If it’s President’s weekend, it must be Winterfest in Jim Thorpe, recently named by Architectural Digest as one of the “Most Beautiful Small Towns in America.”
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17, the 27th annual celebration will feature winter train rides, wood and ice carving, free family fun, shopping the town’s 50 unique shops, live entertainment at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, two ice bars with drink luge at the Marion Hose Bar and Broadway Pub & Grille, the famous Jim Thorpe Mug Walk and much more!
Strolling throughout town, you will find live musicians including the Faculty Brass Band and local Victorian carolers known as “Black Ties & Pearls.”
At the Josiah White park, you will find live wood carving demonstrations by Masters of the Chainsaw. Carvings will be available for purchase. Also in the park will be an Ice Throne in the gazebo, which is always a favorite photo opportunity. Additional ice sculptures will be carved live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House (14 W Broadway).
Take your official Jim Thorpe Mug Walk mug to participating shops and businesses for them to fill with hot chocolate, soup, goodies, discount coupons and other treats. Mugs that were pre-purchases can be picked up the Mauch Chunk Ballroom, 41 West Broadway. There will be a limited number of mugs still available for purchase each day for $20.
Also at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom will be the Winterfest Kids Club sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network and media sponsor Times News. There will be face painting, crafts, snack shack and even an indoor bounce house! Pennsylvania’s busiest magician, Eddy Ray will perform free live shows each day starting at 2:00pm. There is also a rumor that a famous snow princess and snowman will be roaming around town.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Winterfest weekend train rides offer a special view this time of year. Without foliage on the trees, you can take in the terraced landscape and riverbanks hidden in other seasons.
For more information on Winterfest and all things Jim Thorpe, visit www.jimthorpe.org
Highlighted Events
Train rides
On the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (11:00, 1:00 & 3:00 Saturday & Sunday). The round trip last 70 minutes. Tickets are $14 (adults) and $9 (children) and can be purchased in advance by calling 570-325-8485 or at the ticket booth during Winterfest.
Outdoor Ice Bars
Visit the Broadway Pub & Grille (24 Broadway) and the Marion Hose Bar (16 W Broadway, next to the Opera House) where there will be outdoor bars carved out of ice. It will feature a drink luge, specialty cocktails plus soup and appetizer pairings.
FREE Winterfest Kids Club
Located inside the Mauch Chunk Ballroom (41 W Broadway).
Sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network and media sponsor Times News
There will be face painting, crafts, snack shack and even an indoor bounce house! Pennsylvania’s busiest magician, Eddy Ray will perform free live shows each day starting at 2:00pm. There is also a rumor that a famous snow princess and snowman will be roaming around town.
Mug Walk
Take your official mug to participating businesses and get it filled with goodies (11-5:00 Saturday & Sunday). Click here for more information on the Mug Walk. Special thanks to the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for being the official and exclusive sponsor of the 2019 Mug Walk.
Eddy Ray – FREE Kids Magician Show
Located inside the Mauch Chunk Ballroom (41 W Broadway).
Sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network and media sponsor Times News.
Shows will begin at 2:00 on both Saturday and Sunday.
Faculty Brass
Strolling brass quartet (1:00 – 4:00 Saturday & Sunday)
Black Ties & Pearls
Strolling Victorian carolers (12:30 – 2:30 Saturday; 1:30 – 3:30 Sunday)
Ice Sculptures
See “Sculpted Ice Works” use their many tools to carve works of art at the Mauch Chunk Opera House (14 W Broadway). 11:00am-3:00pm on Saturday only. There will be an “Ice Throne” inside the gazebo at Josiah White Park (1 Susquehanna Street/Train Station), which always presents a fantastic photo opportunity!
Horse & Carriage Rides
Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through town, brought to you by Crystal View Carriages. Rides will be offered from noon until 5:00 on Saturday & Sunday. Cost is $30/carriage and it leaves from/returns to Josiah White Park (Train Station)
Free Range Folk Concert & Tasting Event
Saturday, February 16 | 6:30pm-10:30pm
Come out to support Historic Saint Marks & Saint Johns Church (21 Race Street). This Winterfest Fundraiser will feature music by Free Range Folk. Wine, Beer and Cheese Tasting. Tickets are Limited
$20.00 in advance; $25.00 @ door; $10.00 Designated Drivers *Must Be 21*
Advance tickets are available at the church office (9:30-12:30 M-F) 570-325-2241
Wood Carving Demonstrations
Demonstrations by Masters of the Chainsaw at Josiah White Park (1 Susquehanna Street/Train Station). Carvings will be available for purchase.
Shop in 50+ unique stores, galleries and tasting rooms. Over a dozen great restaurants and eateries
LOT PARKING – $6.00/car
METER/KIOSK PARKING – $1.00/hr
Parking will be available at the County Parking Lot, which is located behind the Train Station at 1 Susquehanna Street. Cost to park is $6.00/car in this lot. There is also LIMITED meter and kiosk parking throughout town ($1/hr with a 2 hour limit). Please plan accordingly.
Add Comment