By: Rachel Camaerei
Coming to the Pocono Mountains next month, and don’t know what to do? Don’t fret; we’ve got the activities to enjoy no matter the season!
December means winter, and with that comes holiday festivities, family activities and snow. With boundless things to do in the Poconos, you’ll have to decide what to try first! Read on for 10 activities you can experience in the Pocono Mountains.
- For Leisure Seekers
- For Snow Lovers
For Leisure Seekers
- Holiday Events
Celebrate the season with family and friends in the Pocono Mountains. Holiday events kick off November 21, and continue throughout December. Whether you want to explore decorated towns or meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Tune in to the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Stroudsburg. A virtual event this year, get into the holiday spirit from the comfort of your own home on November 27. Santa’s Winter Village is another holiday event where kids of all ages can get pictures with Santa, write him a letter and enjoy seasonal food and music from November 22–December 20, 2020.
- Breweries
If you haven’t tried Pocono craft beer, you might want to make time this December. Microbreweries are popping up across the region, each bringing a distinct flavor to the area. Seasonal stouts and crisp pilsners await!
Jam Room Brewing Company uses local ingredients to help create their beer. Wallenpaupack Brewing Company uses locally sourced foods to prepare in-house food dishes. Both breweries offer growlers, so you can take your favorite beers home! Interested in vino, too? Visit our wineries for a taste of Pennsylvania fine wines.
- Escape Rooms
Think you’ve got what it takes to solve the mystery? Grab the gang, and head to an escape room this December! Follow a series of themed clues to try and get out in just 60 minutes. Trust us, you’ll want to experience this if you haven’t already.
Put your teamwork and communications skills to the test at Escape It or Trap Door Escape Room in your race against time in one of five rooms. Work together to unravel the puzzle in one of four rooms at Klues Escape Room or try to navigate through a series of three rooms at The Wrath of Anubis.
- Shooting Range
Step out of your comfort zone, and try something different this season. Stop by a shooting range to learn firearms education, safety and training. While shooting at the gun range, friendly instructors assist in teaching best practices.
During the winter, Sunset Hill Shooting Range is open Fridays through Mondays. Families with children at least 13 years of age and beginners are always welcome to come learn.
- Restaurants
Whether you’re interested in family-friendly dining or a brew pub stop, the Poconos’ has the restaurants for you. The region is also home to many farm to table restaurants that locally source and produce ingredients to help create delicious dishes.
Bailey’s Rib and Steakhouse and Gresham’s Chophouse offer atmosphere and menu options for all. Slopeside Pub & Grill and Roadies Restaurant and Bar provide appetizing meals with breathtaking scenic overlooks.
- Spa
What better way to warm up this winter than at the spa? Treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation this season in the Pocono Mountains. Appreciate pampering in a wide range of therapies from facials and salon services to hot stone massages and body wraps.
Turn your attention inward at Spa Kalahari and Salon as you rejuvenate your body and soul surrounded by tranquil sounds and aromatic scents. With a variety of spa treatments, you can choose from several services for ultimate pampering at The Lodge at Woodloch.
- Shopping
‘Tis the season to go shopping! Explore what craft and specialty shops have to offer or find a bargain at an outlet store. And here in Pennsylvania, there is no sales tax on clothing. So, go ahead, and splurge a little. You’re on vacation, after all!
The Crossings Premium Outlets features 100 designer and name brand stores with daily savings. Penny Lane Candies and Candles sells not only what their name suggests, but unique gifts and country décor too.
- Casino
Encounter the magnificent, 65,144-square-foot gaming floor of Mount Airy Casino Resort. The casino offers over 1,800 slots featuring favorites like Wheel of Fortune and Blazin 7’s. If you prefer live action, try your luck at 80 game tables including Blackjack, Craps and more. Always remember to gamble responsibly.
Working up an appetite? Casino dining provides a plethora of tasty options from Italian fine dining to Pan-Asian cuisine.
For Snow Lovers
- Snow Tubing
Cue the snow, it’s time for some tubing! Snow tubing is the easiest way to conquer the slopes. Suitable for just about everyone, and the only skill required is having a good time. All six of our ski mountains offer snow tubing on premises.
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain–Snow Tubing offers 500 feet of tube-thrills with a magic carpet for effortless transportation back to the top. Hit the lanes after dark with Camelback’s Galatic Snowtubing for an LED light show that illuminates the night sky.
- Horseback Riding
Bundle up and enjoy the crisp, winter season while horseback riding. Deer Path Riding Stable provides guided tours throughout acres of undisturbed property. Bushkill Riding Stables is open year-round and offers a relaxing ride through the woods. All outfitters are perfect for beginners.
With a little help from mother nature, sleigh rides are also available in the Poconos. Daisy Field Farm offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the freshly fallen snow. Participate in an old-fashioned custom through the region’s beauteous, winter wonderland.
Want to experience even more in the Pocono Mountains? Check out our things to do and winter pages for additional resources for your trip. Ski and snow activities will start to take hold in December, so be sure to follow up on the area’s snow conditions.
