The 10 Best Things to Do in the Poconos in Winter

As summer fades and cooler, crisper air makes its way into the Pocono Mountains; it’s time to start thinking about your next getaway. The winter season in the Poconos is magical because the mountains glisten with wintry delight and cheer. As one of the most sought-after, cold-weather destinations in the entire country, our region is home to the best things to do in the Poconos in winter! The best part? The winter enchantment doesn’t stop there. Discover all the winter fun with our complimentary Vacation Guide. Inside you’ll find details on the best restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and attractions around the Poconos.  

Interested in even more things to do in the Pocono Mountains in the summer? Then you won’t want to be without our free Poconos Vacation Guide! This handy planning tool is filled with only the best recommendations for local activities, attractions, dining, and much more. 

Unlock Your Winter Vacation Guide

For a fun and easy way to enjoy the slopes, try snow tubing this winter! One of our favorite parts of snow tubing in the Poconos are the views. Hop on a snow carpet and enjoy a smooth ride to the top of the mountain paired with unbeatable sights! The snow tubing park at Camelback Mountain offers an exceptional variety of lanes that promise exhilarating rides and gentle cruises through an immaculate winter wonderland. From endless fun to expert trails, the slopes at Camelback Resort promise fun winter activities you won’t find anywhere else.

With deep snow, smooth lifts, and perfectly groomed slopes, the Pocono Mountains are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. No matter your skill level, you’ll find fun and challenging slopes at Jack Frost Big Boulder Ski Area. At more than 2,000 feet of elevation, together, these excellent ski resorts boast nearly 150 acres of snow-covered terrain with 35 beginner to advanced level trails. The slopes are the first to open and the last to close each season. As a bonus, the resort features a ski and snowboard school, so you can learn the ropes or hone your skills before hitting the slopes.  

If you need a little break from all the snow activities, visit Mohegan Sun Pocono for endless indoor fun! The 82,000 square-foot casino offers the best Poconos activities for adults. Test your luck at the casino, or enjoy shopping, dining, live entertainment, and more. There is also a spacious Convention Center for concerts and special events. Make sure to check it out the next time you are visiting the area! It’s one of the best things to do in Eastern PA.  

If you want to get your heart racing, you must go snowmobiling at Hickory Run State Park. You can tread through miles and miles of winding, snow-covered trails with this exceptional snow activity. Promised Land State Park is another excellent destination for snowmobiling. You’ll find over 20 miles of impeccably groomed trails and an endless amount of fun!

Due to our relaxed and snowy winters, ice skating is one of the most exciting things to do in the Poconos! Seasoned skaters and beginners alike frequent everything from indoor and outdoor rinks to frozen streams and ponds. At these stunning locations, you can strap on your ice skates and glide around thousands of square feet of smooth ice. For a one-of-a-kind, outdoor ice-skating experience in the Poconos hit the ice at Tobyhanna State Park, Hickory Run State Park, Gouldsboro State Park, or Promised Land State Park! 

Pro-tip: Take to the ice at your own risk as the thickness at outdoor rinks is not monitored. 

As soon as you lay eyes on our sparkling white peaks, you’ll know: the Poconos is a magical place. One of the best ways to explore our beautiful region is on snowshoes! At The French Manor, we offer complimentary snowshoeing for our guests. Traverse through miles of snowy trails at a nearby state park or explore our beautiful on-site trails. This is a great way to spend a romantic day outdoors. Stroll through our wintery landscape with your special someone. Then, warm up with a candlelit dinner for two! It’s one of the best things to do in the Poconos for couples.  

No matter when you visit, there is always something fun going on in our area! In the wintertime, you can attend holiday festivals, Christmas celebrations, winter concerts, and more. Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride at Hawley Winterfest, do your holiday shopping at Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas, or watch a Penguins hockey game. If you are searching for some of the best entertainment in the area, make sure to catch the latest concert at Penn’s Peak. Then, join us for one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the Poconos! 

The Poconos are in a perfect location to allow you to explore the rest of Pennsylvania. Explore the mountains via a scenic drive or take the short two-hour drive and spend an afternoon in New York City. There are so many things to do in The Poconos this winter that there’s no way you will run out of ideas when planning your trip!  

Pennsylvania is home to close to 300 breweries! If you’re a fan of delicious craft brews, then this is the right place for you. Grab your friends and put your drinking cap on! Susquehanna Brewing Company offers an excellent place to stay warm this winter. With weekly events, fantastic beer, and tasty food, this is a can’t-miss spot!  

Take some time to relax and revitalize your spirit on your next Pocono getaway. Le Spa Forêt is a beautiful day spa located right on the grounds of our enchanting stone chateau. Enjoy 20-mile views of the wintery landscape from the comfort of our inn or embrace the warmth of a hot-stone massage as it cures your body of any cold-weather ills.  

Escape the cold and experience the splendor of The French Manor Inn and Spa on your next getaway to The Poconos. With luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and lovely spa packages, we offer an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the area. Everything from our specialty couples’ massages to our elegant dining room will make your stay unforgettable.  

For a majestic night in the Poconos, stay in the Turret Suite! This gorgeous accommodation features artful decoration, a king-size bed, and a private fireplace to warm you up after a day in the snow. 

Check our availability and book your stay. The beauty of the Poconos in the winter is something that you have to see for yourself!