The Pocono Mountains in winter are already magical, with snow-dusted evergreens, crisp mountain air, and a sense of wonder that draws families back year after year. But during the holiday season, the Poconos shine even brighter literally. With twinkling holiday lights, festive events, and dazzling decorations, Christmas in the Poconos is a time when traditions come alive and new memories are made. And at Skytop Lodge, you’ll find some of the best holiday lights in the Poconos, paired with heartwarming seasonal events that capture the season’s spirit.
From larger-than-life displays to cozy evenings by the fire, Skytop transforms into a winter wonderland where every corner glows with holiday cheer. Whether you’re planning a family holiday trip to the Poconos, a romantic winter getaway, or simply looking for the most enchanting holiday light displays, Skytop has something for everyone.
Step into December at Skytop Lodge and you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a holiday storybook. The season begins on November 29th and continues through Christmas Day, offering something special every week. Imagine strolling through the grand halls adorned with festive decorations, pausing for photos in front of a life-sized gingerbread house, and cozying up by a roaring fireplace while soft lights twinkle all around.
For guests who love a quieter escape, midweek stays (Sunday–Thursday) offer the perfect chance to unwind. Sip hot cocoa after a guided hike, join a candle-making class, or enjoy an estate wagon ride beneath the glow of holiday decorations. Families will love seasonal crafts, culinary demonstrations, and ice skating sessions activities that pair perfectly with the charm of outdoor holiday displays.
Weekends bring even more joy, with afternoons of tea and cookies, carolers filling the lodge with music, and Santa himself making appearances. On Saturdays, the holiday spirit comes alive with tree lighting ceremonies, cookie decorating and the excitement of Santa’s grand arrival.
And for those who want to take the celebration to the next level, the Holiday Cheer Package is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in Christmas in the Poconos. Guests enjoy superior accommodations, a four-foot decorated Christmas tree in their room, milk and cookies upon arrival, and a keepsake Skytop ornament. It’s the kind of holiday experience that feels as magical for adults as it does for children.
Why wait until December to celebrate? At Skytop, the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving. From November 27th–30th, the lodge hosts a weekend full of family-inspired activities, live entertainment and delicious dining. Guests can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Windsor or Lakeview, then stroll past sparkling holiday decorations and a towering gingerbread house as Christmas festivities begin.
Santa makes a surprise visit on Saturday, and families can decorate cookies together or simply bask in the glow of holiday lights throughout the property. Add in the Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run on the 27th, and you’ve got a weekend that balances tradition with new seasonal fun. For many guests, this is the start of a new family tradition celebrating two holidays in one joyful weekend.
Few moments capture the spirit of the season better than a child’s excitement at meeting Santa. Every Sunday from November 30th through December 21st, families are invited to Breakfast with Santa, a beloved Skytop tradition.
Set in a festive ballroom with holiday music and twinkling decorations, this event features a bountiful breakfast buffet, themed activities and time with the big man himself. Children can hand their wish lists directly to Santa’s elves, who will whisk them off to the North Pole and if you’re lucky, you might even receive a letter back from Santa himself.
Guests are encouraged to bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, making this not just a magical morning but also a way to spread holiday joy to children in need. With lights, laughter, and the sound of sleigh bells, it’s an experience that brings families together in the true spirit of the holidays.
From December 22nd, 2025, through January 1st, 2026, Skytop becomes the ultimate holiday destination. Each day is filled with festive activities, from holiday crafts and winter sports to cozy evenings filled with carols and cocoa. Families can start new traditions or carry on beloved ones, all while surrounded by the best Christmas lights in the Poconos.
The highlight, of course, is the Christmas Day Buffet in Windsor, a feast that’s as dazzling as the decorations. Picture waking up to a visit from Santa, then gathering for a holiday meal with your loved ones beneath chandeliers glowing with seasonal light. From the raw bar and seafood market to gourmet salads and a savory carving station to sweet holiday pastries and desserts, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Christmas Day in style.
The holiday season doesn’t end with Christmas—it culminates in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at Skytop Lodge. From December 30th, 2025, through January 1st, 2026, guests can enjoy themed ice skating, family games, and the lodge’s Winter Fest, complete with campfires and hot cocoa under the stars.
The evening builds to a festive buffet in Windsor, followed by live entertainment, a balloon drop, and a grand fireworks display that lights up the night sky. It’s the kind of celebration that brings families and friends together in joy, setting the stage for a bright new year.
To make the evening even more special, Skytop offers thoughtful in-room extras like champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or cookies and milk for the kids at midnight. With the glow of holiday lights outside and warmth inside, it’s an unforgettable way to say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new.
The Poconos are known for their natural beauty, but during the holidays, that beauty shines with a little extra sparkle. At Skytop Lodge, the magic of the season is everywhere from the twinkling lights that illuminate the estate to the festive events that bring families together. Whether you’re exploring the outdoor holiday displays, enjoying a holiday light tour across the grounds, or simply cozying up by the fire, every moment feels touched by wonder.
Pair your stay with one of Skytop’s holiday vacation packages, and you’ll not only experience the best holiday lights in the Poconos but also create memories that will last a lifetime. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the lodge offers a full calendar of seasonal events, delicious dining, and winter resort activities that make every visit unique.
So this year, don’t just look for holiday light shows to step into a world where the lights, the laughter, and the traditions come together in one extraordinary destination. Experience Christmas in the Poconos at Skytop Lodge, where the holiday spirit shines brightest.