The Pocono Mountains have been a top ski destination for decades, but there's so much more to winter in the Poconos than just action on the slopes. Come experience all the region has to offer this snowy season! Take in the crisp, cold air with a variety of exciting outdoor winter activities, stay warm while enjoying the indoor family attractions in the area, or heat things up with great nightlife, concerts, and festivals. There are so many things to do during a winter day trip, you may want to find a place to stay and give yourself a longer getaway. Check out nine winter experiences to discover in the Pocono Mountains this year.

  1. Winter Festivals
  2. Concerts & Entertainment
  3. Hiking
  4. Cross-Country Skiing
  5. Eagle Watching
  6. Horseback Riding
  7. Escape Rooms
  8. Pocono Beverage Trail
  9. Shopping

Winter Festivals

1. What Winter Festivals Are Happening in the Poconos?

Start your new year off with fantastic Pocono Mountains winter festivals! Food and drink connoisseurs won't want to miss the Pocono Winter BeerFest 2026 on January 24 the Pocono Wine and Food Fest 2026 on February 7 at the Sherman Theater, which will also welcome board game and video game lovers for Sherma Con 2026 on January 31. Strap on your skates for Wally Ice Fest or cozy up by the fireplace with a drink at Skytop Lodge during their Winter Beer Festival in February or their Food and Wine Festival in March. Don't forget about small town celebrations on Presidents' Day Weekend like the Annual Jim Thorpe WinterFest or WinterFest in Downtown Stroudsburg.

Pocono Wine and Food Fest

Pocono Wine and Food Fest

  • 02/07/2026

This event has been rescheduled from January 25. The Pocono Winter Wine and Food Festival is back at…

Annual Jim Thorpe WinterFest

Annual Jim Thorpe WinterFest

  • 02/14/2026 - 02/15/2026

Don't miss this milestone annual event, February 14-15, 2026 in beautiful downtown Jim Thorpe…

Meet the Makers

Meet the Makers

  • 02/14/2026 - 02/15/2026

Meet the Makers is a celebration of craft and creativity, inviting guests to discover the stories…

Winter Beer Festival

Winter Beer Festival

  • 02/28/2026

This event is rescheduled from February 8 to February 28. Bundle up and raise a glass to the coolest…

Concerts & Entertainment

2. What Live Shows Can I See in the Poconos?

There's no shortage of good times and fun events in the Pocono Mountains with a fantastic lineup of live performances and great entertainment offered throughout the year. Whether you want a taste of casino nightlife or you'd prefer to relax to good music and drinks during a local happy hour, you'll find your niche any night of the week.

Experience some of the best shows from your favorite bands at Sherman Theater, Mauch Chunk Opera House, Milford Theater & Performing Arts Center, and Penn's Peak. Catch weekend Rhythm and Brews at ShawneeCraft Brewing Company or attend a comedy night at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company.

Music Under the Pavilion

Music Under the Pavilion

  • 02/07/2026 - 03/21/2026

Beat the winter blues and get cozy at Three Hammers Winery! Their pavilion is enclosed with propane…

Rhythm and Brews Live Music

Rhythm and Brews Live Music

  • 02/07/2026 - 12/27/2026

Rhythm and Brews offers free, family-friendly live music at ShawneeCraft Brewing Company every…

Xanadu Jr.

Xanadu Jr.

