Last updated: 12/16/20 -- Before traveling, call your destination for safety protocols and event updates. 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. Both in-person and virtual events are taking place throughout the Poconos this holiday season.
Whether you want to meet Santa and his shop or witness tree lighting and decorations, 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.
Before traveling, call your destination for safety protocols and event updates.
Experience the Magic of the Holidays in Jim Thorpe
Downtown Jim Thorpe
Date: Daily through December 24, 2020
Time: Varies
Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season while strolling Downtown Jim Thorpe! Shop the local businesses with over 40 galleries and boutiques, eat at unique restaurants and coffeeshops and find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.
Santa's Winter Village
Country Junction - World's Largest General Store
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, November 14 - December 20, 2020
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Call for pricing
Make spirits bright with a visit to Santa's workshop! Enjoy writing a letter to Santa, browsing his shop, eating seasonal treats, and much more. Even get Santa Pictures during your day!
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Stroudsburg - Virtual
Date: Friday, November 27, 2020
Time: 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get into the Christmas spirit in with the annual tree lighting in Downtown Stroudsburg! A virtual event this year, tune in to watch the ceremony from the comfort of your own home.
Winter Wonderland
Downtown Honesdale - Virtual
Date: Friday, November 27, 2020
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Online this year, watch a virtual tree lighting to experience seasonal fun from home. Witness Santa count down to lighting the tree and star on Honesdale's Irving Cliff!
Santa Christmas Tree Express
The Stourbridge Line
Date: Varies through December 20, 2020
Time: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Cost: $20/adult 13+; $10/children 12 and under; free for children 3 and under (lap seat)
Don't miss your chance to meet Santa and buy your Christmas tree all from a train ride. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies among the panoramic scenery as you ride the rails in heated train cars.
Candlelight Christmas Dinner
The Settlers Inn
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 4 - 6, 2020
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 holiday music will entertain on Sunday. Reservations are required.
30th Annual Old Time Christmas
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 5 – 13, 2020
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. Tours run every 15 minutes, and take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Please call for group rates and reservations.
Holiday Bows and Boughs
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2020
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.
A Swinging Christmas
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Date: Varies through December 19, 2020
Time: Friday: noon; Saturday: 5pm
Cost: $49.95/person includes a four course meal, tax, gratuity and show tickets
Hosted by Shawnee Playhouse, this Christmas musical is one everyone will enjoy. Listen to festive favorites at a social distance in Shawnee Inn's Worthington Ballroom.
Hawley Holiday Market
The Settlers Inn
Date: Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13, 2020
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Stop by Grant's Woods to shop for the season. Find unique vendors and artisanal crafts. You can also stop by The Potting Shed to find your holiday favorites.
Shawnee Traditions - Breakfast with Santa
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2020
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $17/adult; $12/children 3-11; 2 and under free. Tax and gratuity not included.
Come have breakfast with Santa Claus! He'll be listening to wish lists, taking photos, telling stories, and feasting on a fantastic holiday breakfast. While at The Shawnee Inn, check out their other events occurring this holiday season.
Winter Wonderland Brunch
The Settlers Inn
Date: Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13, 2020
Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $39/person
Dine at The Settlers Inn with a tasty meal. Brunch features a delicious seasonal menu with live holiday music entertainment. Call for reservations.
Shawnee Traditions - Ugly Sweater Party
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2020
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Unwind this holiday season with an ugly sweater party. Enjoy food, drink and live music. Dress to impress because a prize will be awarded for the ugliest sweater.
For more jolly happenings in the Pocono Mountains, browse our holiday event calendar. We recommend that you call ahead to your destination before traveling to ensure nothing has changed.
Find special offers at our places to stay, so you can experience optimum 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! 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 a simple night in, the Pocono Mountains is the place to be on December 31.
Happy Holidays from the Pocono Mountains!
