Your Ultimate NEPA Winter Bucket List

Experience winter in Northeastern Pennsylvania on the slopes at NEPA’s local ski resorts. Whether you ski or snowboard, you’ll find everything from beginner-friendly bunny hills to steep runs and terrain parks. Many resorts also feature ski lessons, rentals and lively après-ski dining. Skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular winter activities in NEPA.

Winter hiking offers a peaceful way to explore NEPA’s state parks, local parks and nature preserves. Snow-covered trails, frozen lakes and mountain views create stunning seasonal scenery with fewer crowds. Bundle up, breathe in crisp mountain air and watch for winter wildlife along the way. Winter hikes in NEPA provide a refreshing outdoor escape in the colder months.

Snow tubing is one of the most fun and accessible winter activities in NEPA. Local ski resorts feature dedicated tubing parks with groomed lanes, lift access and no experience required. Just hop on a tube and enjoy the ride. Many locations also offer nighttime tubing with lights and music, making it a family-friendly winter adventure.

A winter staycation in Northeastern PA is the perfect way to relax and recharge. Book a night or weekend at a Pocono resort or boutique hotel and enjoy spa treatments, dining and cozy accommodations. Snowy views, fireplaces and peaceful surroundings make winter an ideal time to unwind close to home. A NEPA winter getaway offers comfort and charm.

Winter is one of the best times for bald eagle watching in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Join a guided tour with the Delaware Highlands Conservancy or explore on your own along the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. With bare trees and open views, spotting these majestic birds is easier during colder months.

Stay active during the colder months by signing up for a winter race in NEPA. From 5Ks to 10Ks, these events welcome runners, joggers and walkers of all levels. Winter races combine fitness, scenic routes and community spirit while helping beat cabin fever. Bundle up, embrace the chill and enjoy a refreshing way to stay motivated throughout winter in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Experience the NEPA countryside in winter with a snowy horseback ride or horse-drawn sleigh ride. Quiet trails and scenic views create a peaceful seasonal adventure. Sleigh rides offer a relaxed, old-fashioned experience complete with blankets, crisp winter air and maybe even a little hot chocolate.

Cold weather is the perfect excuse to explore indoor winter activities in NEPA. Local studios and businesses offer winter workshops in painting, pottery, cooking, soap making, spirits and more. Winter classes are a fun way to learn new skills, meet locals and support small businesses. Discover a hidden talent or enjoy a creative break from the cold.

Winter festivals celebrate the season with ice sculptures, live music, local food and craft beverages. These events bring communities together and offer family-friendly fun throughout winter season. Whether you’re browsing vendors or warming up with seasonal treats, Northeaster PA’s winter fairs and festivals offer plenty to enjoy.

Live music and performing arts thrive in NEPA during winter. Theaters, concert halls and music venues host winter concerts from national acts, regional favorites and local talent. From live music to theatrical productions, catching a show is a great way to stay entertained this winter. Warm venues and packed calendars make live entertainment a cold-weather favorite.

Igloo dining in NEPA turns winter nights into memorable dining experiences. Restaurants across the region offer heated outdoor igloos complete with blankets, lighting and seasonal menus. Enjoy cocktails, comfort food and cozy ambiance while keeping warm in your own private dining escape.

Winter means hockey season in NEPA, and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins bring nonstop excitement to the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. Watch fast-paced action on the ice as the Penguins defend against rival teams. Family-friendly promotions, energetic crowds and thrilling plays make Penguins games one of NEPA’s top winter sporting events.

Experience winter scenery in Northeastern PA by train on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Heated train cars offer panoramic views of the snow-covered forests, cliffs of Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Lehigh River. This relaxing winter attraction is perfect for sightseeing without braving the cold. It’s a scenic and stress-free way to enjoy NEPA’s winter landscapes.

Outdoor ice skating is a classic winter activity in NEPA. From frozen lakes in state parks to community skating rinks like Hillside Park in South Abington Township, the region offers plenty of places to lace up your skates. Skating outdoors adds a nostalgic touch to winter fun and is perfect for families, couples and groups.

Sledding is timeless winter fun for all ages. Grab your sled, saucer, tube or toboggan and head to local parks and snowy hills across NEPA. Community parks, state parks and open green spaces provide ideal terrain for a full day of sliding and laughter. Sledding is a simple, budget-friendly way to enjoy winter in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Skip all the snow and cold for a day. Round up the little ones and plan for some exciting indoor fun where kids can run, climb, jump and bounce with little worry about the weather. From indoor play areas and bowling alleys to trampoline parks, movie theaters and so much more. We even have plenty of ideas for indoor activities for toddlers.

Ice fishing keeps anglers active throughout winter in NEPA. Once lakes freeze at many local and state parks, fishermen bundle up and head onto the ice to drill holes and drop lines. Ice fishing combines patience, tradition and tranquility, making it a favorite cold-weather pastime. It’s a unique way to enjoy NEPA’s outdoor recreation season year-round.

Indoor waterparks in the Pocono Mountains offer a tropical escape from winter weather. Enjoy waterslides, lazy rivers and heated pools while snow falls outside. Perfect for families and groups, these resorts deliver warm-weather fun without leaving Northeastern Pennsylvania. Indoor waterparks are one of the most popular winter attractions in the region.

Going off-road is a popular winter adventure in NEPA, with plenty of trails specifically-designed for ATVs and snowmobiles, there’s no better way to see the Endless Mountains or the Pocono Mountains. All season long, NEP Sno & ATV Trails maintains over 200 miles of snowmobile trails in Wayne and Susquehanna Counties. Their trail system offers scenic routes through snow-covered forests and open terrain.

Snowshoeing lets you explore NEPA’s winter trails even after heavy snowfall. State parks, rail trails and forests become peaceful winter escapes perfect for low-impact outdoor adventure. Snowshoeing is accessible for beginners and rewarding for experienced hikers looking to explore snowy landscapes at a slower pace.

Polar plunges in NEPA challenge brave participants to take an icy dip for a good cause. Hosted by local organizations, events like the Northeast Polar Plunge raise money for charities while delivering adrenaline-filled fun. Costumes, cheering crowds and frigid water make polar plunges one of the most memorable winter activities in the region.

NEPA’s state parks offer year-round adventure, even in winter. Enjoy activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and winter hiking. Fewer crowds and snowy scenery create a peaceful outdoor experience. Winter is the perfect time to rediscover NEPA’s state parks in a whole new way.