The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Pocono Mountains

Traditional Favorites

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees

Yenser's Tree Farm
Dates: Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 17, 2023
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 pines at this family-run farm in Lehighton. Plan a weekend visit to enjoy free cocoa and cookies.

Christmas Wonderland at Walker's Tree Farm

Walker's Tree Farm
Dates: Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 24, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Varies by activity

The Walker's Tree Farm staff are ready to lend a hand to cut, haul, shake, drill, and bale the tree of your choice so it's all ready for your home. On select weekends, enjoy visits with Santa and a horse-drawn buggy.

Creches From Around the World - Shawnee Traditions

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Dates: Thursday, November 23, 2023 through Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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.

33nd Quiet Valley Old Time Christmas

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December 2-10, 2023
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: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $25/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 3, 2023
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 of the Upper Delaware region.

10th Annual Ugly Sweater Party

ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
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 24, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 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 through Sunday, November 24-26, 2023
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 and Sunday with great shopping at local stores.

Milford's Annual Tree Lighting

Downtown Milford
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

Follow the luminaries through the picturesque streets of Milford. Shop for gifts, enjoy cookie swaps and photo booths, and prepare for Santa's arrival and the lighting of the tree just before 5 p.m.

Carbon County Black Forest Krampusnacht

Pocono Whitewater Adventures
Dates: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 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 2-17, 2023
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 find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones. Sign up for a Shop & Be Merry ticket while they last for exclusive discounts and a souvenir tote bag!

Hawley Winterfest

Downtown Hawley
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 8-10, 2023
Time: Varies by day
Cost: Free

From a beer tour to live music to holiday bargains 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.

Lehighton's Hometown Vintage Christmas

Downtown Lehighton
Dates: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

Admire 170 decorated trees throughout Lehighton as you take in the holiday music, horse-carriage rides, craft and food vendors, and a visit from Father Christmas. Be sure to check out Lehighton's Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 2 as well!

Pocono Lights Displays

Poconos Lights

Poconos Park
Dates: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 23 through December 31, 2023
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $24.99/per vehicle; $59.99/limo or van; $139.99/tour bus

Stay warm and cozy in your car as you drive through a sparkling new lights display at Poconos Park in Bushkill. Wind through a mile of merriment twinkling through the night! Poconos Lights will be open Thursdays through Sundays up to Christmas and nightly between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Christmas Tram Tours

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Dates: Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 31, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $25/adults; $20/children (November 24 through December 12); $30/adults; $25/children (December 13-31)

There will be no shortage of twinkle lights at the historic Shawnee Inn on the shores of the Delaware River! Hop aboard your own personal heated Polar Express tram and follow the lighted trail to Santa's Workshop, where the jolly man himself will be there to greet you. Visitors can also enjoy holiday movies on a big screen, a fire-pit, carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Don't forget to make your reservation online!

Where to Meet Santa Claus

Santa Claus Special

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 24 through December 24, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Call for pricing

All aboard in Jim Thorpe! Santa 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 Friday, November 24 and Sunday, December 24, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $30/adult 13+; $25/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 25 through December 17, 2023
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 26 through December 17, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 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 26 through December 17 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 1, 2023
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.

Breakfast with Santa - A Shawnee Tradition

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Dates: Saturdays, December 2-16, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $20/adult; $12/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.

Breakfast with Santa at Kalahari

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December 2-17, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: $34.99/person

Whether you're staying overnight at Kalahari Resort or are local to the Poconos and looking to make memories during a holiday meal with Santa, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend morning feast with Saint Nick! The little ones will love the hot cocoa station, while the adults can sip on a build-your-own Mimosa or Bloody Mary drink package.

Breakfast with Santa

Silver Birches Resort
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: $24/person; $16 children 12 and under; 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 at Mountain View

Mountain View Vineyard Winery
Dates: Friday, December 22, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: $35/person

Just a few days before Christmas, Kris Kringle will be stopping by Mountain View Vineyard in Stroudsburg during their family breakfast buffet on the heated, covered porch at The Bistro. Soft drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails will be available for purchase.

