10 Favorite Winter Attractions in PA
With the arrival of winter comes all new kinds of events and entertainment to Central Pennsylvania. Whether you’re looking for a winter weekend getaway in PA or an afternoon out, you’ll find tons of activities that’ll bring the holiday season to life.
Get started on your winter plans with our 10 favorite winter attractions in PA:
- Roundtop Mountain Resort
If you’re looking for some thrilling outdoor adventures, make Roundtop Mountain Resort a priority. With its picturesque setting in Lewisberry, PA and winter activities for adults and kids, it’s a go-to spot for family fun. Go tubing down the mountainside or take some skiing and snowboarding lessons before hitting the slopes.
- Carlisle Ice Art Fest
A new winter attraction to arrive in PA is the Carlisle Ice Art Fest, which started in 2017. This year, the weekend festivities last from February 9 to February 11, 2018. During the event, stop in for a drink at the Ice Bar and watch live ice sculpture carvings, blown glass demonstrations and live music performances.
- Rothman Ice Rink
The Rothman Ice Rink is a must-see for winter weekend getaways in PA’s “City of Brotherly Love.” You’ll find this ice rink in the heart of Philadelphia, PA, which means it’s close to Independence Hall, America’s Garden Capital Maze and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. And don’t worry about bringing a pair of skates, you can rent them for you and your kids. The Rothman Cabin, located at the rink, also offers hot meals and drinks to keep the fun going.
- Pocono Manor Resort and Spa
If you’re looking for things to do in the winter that appeal to everyone in your family or friend group, consider taking a trip to the Pocono Manor Resort and Spa. Whether you want an invigorating spa treatment or a relaxing day spent ice fishing, this resort in the Poconos delivers. Additional winter attractions at this PA hotspot include thrilling dog sledding tours, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and more.
- Longwood Gardens
If you love gardens, fountains, holiday decorations and festive winter music, put Longwood Gardens at the top of your list for things to do in Pennsylvania during the winter. While open year-round, Longwood Gardens revamps its expansive botanical gardens and conservatory each year with an elegant and traditional holiday theme that’s picture perfect.
- PA Grand Canyon
Also known as the Pine Creek Gorge, this winter attraction in PA is an awesome choice if you love the outdoors. It begins in Wellington, PA and ends in Waterford, PA, giving you multiple opportunities to go snowshoeing, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. You can also head up to the observation tower for a stunning panoramic view of the area.
- Shady Brook Farm
More than three million lights illuminate Shady Brook Farm, which hosts a farmer’s market and other events throughout the year in Yardley, PA. The farm’s awe-inspiring light decorations, which include the Statue of Liberty and the Grinch, stretch across two miles. You can drive through the trail, plus your kids — and pets — can visit with Santa.
- Polar Bear Plunge
The Polar Bear Plunge is certainly a winter attraction in PA, but this event also supports local Special Olympics athletes. At this event, you’re welcomed to come and watch Plungers take a dive into chilly waters, as well as sponsor a team of Plungers. If you’re not feeling up to standing out in the cold, you can always warm up with a game of laser tag and check out the reaction photos later.
- Punxsutawney Phil
Love Groundhog Day? Then you don’t want to miss this top winter attraction in PA. Thousands of people visit Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA each year to see the famed Phil make his prediction. As the town offers a range of activities, from visiting Phil’s Burrow to hiking Gobbler’s Knob Trail, you may want to make your trip to PA a winter weekend getaway.
- Fire and Ice Festival
If you want to see some ice sculptures before the Carlisle Ice Fest — and don’t mind traveling a bit outside Central PA — consider adding the Fire and Ice Festival in Somerset, PA to your list of things to in Pennsylvania this winter. The event lasts from January 12 to 14, 2018 and features the work of international ice carvers, as well as fireworks and fire jugglers.
Make Carlisle Sports Emporium Your PA Winter Weekend Getaway
Need a reprieve from the cocoa, lights and groundhogs of Pennsylvania? Come on over to Carlisle Sports Emporium, and we’ll help you find plenty of awesome things to do this winter, from thrilling rounds of LASERTRON Laser Tag in our 2-story arena and tons of the best arcade games to exciting indoor & outdoor go-kart races, roller skating and more!
Visit us this season or contact us to learn more about hosting your family or workplace’s winter getaway with us!