The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to enjoy its magic than visiting one of Pennsylvania’s exquisite resorts.

Imagine yourself surrounded by sparkling lights, festive decorations, and comfortable amenities while you indulge in everything from thrilling adventures to peaceful relaxation.

Whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Pennsylvania’s resorts are the ideal combination of relaxation, recreation, and convenience, and that’s the beauty of a family-friendly resort.

Let’s explore the top Pennsylvania resorts to visit between Christmas and New Year’s, where memories are made and the festive atmosphere is at its peak.

Skytop Lodge

If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas resort in Pennsylvania, Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains is where your holiday fantasies will come to life.

This Colonial Dutch-style resort, perched on top of 5,500 acres of pristine forest, transforms into a holiday haven. You can enjoy festive events all December, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, without ever needing to leave.

Each Saturday, the resort hosts a tree-lighting ceremony that sets the tone for holiday cheer and family-friendly fun. Carolers serenade guests, delicious holiday cookies and afternoon tea are served, and Santa Claus makes a special appearance.

At Skytop, there’s no need to worry about planning activities. Older kids (ages ten and up) can test their bravery on the Tree Top Adventure Course with zip lines, and the younger ones can enjoy a thrilling toboggan run. Kids can also enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, rifle shooting, skiing, and snowshoeing through the snowy landscape.

Scavenger hunts, lawn games, crafts, and campfires are great ways for families to unwind. Children can also have fun swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools or enjoying the resort’s swimming lake beach.

You can request a full-sized Christmas tree set up in your room, complete with lights and ornaments, creating a cozy ski chalet vibe. Kids will love the life-sized gingerbread house, where you can snap pictures and soak in the holiday magic. Don’t miss the Friday storytimes or the Saturday tree-lighting ceremonies featuring Santa himself.

At Skytop Lodge, you’ll find accommodations to fit any group. The main lodge gives you a rustic, fully furnished, timeless experience. If you prefer lakeside views, the Inn at Skytop Lodge offers stunning winter scenery, perfect for family photos or artistic inspiration.

The Streamside Cottages offer cozy, private spaces for smaller families, while larger families can spread out across the lodge grounds, making it easy to come together for special holiday events.

For a special touch, you can even request personalized stockings filled with toys and candy. Skytop is also ideal for weddings, reunions, and vacations, making it one of the best resorts in PA for creating lasting memories during the most wonderful time of the year.

Nemacolin

Situated in Farmington’s Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin Resort is a premier holiday destination that blends luxury, fun, and festive magic. This 2,200-acre luxury retreat is nothing short of spectacular.

Open daily from November 29 to December 23, Hardy’s Holiday Village immerses you in the magic of the holidays with snow-dusted paths, live performances by Santa’s elves, European-style markets, and Santa’s workshop-inspired attractions.

Beautifully decorated boutiques sell unique gifts, such as specialized ornaments at Hardy’s House of Ornaments or luxury winter apparel at Maggie’s Mittens and Scarves.

Starting on Thanksgiving weekend, the Light Up Nemacolin tradition showcases over a million-holiday lights, caroling, hot cocoa, and festive surprises. Guests of all ages can enjoy choreographed performances, festive treats, and a North Pole-inspired setting that spreads holiday cheer.

Kids will love visiting Santa’s House, which is filled with toys and festive displays perfect for family photos. Bedtime Elf Visits add extra cheer on select nights as Santa’s helpers bring stories, stockings, and Christmas joy to your little ones.

As the night deepens, the holiday spirit takes a playful turn with Elves After Dark at Nightcap. This exclusive lounge for guests 18 and older offers a chic setting filled with laughter, live entertainment, and surprises.

The resort offers magical outdoor winter outdoor adventures. You can skate on a beautifully lit outdoor rink, enjoy the magic of twinkling holiday lights, or experience the rush of dogsledding across snow-covered grounds.

With Forbes Five-Star dining and luxurious accommodations, this resort creates the ideal setting for your Christmas vacation, ensuring holiday cheer for the whole family.

You’ll love dining at Fawn & Fable, a farm-to-table American steakhouse helmed by Chopped winner Christine Hazel. The restaurant sources fresh ingredients from Nemacolin’s on-site greenhouse and local vendors, highlighting its Laurel Highlands roots.