  • 02/07/2026

Presented by Stage Craft Performing Arts, Xanadu Jr. is a high-energy musical that follows the…

Community Concert Series

Community Concert Series

  • 02/10/2026 - 12/21/2027

Join The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort for their Community Concert Series. Concerts feature different…

Open Mic

Open Mic

  • 02/12/2026 - 12/17/2026

Join ShawneeCraft in the Tap Room or Beer Garden (weather permitting) for open mic! This…

Fireside Live

Fireside Live

  • 02/13/2026 - 03/20/2026

Guests are invited to the pub every Friday to enjoy live music by the fire, sip their favorite…

Roots Revival Roadshow

Roots Revival Roadshow

  • 02/13/2026

Roots Revival Roadshow is a dynamic traveling collective of musicians dedicated to celebrating the…

The ELO Tribute Show

The ELO Tribute Show

  • 02/13/2026

Experience the magic of The ELO Tribute Show, a dynamic multimedia celebration of Jeff Lynne and…

Hiking

3. Where Can I Winter Hike in the Poconos?

With over 126 trails all over the region, the Poconos is home to winter hikes ranging from easy to extreme. With or without snow, the bare winter landscape has a unique beauty of its own. Get out of the house and bundle up for a rejuvenating walk.

Trails are open daily and educational events are offered year-round at the Pocono Environmental Education Center. Encompassing 70,000 acres, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has lots of paths to explore, including a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail crossing Mount Minsi. While Bushkill Falls is closed from December through March, you can catch an icy winter waterfall along hiking trails at Raymondskill Falls and George W. Childs Recreation Site.

Browning Beaver Meadow

Browning Beaver Meadow

Browning Beaver Meadow is the best-kept secret only 25 minutes north of Honesdale, PA. This…

Bushkill Falls - Hiking

Bushkill Falls - Hiking

Discover your next adventure! As you hike the trails or walk the grounds of Bushkill Falls, you'll…

Cliff Trail

Cliff Trail

The Cliff Trail offers some of the most spectacular overlook views in the recreation area. See the…

Cresco Heights - Hiking

Cresco Heights - Hiking

Take a hike toward a new point of view! The trail is out and back, about three miles. It is…

D&L Trail - Hiking

D&L Trail - Hiking

Stop and stroll along the scenic D&L Trail as it traverses through the Delaware & Lehigh…

Ice Lake - Hiking

Ice Lake - Hiking

Ice Lake is a little jewel of a preserve in Barrett Township. The trail is centered around Ice Lake…

Gorge Trail - Hiking

Gorge Trail - Hiking

Gorge Trail is a 1.6 mile rough terrain trail connecting the Wallenpaupack Creek Trail with the…

Cross-Country Skiing

4. How Do I Cross Country Ski?

We said off the slopes, and we meant it! Experience a classic variation of the popular downhill winter sport with cross-country skiing. Propel yourself along using a straight stride and ski poles or try the skate skiing technique to move across the flat fields.

Snow conditions permitting, bring your skis and glide over the snow-covered landscape on trails in Pocono Mountains parks like Lehigh Gorge State Park and Hickory Run State Park.

Eagle Watching

5. Can You Go Eagle Watching in the Pocono Mountains?

Another popular wintertime activity in the Poconos is eagle watching. Bald eagles migrate to the region during the winter months to enjoy the eco-friendly habitat of our pristine lakes and rivers.

The Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers offer abundant clean water and undisturbed land, making them popular spots for eagles to nest and roost. Join an eagle-watching bus tour with Delaware Highlands Conservancy, running Saturdays through February 14, or sign up for a bus trip with Kettle Creek Environmental Environmental Center on February 6, 2026. You only have a few months to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures: bald eagle watching takes flight now through March.

Eagle Watching in the Pocono Mountains

Eagle Watching

Bald eagle watching is a very popular winter activity in the Pocono Mountains.

Horseback Riding

6. Where Can I Go Horseback Riding in Winter?

Saddle up for a memorable winter horseback ride throughout the scenic Poconos Mountains. If you've never been on a mount before, no worries! Local stables welcome beginners, offering guided rides through beautiful fields and forests. Enjoy a peaceful canter through the wintry landscape at Bushkill Riding Stables, Daisy Field Farm, Jim Thorpe Horse Adventures, or Mountain Creek Riding Stable.

