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.
Honesdale for the Holidays
Downtown Honesdale
Date: Friday through Sunday, November 23 - 25, 2018
Time: Varies
Cost: Free
Kicking off the holiday season, historic Honesdale offers up its holiday hospitality during this annual tradition. Experience the Annual Santa Parade, tree lighting, and seasonal fun. Small businesses will also host events for shoppers' browsing, and buying, pleasure.
Magical Fireside Christmas
Pocono Manor Resort & Spa
Date: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 23, 2018
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 22 at 2 p.m., so finish your turkey and grab some cookies. 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.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Stroudsburg
Date: Friday, November 23, 2018
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get into the Christmas season in Downtown Stroudsburg! Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the streets, a visit from Santa, caroling, candlelight ceremony, refreshments, and much more.
Santa Express
The Stourbridge Line
Date: Varies through December 23, 2018
Time: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Cost: $20/adult 13+; $10/children 12 and under; free for children 2 and under (lap seat)
All aboard the Santa Express! Kids will receive a present from Santa, a holiday size souvenir ticket and candy cane. Enjoy the panoramic winter wonderland scenery as you ride the rails in heated train cars. Don't miss your chance to ride with Santa; make your reservation today.
Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas
Downtown Jim Thorpe
Date: Friday, November 30, 2018, Saturdays and Sundays, December 1 – 16, 2018
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, November 30 - December 2, 2018
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 farm-to-table 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.
28th Annual Old Time Christmas
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 1 – 9, 2018
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.
Santa's Coming to Camelback Resort
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 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 and festive activities. Bring Santa an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, and receive a reindeer pillowcase to color.
Annual Tree Lighting
Downtown Milford
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Santa arrives in Downtown Milford during the annual Tree Lighting on December 1, 2018. There will be cookies, hot cocoa, and holiday caroling on the Milford Community House lawn. Remember to dress warm and bring your camera!
Tree Lighting Celebration
Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2018
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.
Breakfast with Santa
Skytop Lodge
Date: Sundays, December 2 - 23, 2018
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $30/resort guests; $35/public; $15/children 5-12; 4 and under free (excludes tax and gratuity)
Join Santa for breakfast at Skytop Lodge! Sunday mornings will be filled with a bountiful breakfast buffet, holiday music and not only a visit from the big guy himself, but a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh!
Hawley Winterfest
Downtown Hawley
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 7 – 9, 2018
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.
Open House Holiday Party
Silver Birches Resort
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018
Time: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $37/person
The Waterfront at Silver Birches is offering a joyful celebration this year. Come for dinner and dancing on Saturday night. Reservations are required.
Ugly Sweater Party
Slopeside Pub & Grill
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Dust off your ugly sweater, and head to Blue Mountain for an evening of festive fun. Slopeside’s fourth 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.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Blue Mountain Resort
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2018
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $5/person and $25/house
In its third 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.
Winterfest Brunch
The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2018
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.
East Stroudsburg Winterfest & Downtown Tree Lighting
Downtown East Stroudsburg
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
East Stroudsburg’s annual Winterfest celebration features family-friendly activities, music, art displays, craft vendors and more. Don't miss the downtown tree lighting!
Christmas Dinner at Split Rock Grill
Split Rock Resort & Golf Club
Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Time: Call for times
Cost: Adults/$27.95; Children/$11.95; 4 and under free (tax and gratuity added to each check)
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.
Shawnee Traditions - Christmas Buffet
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: $34.95/Adults; $29.95/Seniors 65+; $24/Youth 12-16; Children 2-11 $1.00/each year (example 7 years old = $7). Tax and gratuity not included.
This year, spend Christmas dining with friends and family at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. This festive buffet features a carving station, prepared by their culinary staff. Be sure to call to make reservations.
Winter Holiday Buffet
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $39.99/adults 13+; $15.99/children 4-12; under 3 free
Come hungry for Kalahari's winter holiday buffet. The spread features traditional fare of Turkey, Prime Rib and Roasted Chicken plus many more chilled and hot enhancements. Be sure to save room for our beautiful dessert station! Call to make your reservations.
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!