The menu also highlights local flavors with dishes like mac and cheese, sea salt potato puree, baby carrots with feta and chili-infused honey, and mushrooms with garlic aioli, sourced from the resort’s greenhouse and regional vendors.

For a more relaxed vibe, visit Circle Bar or The Study for cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Don’t miss Patisserie, a grab-and-go spot with curated treats, or Lautrec, a French restaurant offering a six-course tasting menu.

At Egg Nog Pub, you can visit Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread Bakery for freshly baked cookies or toast the season with specialty eggnog. The illuminated village streets, scented with gingerbread and pastries, are the perfect setting for your family’s holiday getaway.

The Hotel Hershey

Nestled in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hotel Hershey is the perfect place to experience the most wonderful time of the year. Known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” this iconic hotel is the perfect destination for families, couples, and anyone looking to create unforgettable memories between Christmas and New Year’s.

Beautifully decorated trees, white poinsettias, and festive light displays set the tone as you check-in. The Hotel Hershey offers family-friendly activities for guests ranging from s’mores roasts to chocolate bingo to Hershey Character appearances, crafts and more.

With its rich history and impeccable service, it’s no surprise that this resort is a proud recipient of the Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond Awards.

One of the highlights of the holiday season at The Hotel Hershey is the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. With over five million twinkling lights and over 250,000 dancing lights synchronized to music, it’s a spectacle for the entire family. You’ll also meet Santa Claus and his nine live reindeer, enjoy thrilling coasters, and savor signature hot chocolate.

For a more relaxing experience, explore the Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through attraction, featuring nearly 600 animated displays spread across two miles of scenic trails.

Family-friendly activities abound within the resort. The Cocoa Clubhouse and Santa’s Workshop allow kids to design ornaments, Santa hats, and stockings. You’ll love the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event in Harvest Plaza, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, live music, and appearances by the Hershey Characters.

Take a break and rejuvenate at the Chocolate Spa, famous for indulgent treatments like the Whipped Cocoa Bath and Chocolate Fondue Wrap. You can also opt for the peppermint hot chocolate treatments exclusive to the holiday season.

The Hotel Hershey’s dining options cater to every palate. Enjoy fine dining at The Circular or seasonal favorites at Harvest, and don’t miss Breakfast with Santa in the stunningly decorated Fountain Lobby.

Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

Located in Scotrun, PA, Great Wolf Lodge is one of the best Christmas vacation destinations for your entire family. This Pennsylvania resort transforms into Snowland during the holiday season, offering magical experiences like visits with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, and glittering light displays.

You can reserve a Snow Globe for a private winter wonderland with a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, festive games, and a dazzling 30-minute light show choreographed to the season’s music.

Great Wolf Lodge is jam-packed with activities, attractions, and family fun. The indoor waterpark is the centerpiece of this holiday resort. Your kids will love the 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, the roller-coaster water slide, and the lazy river.

There’s also an activity pool for younger children, while older ones can dive into thrilling attractions like MagiQuest or the Northern Lights Arcade. Meanwhile, you can relax at the Elements Spa Salon or soak in the Hot Springs.

Great Wolf Lodge goes beyond water fun, offering plenty of fun activities to keep the holiday spirit alive. The Howly Wood XD Theater, mini golf, and Forest Friends sing-along shows provide endless entertainment. Kids will love meeting the Great Wolf Kids characters or going on a Wolf Walk in the beautifully decorated Grand Lobby.

You’ll also love the cozy, themed accommodations. The Wolf Den Suite is a family favorite, offering a private in-room “cave” with bunk beds and a TV for the kids. The rustic decor throughout the lodge enhances the holiday spirit, and carved bear sculptures add a charming touch.

Kalahari Resorts Poconos

Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains is perfect for your Christmas holidays. This resort, located in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, boasts America’s largest indoor waterpark. The temperature is always a warm 84 degrees, so you can forget about the snow outside and enjoy year-round summer fun.

The waterpark features thrilling slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a FlowRider surfing simulator. It’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Beyond the waterpark, the resort offers an incredible range of activities. You’ll find an arcade with nearly 250 games, virtual reality experiences, and escape rooms. For outdoor enthusiasts, Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures provides climbing and zip-lining fun.

After a day of excitement, parents can unwind at the spa, which includes a halotherapy room, hydrotherapy, and luxurious massages. Even the kids can enjoy pampering at Spa Kalahari Junior, with services like manicures and facials designed just for them.

