The Ultimate Pocono Mountains Holiday Event Guide

Traditional Favorites

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees

Yenser's Tree Farm
Dates: Saturday, November 19 through Sunday, December 18, 2022
Time: 9 a.m. to dark weekends; 3 p.m. to dark weekdays
Cost: Cost for cut tree

There's nothing like the smell of fresh Fir and Spruce! Stroll through rows and rows of pine at this family-run farm in Lehighton. Plan a weekend visit to enjoy free cocoa and cookies.

Creches From Around the World - Shawnee Traditions

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Dates: Thursday, November 24, 2022 through Monday, January 2, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

It's the reason for the season: take a look at nativity scenes from all over the world displayed in The Shawnee Inn's Pearsall Room. No admission fee, but donations may be made to Hands-On Disaster Relief.

32nd Quiet Valley Old Time Christmas

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-10, 2022
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $18/adults; $10/children 3-12

Step back in time, and learn about past holiday traditions and heritage on a 19th century farm. Bundle up for a lantern-lit tour, and witness costumed re-enactors preparing for the season.

Holiday Bows and Boughs

Pocono Environmental Education Center
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2022
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $20/wreath

Create your own holiday decorations with PEEC! Materials are provided for you to make wreaths, swags and table decor, and you can also bring your own supplies. Music, snacks and drinks are also included. Pre-registration is required.

Holiday Artisans' Market at the Cooperage Project

The Cooperage Project
Dates: Sunday, December 4, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

Fill the stockings of friends and loved ones with handcrafted gifts from this seasonal craft fair in Honesdale. Browse the stalls to see the creations of talented artisans in the area.

9th Annual Ugly Sweater Party

ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free

Unwind this holiday season at ShawneeCraft. Enjoy food, drink and live music. Dress to impress because a prize will be awarded for the ugliest sweater!

Small Town Festivals and Tree Lightings

Downtown Stroudsburg Christmas Tree Lighting

Downtown Stroudsburg
Date: Friday, November 25, 2022
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

See the sparkling evergreen in Courthouse Square, treat yourself to a hot chocolate and scope out the Black Friday sales on Main Street. The tree lighting itself begins at 6:20 p.m.

Winter Wonderland

Downtown Honesdale
Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, 2022
Time: Friday Vendors at 11 a.m.; Parade at 6 p.m.; Tree Lighting at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

It's only fitting that the original "Winter Wonderland" has its own celebration named after the classic tune! Richard Smith was inspired by his hometown of Honesdale when he wrote about those lanes of glistening snow. The Santa Parade steps off on Friday at 6 p.m., ending in Central Park for the tree lighting. The festive spirit continues on Saturday, with great shopping at local stores.

Milford's Annual Tree Lighting

Downtown Milford
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

Sip on hot chocolate and sing holiday carols at the Community House. Stroll through the picturesque streets as you wait for the lighting of the tree and Santa's arrival.

Carbon County Black Forest Krampusnacht

Pocono Whitewater Rafting
Dates: Sunday, December 4, 2022
Time: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

Step back in time, and experience this German tradition with Carbon Chamber and Economic Development. Enjoy a beer garden, local vendors, live polka band and more.

Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas

Downtown Jim Thorpe
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-18, 2022
Time: Varies by activity
Cost: Free; fees apply to some activities

Kick off the holiday season while strolling through charming downtown Jim Thorpe during the community's Christmas festival! Shop local businesses, galleries and boutiques, eat at unique restaurants and coffees hops and find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.

Hawley Winterfest

Downtown Hawley
Dates: Friday, December 9 through Sunday, December 11, 2022
Time: Varies by day
Cost: Free

From a Winterfest Beer Tour to gingerbread decorating to holiday specials at local shops, the sparkling small town of Hawley will be aglow during their Winterfest celebration. See a performance at the Ritz Company Playhouse, take a Christmas Tree Express train ride and much more.

Pocono Lights Displays

Lights at the Lake

Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 18 through December 23, 2022
Time: Fridays and Saturdays: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays: 5 p.m .to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25/car

Stay warm and cozy in your car as you drive through a sparkling lights display hosted by Raising the House on the shores of Mauch Chunk Lake. Be sure to visit the website to get your tickets in advance.

West End Festival of Lights

West End Fairgrounds
Dates: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 through December 23, 2022
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $6/person

There will be no shortage of twinkle lights in Effort, PA this holiday season! Marvel at the animated light display, shop the artisan vendors or take a horse and buggy ride.

Belvin Family Christmas 2022

Cherry Lane Road in East Stroudsburg
Dates: Check back for details.

Thousands of lights will twinkle to classic Christmas songs. Come out to see this extraordinary display.

Where to Meet Santa Claus

Santa Claus Special

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 through December 24, 2022
Time: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Call for pricing

All aboard in Jim Thorpe! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be riding with train passengers along the winding Lehigh River, the perfect opportunity for a holiday photo.

Honesdale Santa Christmas Tree Express

The Stourbridge Line
Dates: Dates vary between Thursday, November 25 and Saturday, December 24, 2022
Time: Starting at 10 a.m.
Cost: $25/adult 13+; $20/children 3-12; free for children 2 & under (lap seat); additional cost for trees

Don't miss your chance to meet Santa and buy your Christmas tree all during a festive train ride. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa along with the panoramic winter scenery as you ride the rails in heated train cars.

Santa Pictures at Country Junction

Country Junction - World's Largest General Store
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, November 26 through December 18, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Call for photo pricing

Need a Santa photo for your Christmas card? The man himself will be at Country Junction every weekend this festive season. Stop by to share your wish list and do some shopping!

