu this season. Call to make your reservation today.
It’s not too early to start making New Year’s plans! We’ll be blogging about those parties next week, but you can browse these coming events and special offers while you wait. Whether you’re looking to dress up for a party or suit up for the slopes, the Pocono Mountains is the place to be on December 31.
Happy Holidays from the Pocono Mountains!