Bushkill Riding Stables

Bushkill Riding Stables

Bushkill Riding Stables offers winter trail rides. Set off into the snow-covered woods around…

Daisy Field Farm

Daisy Field Farm

Enjoy a snow-covered trail ride at Daisy Field Farm. Families, small groups and beginners can take…

Escape Rooms

7. Does the Poconos Have Escape Rooms?

Spend a day indoors and put your critical thinking skills to the test in an escape room. Follow a series of themed clues to try and solve a puzzling mystery in just 60 minutes.

Grab your gang to unravel the clues at Klues Escape Room. Choose one of four escape rooms, each offering a unique, themed, interactive challenge! Follow the white rabbit and work together as a team at Wonderland Madhouse to take on the Queen's Gauntlet.

Klues Escape Room

Klues Escape Room

Klues Escape Room is a truly unique experience for family, friends, or co-workers! Work together to…

Tornado Alley

Tornado Alley

Head to Tornado Alley at Country Junction in Lehighton PA and experience the F5 Tornado Escape. Take…

Trap Door Escape Room

Trap Door Escape Room

Welcome to the most wonderful place on earth. Wonderland Madhouse is a family entertainment center…

Wonderland Madhouse

Wonderland Madhouse

The Madhouse is a twisted playground where Wonderland’s rabbit holes collide with the fog-drenched…

Wonderland on Broadway

Wonderland on Broadway

Welcome to an immersive Alice in Wonderland experience located in historic Jim Thorpe, PA…

Pocono Beverage Trail

8. What Is the Pocono Beverage Trail?

Quench your thirst this winter at area wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Whatever your libation preference, the Poconos has vintages, brews, and spirits to satisfy along the Pocono Beverage Trail. With the free Pocono Beverage Trail Digital Passport, you can check in at locations to earn points and access discounts!

Sample sangrias and wine slushies at the Radical Wine Company or find the perfect charcuterie and vintage pairing at Milford Wine & Cheese. Microbreweries are located across the region, each featuring delicious flavors. Discover 16 craft beers on tap at Bovino's Brewery or take in the ambiance at the Runaway Train Brewery. If spirits are more your vibe, grab a signature cocktail at Mountain View Distillery or Nomad Distilling Co. As always, drink responsibly.

Group of friends making a toast at a Pocono distillery

Pocono Beverage Trail

The Pocono Beverage Trail is a craft beverage lover's dream. It's a beer trail, a wine…

Shopping

9. Where to Go Shopping in the Poconos?

Take a stroll down Main Street in our area's historic small towns to find one-of-a-kind shopping! Discover hand-made treasures are local craft shops or hunt for bargains at an outlet store. Here in Pennsylvania, there is no sales tax on clothing, so you can shop until you drop! Choose a new outfit at The Apple Tree in Stroudsburg or Wallflower in Honesdale, browse collectibles at Country Kettle, or stroll through the eclectic boutiques at the Hawley Silk Mill.

The Apple Tree

The Apple Tree

A Pocono Destination Boutique specializing in personal service and styling. The Apple Tree team of…

Wallflower

Wallflower

Wallflower is a destination shopping experience with 4000 square feet of unique merchandise…

Country Kettle

Country Kettle

Established in 1986 our unique retail store features candy, candles, collectibles and crafts…

Hawley Silk Mill

Hawley Silk Mill

Explore the shops at the Hawley Silk Mill. The ground floor of the landmark Hawley Silk Mill houses…

Plan Your Poconos Winter Escape

Hop in the car and get ready for an amazing day trip to the Poconos this season or add more fun to your itinerary and plan a longer winter escape! Find winter places to stay and save on accommodations with special offers. Discover exciting events happening during your stay as well.

Check out all the snow activities and adventures waiting for you in the Pocono Mountains, and keep an eye on area snow conditions with our live cameras for immediate weather updates. See you in the Poconos!

Winter Magic in the Poconos

Tag #PoconoMtns or @PoconoTourism on Instagram to have your adventures featured on our page.

Top