The Pocono Mountains are breathtaking in winter, when steady snowfalls create a thick blanket of glistening white on the mountain peaks. The pine forests are quiet and the streets in every small mountainside town decked in holiday finery. It’s a perfect time of year for a visit to Skytop Lodge.
Whether you stay on-property or head out into the Pennsylvania countryside to make the most of your time in the Poconos, you’ll find winter days packed with family-friendly activities and holiday fun – especially when Friday comes around. Here are a just a few of our favorite weekend activities of the season.
Ice Skating at Skytop: A classic holiday tradition, ice skating brings the whole family together. Santa joins our guests at our ice rink inside the Pavilion starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Whether you’re a natural on skates or a first-timer, his jolly presence will help you have fun on the ice. Afterwards, enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating and afternoon cookies with apple cider or hot cocoa. If you’re on a romantic vacay, or you need a little “me” time away from the kids, head to the Pavilion after dark for candlelight skating sessions that’ll inspire you to cuddle close in the cool darkness of a winter night. Additional sessions take place throughout the day on Saturday; click here for full December 2017 weekend schedule.
Olde Time Christmas in Jim Thorpe
Visitors craving an old-fashioned holiday will love the quaint Victorian setting of Jim Thorpe. Located about an hour’s drive from Skytop Lodge, the town is filled with carolers and strolling Dickens characters on weekends through December 17. Stop by for a train ride with Santa, or watch the tree being lit in Josiah White park. Each weekend welcomes new entertainers, though the 40+ boutiques, shops and restaurants are open throughout the month. Adults 21 and over can also purchase tickets to a Cookies & Cocktails reception on Saturday, December 16, with samples from local vendors including Big Creek Vineyard and Broadway Grille.
Santa’s Winterfest
Old St. Nick really gets around in the Poconos! Drive the family sleigh down to Country Junction General Store in Lehighton, PA, for a day with Mrs. Claus and the elves in Santa’s Workshop. Little ones can decorate cookies, write a letter to Santa, or dance with the characters from Disney’s Frozen on weekends through December 23. There’s also a breakfast buffet available if you’re up early enough to get there by 9 a.m. If not, don’t cry over spilled milk and cookies… Skytop offers breakfast with Santa on Sunday mornings through Christmas Eve. Purchase tickets here or call 855-384-0929 for additional details.
If you’re staying at Skytop Lodge this season, you’re in for a treat. The 5,500-acre resort comes alive for the holidays, with bright red bows and garlands decorating the property. Sleigh bells ring and Santa pays little boys and girls a visit before returning to the North Pole to finish checking his list. During Christmas week, guests can take a hayride tour, challenge each other on the hockey rink or play ping-pong and reverse charades inside the lodge. View our Christmas Week events here and book your winter stay online or call us at 855-345-7759 today.