Why you Should Spend your Holidays in the Poconos

Updated 2025. The holidays feel a little more magical in the Poconos. Snow-dusted trees, glowing towns, and peaceful mountain views set the scene for slowing down and reconnecting.

Every celebration feels special here. Thanksgiving means cozy family tables without the kitchen rush. December sparkles with Christmas lights, music, and snowy adventures. New Year’s brings the perfect mix of fun and calm, a fresh start surrounded by mountain beauty.

This guide shares what makes the Poconos the perfect spot for a holiday getaway. Let’s dive into festive meals, outdoor adventures, and quiet moments that make the season unforgettable.

If spending Thanksgiving in the kitchen sounds exhausting, we have the perfect solution. Trade chopping and cleanup for crisp mornings, colorful trails, and slow, easy hours with family. Thanksgiving in the Poconos is calmer, cozier, and focused on what matters most.

The best part? Dinner is handled. Local favorites serve curated holiday menus so that you can enjoy a memorable, stress-free feast together:

• Stroudsmoor’s Thanksgiving – A beloved tradition with a holiday spread guests look forward to every year.

• The Settlers Inn – A farm-to-table feast served in a warm, rustic setting.

• Skytop Lodge – A grand holiday celebration in an iconic mountain setting.

• Waterfront Buffet – A Thanksgiving option with something for everyone to enjoy.

• Fuss-Free Thanksgiving — A traditional Thanksgiving meal, ready to heat and enjoy!

Spending Thanksgiving in the Poconos is more than a delicious meal. It’s a holiday getaway where you can relax, reconnect, and let the mountains do the hosting.

Dreaming of a Christmas in the Poconos with fresh snow and twinkling lights? We don’t blame you. Small towns glow, trails grow quiet, and every moment feels special. Bring family, plan romance, or gather friends — there’s space for every celebration.

Fill days with winter fun. Ice skate on Sand Spring Lake. Snowshoe forest paths after a fresh dusting. Take a sleigh ride when the flakes start falling. Grab tubes for easy laughs. Feeling adventurous? Book a dog sled tour across the scenic Delaware River.

Don’t miss Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas. The town goes full Victorian for three festive weeks. Expect tree lightings, pop-up holiday shops, live music, and plenty of cheer. It’s the season’s signature celebration and absolutely worth the trip.

Evenings settle into calm. Share dinner, warm drinks, and a seat by the fire. Keep plans light, leave room to rest, and enjoy being together. And who knows, you might just find a new Christmas tradition.

New Year’s here feels fresh, festive, and easy. Cold air wakes you up in the best way. Choose a lively countdown or a quiet night by the fire. Either way, the mountains set the tone.

Blue Mountain Resort at Last Run Lounge celebrates big with music, slope-side excitement, and a countdown. Looking for family fun? Blue Mountain hosts Tube in the New Year for families of all ages. Enjoy snow tubing until midnight, party favors, a buffet, giveaways, and a cash bar for adults.

Quiet plans shine, too. Toast by the fire with bubbles or cider. Step outside for a midnight wish under clear, cold skies. Wake early for a hike and fresh winter air. Ease into brunch, or save the morning for a spa session. It’s the perfect way to start the year grounded and calm.

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your trip to the Poconos smooth and memorable. These simple tips will help you make the most of your holiday getaway.

• Book early. Holiday dates fill fast, so reserve your stay, dining, and activities ahead of time.

• Pack smart. Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats for comfort indoors and out.

• Keep plans flexible. Choose one main activity each day and leave room for unplanned adventures.

• Try something new. Go for a sleigh ride, enjoy a spa day, or take a scenic winter hike.

• Visit midweek. You’ll find lighter crowds, quieter trails, and more availability everywhere.

• Upgrade your stay. Enhance your getaway with a package to make your stay extra special. Whether it’s a gourmet spread, romantic touches, or a little extra pampering to make your getaway unforgettable.

• Capture the moment. Take photos or plan for family pictures against a snowy mountain backdrop.

There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than the Poconos. Each celebration is special, blending festive meals, snowy adventures, and mountain charm. Here, it’s easy to slow down and enjoy time with the people who matter most.

Savor good food, embrace the snow, and create memories that last beyond the season. Plan your holiday getaway to the Poconos and enjoy a season filled with connection and new traditions!

Photo Credit: © Syda Productions via canva.com, © Dasha Petrenko from dashapetrenkophotos via canva.com, © gilaxia from Getty Images Signature via canva.com