If you’re spending the holidays with us in the Poconos, you can rest easy. Though the ground will likely be packed with snow and the temperature firmly in “sweater weather” territory, there’s still plenty to do in the Pocono Mountains. From holiday buffets and visits with Santa to concerts and a hayride tour, the area comes alive with holiday magic around Christmastime.
Skytop Lodge guests enjoy a full week of themed holiday events for the whole family with activities like holiday arts & crafts, cookies and a campfire marshmallow roast. While the kids are snuggling in their comfy lodge beds with sugarplum fairies dancing in their heads, it’s time to start planning your holiday vacation week.
Here are just a few of the activities and Christmas events you can experience at Skytop Lodge and in the Poconos during Christmas week.
Skiing
The slopes at Skytop Lodge feature beautiful panoramic views of the Pocono Mountains and wide trails cut through serene Pennsylvania forest. Rent what you need when you get here and enroll in one of Skytop Lodge’s Ski School lessons if you want to hone your skiing skills. Located on West Mountain, our slopes offer the perfect setting for new skiers and snowboarders without the crowds. We give personalized attention to each student and keep our lessons to small groups, which is an ideal way to learn the techniques you need to ride any mountain.
Snow Activities
Snow tubing and snowshoeing are activities that you can enjoy right at Skytop Lodge. Bundle up the kiddos for a fun day in the snow. Recreate magical memories of being a kid on a sled on our snow tubing hill. Tickets are $15 per person per one hour session and kids must be four years old to ride. Get your heart pumping with a snowshoe excursion on our lake trail or trout stream. Snowshoeing will give you a glimpse of winter that you haven’t seen before and is complimentary for resort guests.
Ice Skating
Each season, the indoor Pavilion at Skytop Lake is transformed into a skating rink. What’s a holiday season without some ice skating and hot cocoa? Grab your skates and your skating partner and head to the rink! Skate rentals are $10 per person per session.
Breakfast with Santa
Considering the size of Santa’s belly, he’s probably the man to consult for restaurant recommendations. Start the morning right with a hearty meal presided over by the big guy in red. Skytop’s Breakfast with Santa, which includes buffet and omelet station, holiday music and a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. Tickets are $30 for resort guests ($35 for non-guests) and $15 for kids ages 5-12 (4 and under free). Call 855-384-0929 for reservations.
Christmas Day
Most businesses are buttoned up on Christmas Day, but Skytop Lodge is open and brimming with holiday cheer. Kids can catch a last glimpse of Santa in his prime in the Windsor Dining Room, while mom and dad can relax in our football lounge. Christmas day activities include culinary demos, history tours, cash bingo and holiday arts & crafts activities. Skytop also offers a Christmas buffet in the Windsor Dining Room from noon-4 p.m., with a full carving station, desserts and all the holiday trimmings. Cost is $55 for adults and $27.50 for children 5-12 years old. Make sure to call for reservations (required).
Fresh Mountain Air
Need to get out and see the beautiful countryside? Take a scenic drive up through the Poconos Mountains. If weather permits, Delaware Water Gap views are a must see. Stay warm in your car or get out at one of the overlook points along PA 611. Don’t want to leave the resort? We don’t blame you! A crisp afternoon walk around the lake or along one of our hiking trails is a great addition to your holiday stay.
The magic of the holiday season continues at Skytop Lodge with daily hayrides and games for the whole family. At night, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland aglow with holiday lights. There’s a nightly marshmallow roast and campfire, plus daily tea and cookies.
Whether you’re in town visiting relatives for the holidays or enjoying some quality vacation time, your December trip to the Poconos is destined to be a magical one. Call Skytop Lodge at 855-345-7759 with questions about our seasonal offerings, or book your winter trip with us online (if you haven’t already).