12 Popular Winter Adventures and Fun In Pennsylvania That One Must Not Miss (2024)
Pennsylvania winters are one-of-a-kind with snowfall covering most parts of the State, Christmas on its unapologetic bloom, skiing taking up the first seat, basically modes of fun and enjoyment all around. As soon as November hits, the winter adventures in Pennsylvania start leading the chart, and the usual summer fun takes the back seat. From countless trails for snow sports to relaxing sleigh rides over rolling hills, there is something or the other to do in Pennsylvania, and mark it the opportunities aren’t just limited to the downhill skiing, but there’s a lot more to do and explore.
Winters in Pennsylvania goes from November through March. Season’s first snowfall starts showing from the mid of November in some regions, followed by 41.4 inches of average snow throughout the season. Mid-January through Mid-February is usually marked as the snowiest months, but days near January 31st are the coldest in Pennsylvania.
12 Popular Winter Adventures and Fun In Pennsylvania That One Must Not Miss
For more insights into Pennsylvania’s winter tourism, we have here compiled an ultimate list.
1. Put your energy into Snow adventures.
There’s no end to the snow adventures in Pennsylvania, and no matter what interests you possess, you cannot escape from it. The State is home to over 20 Mountain Ski resorts, with Laurel Mountain and the Blue Mountain Ski Resorts topping the charts. Where some ski resorts offer beginners lessons, the intensity of others will take you to breathe away. From downhill skiing to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow sledding, there are countless options for visitors to enjoy their time amidst the Pennsylvania mountains. One of the beautiful snow adventures includes dogsledding, where supply tail-wagging athletic Alaskan Huskies takes the visitors for an ultimate escape (visit Nemacolin Woodlands Resort).
2. Explore the Indoor Waterparks
Snow adventures aren’t meant for everyone, and if you are one amongst that lot, then do check out the indoor waterparks in Pennsylvania. While the entire State is snowing and dropping the temperature, the indoor waterparks let you enjoy warmly within their heated settings. When in the State, you can visit the largest indoor water park in entire North America, i.e., Kalahari Resort. It being a resort; you can both enjoy and stay here for your extended vacation. The waterpark is spread over 200,000 square feet, offering an unprecedented array of family fun. Some other options for waterparks in Pennsylvania include Great Wolf Lodge, Aquatopia Indoor Water Park, and Hershey Lodge Indoor Water Park.
3. Try indoor Go-Karts
Pennsylvania has some of the ultimate indoor go-karting venues, and if you are looking for some snow-protected winter fun, it is one fine option for you. Go-karting venues in the States are operational all throughout the year, and there are several stops spread (ed) wisely all throughout the State. Speed Raceway Horsham is one of the premium indoor go-karting facilities featuring a ½ mile track. Autobahn Indoor Speedway Harrisburg is a 40,000 square feet facility and a great space for enjoying go-karting or organizing events. However, the best and most ultimate amongst all is the Three Rivers Karting that delivers a true racing experience. It is owned and designed by a few karting enthusiasts, and thus every single ride here is as authentic and thrilling as it could be.
4. Ride All-Terrain Vehicles
If you are into off-roading, then Pennsylvania will surely entertain you with some marvelous options. Most of the Pennsylvania state forests have designated trails for ATV riding, and individuals who are at least 16 years can get into this ultimate mode of adventure. Mountain Ridge ATV Park is one great place for day riding, and here you can find trails for all skill levels. Pocono Mountains are another great spot for ATV and UTV fun where you can splash through overflowing streams and speed down dirt tracks. Connect with the team of Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours and plan for off-roading through a winter wonderland.
5. Celebrate at the Koziar’s Christmas Village
Koziar’s Christmas Village is an outdoor attraction (seasonal) that has been happening in Bernville, Pennsylvania, since 1948. While you enter the village after crossing the darkened countryside, the very first view here feels no less than a mesmerizing fairy tale. From buildings to shops, landscapes, and gift barns, everything here is beautifully adorned with lights and a multitude of animatronics. All the decoration here is done by the local Koziar’s families to keep the tradition alive and welcome the ones who have been coming here for generations. Here you can shop for Christmas goodies, indulge in lip-smacking treats, or meet Santa.