Breakfast with Santa

Skytop Lodge
Dates: Sundays, November 27 through December 18, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $45/adults; $35 children 5-12; 4 and under free; plus tax and gratuity

The big guy will be making a stop at Skytop Lodge every Sunday from November 27 through December 18 to check his naughty and nice list and hear your holiday wishes as you enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting at Camelback

Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Dates: Friday, December 2, 2022
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

The grand tree at Camelback Resort will be lit than none other than Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! The family-friendly evening will feature live entertainment, hot cocoa bar and more. Bring a new, unwrapped toy ($10-$30 value) to donate to Toys for Tots of Monroe County to receive a custom reindeer pillowcase.

Breakfast with Santa - A Shawnee Tradition

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Dates: Saturdays, December 3-17, 2022
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $19.95/adult; $11.95/children 3-11; 2 and under free. Tax and gratuity not included.

Start your Saturday with Santa Claus! He'll be listening to wish lists, taking photos and telling stories during breakfast in the Worthington Ballroom, one of many classic Christmas events at The Shawnee Inn.

Santa's Pajama Party

Country Junction - World's Largest General Store
Dates: Tuesdays, December 6 and 13, 2022
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $20/person

Help your little ones work off some of that pre-Christmas excitement with bumper cars, bowling, a bounce house and unlimited arcade games! Showing off your Christmas jammies is encouraged but not required.

Winter Wonderland at the Farm

Pocono Organics
Dates: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Head to one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified farms in the country in Long Pond, PA to taste the special holiday menu plus enjoy kids' activities, vendor booths, a meet and greet with Santa and more.

Breakfast with Santa

Silver Birches Resort
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: $20/person; $12 children 4-12; 3 and under free; plus tax and gratuity

He's making a list...he's checking it twice...Santa Claus is coming to Silver Birches Resort on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack! Book your reservation today.

Breakfast with Santa

Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $5/person

Just a week before Christmas, Kris Kringle will be making time to stop by the Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson in Tannersville for photos - don't forget your camera! You can also bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

Musical Performances

A Christmas Carol

Shawnee Playhouse
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 through December 18, 2022
Time: 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
Cost: $16-$29/person

This classic Charles Dickens tale is synonymous with the season. See the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come visit Ebenezer Scrooge in a musical adaptation on the banks of the Delaware River.

Christmas Concert

St. Joseph's Church on North Street
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: $15/person; children 10 and under free

If you've been longing to listen to the sounds of the season, make plans to head to a Christmas Concert in beautiful Jim Thorpe. The Bach and Handel Chorale will be giving a festive performance.

Ryan Pelton - An Elvis Christmas Show

Penn's Peak
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Time: Doors: 6 p.m.; Showtime: 8 p.m.
Cost: $25/regular reserved seating; $30/premium reserved seating

Have the best kind of "Blue Christmas" when award-winning Elvis tribute artist Ryan Pelton performs holiday favorites as the King.

Merry Motown Christmas

Mount Airy Casino
Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Time: Start: 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $40/person

Get ready for a holiday salute to Motown legends like The Supremes, Marvelettes, Gladys Knight and The Pips and more. Get your tickets now!

It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street Radio Plays

Dingmans Ferry Theater
Date: Thursday through Sunday, December 8-11, 2022
Time: 7 p.m Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $10/person

Experience two of your most beloved Christmas movies in a unique format! It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street will unfold as live radio plays. Make your reservation now to guarantee your seats!

Neil Diamond Christmas Show

The 80's Bar
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022
Time: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free

Head to this Lansford hangout for a fun and festive evening listening to a musical show from the Neil Diamond Experience, including favorites from John Cougar Melloncamp.

Holiday Meals

Candlelight Christmas Dinner

The Settlers Inn
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 2-4, 2022
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $115/person plus tax and service

Enjoy an elegant night out, and dine by candlelight in the beautifully-decorated Settlers Inn Dining Room. Available on three enchanted evenings, the savor a farm-to-table menu, music and holiday classics. Reservations are required.

Winterfest Brunch

The Settlers Inn
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, 2022
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $44/person, plus tax and gratuity

Dine at The Settlers Inn to enjoy a tasty and festive meal. Winterfest Brunch features a delicious seasonal menu with live holiday music entertainment. Call for reservations.

Berrelli's Christmas Eve Dinner

Berrelli's Italian Chophouse
Date: Saturday, December 24, 2022
Time: 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $75/adults; $25/ages 12 and under

Be sure to come hungry to this delicious restaurant at Camelback Lodge for a Christmas Eve dinner to remember! Choose from a gourmet menu of mouth-watering dishes. Looking for a buffet? Try the Hemispheres Christmas Eve Dinner, also at Camelback Lodge.

Christmas Day Buffet

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: $42/adults; $36/seniors 65+; $29/youth 12-16; $2/year for children 2-11; plus 6% tax and 20% gratuity

The culinary team at The Shawnee Inn will be preparing a fantastic Christmas Day Buffet, complete with carving station and all your favorite traditional holiday dishes. Book your reservation online.

For more jolly happenings in the Pocono Mountains, browse our holiday event calendar. Be sure to refer to each property's website to confirm any registration needed.

Find special offers at our places to stay, so you can experience maximum holiday cheer. Be sure to check out other things to do during winter too!

It’s not too early to start making New Year’s plans! Stay tuned for more details on the blog later this month, or get started browsing upcoming events and special offers right away. Whether you’re looking to dress up for a party or cozy up in a cabin for a peaceful night in, the Poconos is the place to be on December 31.

Happy Holidays from the Pocono Mountains!