Musical Performances

A Christmas Story, The Musical

Shawnee Playhouse
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 24 through December 23, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays; 2 p.m.on Sundays
Cost: $16-$56/person

Love this classic Christmas movie? Don't miss the musical adaptation performed at the historic Shawnee Playhouse! Relive your favorite film moments with ensemble numbers and a versatile score.

Twelve Twenty Four TSO Christmas Event

Mauch Chunk Opera House
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 1-3, 2023
Time: Doors: 7 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.
Cost: $39/person

Love the Trans-Siberian Orchestra? Twelve Twenty Four will bring their high energy, full-scale holiday rock orchestra concert back to Jim Thorpe this month! Jam out to your favorite jingle bell hits combined with a narrated storyline, creating a family friendly holiday show suitable for all ages.

Christmas Concert

St. Joseph's Church on North Street
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: $20/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 joyous performance.

Ryan Pelton - An Elvis Christmas Show

Penn's Peak
Date: Wednesday and Thursday, December 6-7, 2023
Time: Doors: 11 a.m.; Such: noon; Showtime: 1 p.m.
Cost: Call for pricing

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

A White Christmas Cabaret

Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
Date: Saturday and Sunday, December 16-17, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. on Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday
Cost: $25/adults; $15/students

Inspired by both the classic movie and the musical, this evening will include performances of some of your favorite tunes from Irving Berlin's White Christmas. From the feather fans of "Sisters" to the charm of "Count Your Blessings," enjoy facts about the show, dancing, costumes, and a magical finale.

Pocono Pops! Home for the Holidays

Sherman Theater
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Time: Doors: 2 p.m.; Showtime: 3 p.m.
Cost: $40/premium general seating; $20/adult general admission; $12/teem general admission; under 12 free

Treat yourself to the orchestral sounds of the season as The Poconos Pops! orchestra performs in Stroudsburg, accompanied by talented vocalist graduates of the Sherman Theater Performing Arts Camp Experience, guests from local community theater companies, and the Pocono Pops! Chorus.

Holiday Dining

Jolly Jive - A Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Jive Bar & Lounge
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, November 24 through December 30, 2023
Time: 5 p.m. to midnight
Cost: Free

Looking for holiday cocktails? Raise a glass to Rudolph as you enjoy a December drink at Milford's Jive Bar & Lounge, which will be wrapped in paper, tinsel, and lights.

Candlelight Christmas Dinner

The Settlers Inn
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 1-3, 2023
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, savor a farm-to-table menu, music, and holiday desserts. Reservations are required.

Holiday Cookie Baking Class

Hawley Silk Mill
Dates: Thursdays, December 7 and 14, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $120/person

Get a jumpstart on your holiday baking with Settlers Hospitality! Take home eight dozen delicious cookies during this class held in the Boiler Room at Hawley Silk Mill. Call the Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery to reserve your spot.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Split Rock

Split Rock Resort
Date: Sunday, December 24, 2023
Time: 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Cost: $48/adults; $18/ages 5-12 plus tax and service

Be sure to come hungry to the dining room at Split Rock Resort for a Christmas Eve dinner buffet to remember! Choose your holiday favorites from the carving station to the side courses to the salad bar, kids station, and dessert table. There will also be a special buffet dinner available at Split Rock on Christmas Day!

Christmas Eve Buffet at The Frogtown Chophouse

The Frogtown Chophouse
Date: Sunday, December 24, 2023
Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $69.96/adults; $29.99/children; plus tax and gratuity

The Frogtown Chophouse will be serving up a delicious line-up on Christmas Eve, including a prime rib carving station, crispy chicken, crab & shrimp bisque, jalapeño whipped sweet potatoes, assorted desserts, and more. Don't forget to call ahead to make your reservation!

For more jolly happenings in the Pocono Mountains, browse our full holiday event calendar. Be sure to refer to each property's website to confirm any registration or reservations 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 and Merry Christmas from the Pocono Mountains!

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