6. Shop at the Bethlehem Christmas Market
Christkindlmarkt or the Christmas Market in Bethlehem is an ultimate stop for shopping freaks. It is noted as the largest holiday market in Pennsylvania that features visits from Santa, live music and performances, hot glass blowing experiences, ice carving demonstrations, igloos, lighting decorations, and a whole lot of exotic Christmas vibes. The market begins from the end of November (Thanksgiving) and goes until year-end, hosting over 60 artisans and vendors and thousands of visitors every year. Here you can shop for festive décor, gifts, souvenirs, artisan jewelry, handmade crafts, and a lot more. One can walk here for hours while finding a new thing to explore at every next stop. While you are done, the trolley will port you back to the parking lot.
7. Be a part of PEEPS fest.
PEEPS fest is a family-packed entertainment, a two-day New Year’s Eve celebration. This annual celebration can be reached in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Bethlehem is a hub of events and festivities in the State, and when it comes to the best on the list, the PEEPS fest definitely tops the charts. The festival begins on December 30th featuring several stalls, shops, performances, artistic attractions, workshops, entertainment, and contests and goes till the end of 31st, ultimately welcoming the New Year. When here, do not miss the art displays, PEEPS diorama exhibit, and the fascinating PEEPS breakfast.
8. Explore the Magic of Phipps “Let It Glow” Light Festival
Another seasonal affair to explore in Pennsylvania is the “Let It Glow” Light Festival. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh features a Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, which is one of the prominent holiday traditions that attracts several thousands of visitors from all over the world. Here you can witness the biggest and brightest lighting show where holiday trees, topiaries, exquisitely detailed props, and the floral delights everything is adorned with beautiful lights. The admission price here is nearly $11 to $18. The show is organized either at the end of December or on the first weekend of January.
9. Enjoy Your Time At The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
One of the prominent and longest-running events in Philadelphia, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, begins during Thanksgiving and goes through the first week of March. It welcomes lakhs of guests from all over the world and is ideal for family-packed entertainment. This winter tradition of the State features a ski chalet-style lodge, an Olympic-size ice-skating rink; a light studded majestically lit holiday tree, a winter garden, cozy warming cabins, beautiful outdoor setting with fire pits and bonfire along with plenty of fun, food, and drinks. The event runs all throughout the day; however, the ultimate vibe hits in when the sunsets, and it gets all jeweled up with lights and lanterns.
10. Rush to the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide
Eagles Mere is a borough in Pennsylvania popularly known for its Toboggan Ride. It is located in Sullivan County, in the endless mountains’ region. Locals of the State often head towards the town to zip down the icy hill at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Each slide is basically a block of 256 pounds of ice that can take up to 4 or 5 individuals down the hill in one go. Each ride goes 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs nearly $25 or even more during the peak of the season. Eagles Mere has been hosting the Toboggan Ride since 1904, and it is undoubtedly the best winter experience in Pennsylvania.
11. Relax at the Lodge at Glendorn
If relaxing is your ultimate planning for these winters, then there is no better place than ‘The Lodge at Glendorn’ in Bradford, Pennsylvania. It is nestled in the tranquillity of rural woodlands of northern Pennsylvania, bordering the edge of the Allegheny Mountains. Of all the nature that surrounds Glendorn is majorly the gorgeously green and unspoiled part of State which makes for a perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Visitors can either opt for picturesque private cabins or stay in the main Lodge. Every single accommodation here is built entirely of woods which infuses the feeling of warmthless amidst snowfall. Winters here are absolutely glorious, especially when most of the Lodge is covered with snow and the remaining decorated in Christmas vibes.
12. Go for Ice fishing
Ice fishing is one of the popular winter activities in Pennsylvania, and anglers from all around the U.S choose it as their ultimate stop. You can begin with the largest lake in the State, Lake Wallenpaupack, and can get your hands on some of the biggest and highest weighted fishes. Presque Isle Bay is another great option, and for accessing it, you can reach Presque Isle State Park. For catching big fishes, Lake Arthur tops the chart though the specialty here is the bluegill fishery. Further, for the best crappie and sunfish, head towards the Foster Joseph Sayers Lake in the Bald Eagle State Park. Ice fishing does not ask for a special permit, though make sure you check with the authorities of the place beforehand. Also, unless the ice is at least four inches thick, refrain from venturing out.