By Emily Whalen • Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Get ready for the holidays and Christmas in the Pocono Mountains! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Poconos region of Pennsylvania is the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends. Our calendar is full of Pocono Mountains Christmas events, festivities and seasonal cheer you won’t want to miss.
Pocono resorts, restaurants, and downtowns are decking the halls for the month of December. Whether you want to take a photo with Santa, watch a magical tree lighting, shop for presents at a local market, climb aboard a winter train ride or tram ride, or feast on delicious treats, you can choose your dream Christmas Village Poconos experience with family-friendly festivals throughout the area! Read on for a complete list of holiday happenings and start a new yuletide tradition during Pocono Mountains Christmas vacations.
TRADITIONAL FAVORITES
Choose and Cut Christmas Trees
Yenser’s Tree Farm Through December 15, 2024
Get bundled up and take your family to Yenser’s Tree Farm to find the perfect fir or spruce to deck for the holidays. Shop for wreaths and greenery and warm up with complimentary cocoa and cookies on the weekends.
Christmas Wonderland at Walker’s Tree Farm
Walker’s Tree Farm Through December 17, 2024
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 horse-drawn wagon rides with the family.
Creches From Around the World – Shawnee Traditions
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Through January 2, 2025
It’s the reason for the season: take a look at over 100 nativity scenes from all over the world displayed in the Pearsall Room at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. No admission fee, but donations may be made.
Apple Valley Village’s Christmas Celebration
Apple Valley Restaurant
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Stroll through the charming buildings in the village at Apple Valley Restaurant in Milford to get in the festive spirit. The little ones can do crafts and write letters to Santa while you get all your holiday shopping done – you can even stop by the gift wrapping station to put the bow on top of those perfect presents!
Gingerbread House Decorating Class for Kids
Pocono Organics
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Introduce your kids to the timeless tradition of delicious Christmas architecture. The team at Pocono Organics will give tips to craft and decorate the perfect gingerbread house.
34th Quiet Valley Old Time Christmas
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-8 and 14-15, 2024
You don’t need the ghost of Christmas Past to take you back in time: enjoy the lantern lit traditions of bygone yuletide days at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.
11th Annual Ugly Sweater Party
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Unwind this holiday season at ShawneeCraft Brewing Company. Take a Christmas trip along the Pocono Beverage Trail to 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
East Stroudsburg Downtown Tree Lighting
Crystal Street at the Depot
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Make your way to Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg to see the big tree light up in the night. You’ll find Santa, Buddy the Elf, crafts for kids, food vendors, carolers, and more.
Milford’s Annual Tree Lighting
Milford Community House
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Bring cookies to swap and get ready to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus as the town of Milford twinkles during its annual tree lighting at the Milford Community House.
Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas
Downtown Jim Thorpe
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22, 2024
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
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 13-15, 2024
The whole town of Hawley will be turning out to celebrate the season, with horse and carriage rides, a live nativity play, a beer tour, holiday deals in the shops, Trees for a Cause and contests for best holiday decorating and ugliest sweater.
POCONO LIGHTS DISPLAYS
Poconos Lights
Poconos Park
Date: Thursdays through Sundays, Through December 22, 2024; Daily December 25-31, 2024
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
Date: Through December 24, 2024
There will be no shortage of twinkle lights at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort 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
Date: Friday, Through December 24, 2024
All aboard in Jim Thorpe! Santa Claus will be riding with train passengers on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway along the winding Lehigh River, the perfect opportunity for a holiday photo.
Honesdale Santa Christmas Tree Express
The Stourbridge Line
Date: Through December 22, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to meet Santa and buy your Christmas tree all during a festive train ride with the The Stourbridge Line. 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
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, Through December 22, 2024
Need a Santa photo for your Christmas card? The man himself will be at Country Junction – World’s Largest General Store every weekend this festive season. Stop by to share your wish list and do some shopping!
Breakfast with Santa
Skytop Lodge Ballroom
Date: Sundays, December 1-22, 2024
The big guy will be making a stop at Skytop Lodge the first four Sundays in December to check his naughty and nice list and hear your holiday wishes as you enjoy a delicious breakfast. Don’t miss the chance to see the spectacular decorations at Skytop!
Santa Meet and Greets in Wonderland
Wonderland Madhouse
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 8-29, 2024
The Queen of Hearts has been causing holiday trouble at Wonderland Madhouse at the Pocono Premium Outlets! In this festive escape room experience, Santa needs your help on a special scavenger hunt.
Breakfast with Santa at Kalahari
Kalahari Convention Center
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 15, 21-22, 2024
Whether you’re staying overnight at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions 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!
Sunday Brunch with Santa at The Brewery
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024
While adults enjoy award-winning, signature craft brews at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, the kids will be excited to share their list with Santa just a few days he comes down the chimney.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
It’s A Wonderful Life – The Musical
Shawnee Playhouse
Date: Dates vary through December 22, 2024
Love this classic Christmas movie? Don’t miss the musical adaptation performed at the historic Shawnee Playhouse! Relive your favorite film moments with great staging and a cinematic score.
Ryan Pelton – An Elvis Christmas
Penn’s Peak
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
There’s nothing like a “Blue Christmas” with the King. Award-winning, Elvis tribute artist Ryan Pelton will present an entertaining mix of holiday music and classics at Penn’s Peak.
Twelve Twenty Four TSO Christmas Event
Mauch Chunk Opera House
Date: Friday and Saturday, December 6-7, 2024
If the sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are always on your Christmas playlist, be sure to get tickets for this narrated holiday rock performance with TSO music as well as selections from “Miracle on Rock Street” at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.
HOLIDAY DINING
Holiday Dinner at Mountain Springs
The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake
Date: Wednesday and Thursday, December 11-12, 2024
Take advantage of a rare opportunity to dine at The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake! Sip premium cocktails and sample the exquisite cuisine during this special December meal. Call to make reservations as space is limited.
Christmas Tea
The Settlers Inn
Date: Thursdays, December 12 and 19, 2024
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful decorations at The Settlers Inn! Savor a yuletide afternoon tea complete with freshly-brewed tea, finger sandwiches, and desserts.
Christmas Murder Mystery
Mountain View Vineyard
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Sip on delicious drinks from Mountain View Vineyard Winery, Brewery, and Distillery as you prepare to take part in a holiday experience to remember. Attendees will be part of the interactive show as a holiday whodunit unfolds!
Christmas Buffet at The Frogtown Chophouse
The Frogtown Chophouse
Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
The Frogtown Chophouse will be serving up a memorable dining line-up on Christmas Eve, including prime rib, crab-stuffed shrimp, decadent desserts, and more. Don’t forget to call ahead to make your reservation!
Christmas Dinners at Hemispheres
Hemispheres
Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24-25, 2024
Let the chefs at Hemispheres at Camelback Lodge do the cooking! Enjoy a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day feast with a pasta bar, hibachi, wing station, a kids station, and even a chocolate fountain.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL POCONOS MOUNTAINS
For more jolly happenings in the Poconos, browse our full holiday event calendar at https://www.poconomountains.com/events/holiday/ 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 in Pocono Mountains in 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. For more event details visit https://www.poconomountains.com/events/holiday/new-years/
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Pocono Mountains!
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