Dining at Kalahari is another highlight. The resort offers over ten eateries, including the new MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop and the elegant Redd’s Piano Bar & Lounge. Whether you’re craving Mexican at Cinco Niños or a hearty steak at Double Cut Steak House, you’ll find options for every taste. There’s a coffee shop and grab-and-go markets for quick bites to keep you fueled for more fun.

The safari-themed decor creates a unique and immersive atmosphere. You’ll notice stunning details from the moment you arrive, like life-sized animal sculptures and a beautiful lobby fountain. The resort also features a wide range of accommodations, from family suites to luxury rooms, ensuring everyone has a comfortable stay.

Woodloch Resort: A Family Holiday Haven

Woodloch Resort, located in Hawley, Pennsylvania, is one of the best places to experience the holiday season. This award-winning destination, voted the #1 Family Resort in the U.S. by USA Today, offers activities and amenities that will make your holidays unforgettable.

This all-inclusive family resort offers endless activities and entertainment for the whole family. From snow tubing and ice skating to holiday scavenger hunts, there’s always something fun happening. You can also enjoy scenic wagon rides through the Festival of Lights display, where the magic of Christmas comes to life.

You’ll love the indoor splash zone, escape rooms, and arts and crafts activities that are perfect for every age. Woodloch also hosts holiday-themed events like “bakery wars,” reindeer races, and marshmallow roasting.

Accommodations at Woodloch are just as impressive. You can choose from spacious hotel rooms or rent houses that accommodate your whole family. The resort’s woodsy cabin-style decor and lake views add to the festive atmosphere.

Dining is easy with two American-style restaurants offering delicious meals, or you can try the wine-tasting classes and cooking demos for a unique experience.

Whether staying in the Pines, the Lodge, or Woodloch Springs, you’ll find luxurious amenities and a warm, welcoming vibe. If you’re seeking relaxation, the nearby Lodge at Woodloch also offers spa treatments that let you unwind and recharge.

The resort also knows how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. You can attend themed parties, watch a spectacular fireworks display, and enjoy the Winter Olympics activities. Don’t miss the Festival of Lights, where you can ride wagons under dazzling light displays, adding a magical touch to your holiday season.

Camelback Resort: A Winter Wonderland in the Poconos

If you’re searching for the best place to spend Christmas, Camelback Resort, located in Tannersville Pocono Mountains, delivers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, the largest in the Northeast, is a highlight of Camelback Lodge.

You can enjoy 13 water slides, seven pools, exciting attractions like the Storm Chaser water coaster and the Bombora FlowRider surfing simulator.

At a comfortable 84 degrees, Aquatopia ensures a tropical escape during the winter season. It also features a lazy river, interactive water structures, and plenty of kid-friendly splash areas.

The resort is also home to unique activities like a ropes course, laser tag, mini golf, a mountain coaster, and the two-story Arcadia Family Adventure Center, which features over 100 arcade games.

For snow lovers, Camelback Mountain is a skier’s dream. The ski area features 39 trails, nine chairlifts, and a state-of-the-art rental operation to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

If skiing isn’t your thing, you can try snow tubing, with 40 lanes open day and night making it the largest in the U.S. Camelback’s Ski & Ride Academy is perfect for beginners, offering lessons that will have you gliding down the slopes in no time.

The lodge has 453 spacious rooms and 16 unique suite layouts to accommodate groups of all sizes, from couples to large families. You can choose between standard rooms or multi-bedroom suites with fireplaces and full kitchens. For relaxation, the Serenity Spa offers luxurious treatments, while Oasis Kids Spa caters to younger guests.

Dining options are plentiful, including sit-down restaurants like Trails End Pub & Grille and family-friendly eateries. You’ll also find thoughtful amenities like snack-sized refrigerators and microwaves in every room, so you can relax and focus on creating memories.

Camelback also ensures convenience for every visitor. Your stay includes admission to Aquatopia, and changing rooms are available so you can enjoy the waterpark until the very last moment of your trip. The location is an easy drive from New York City and Philadelphia, making it an ideal holiday getaway.

Leaving You With This

Pennsylvania is the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the whole family or indulge in a romantic retreat.

Whether you’re chasing the magic of Christmas or welcoming the New Year, these destinations promise an experience filled with holiday cheer.

Make this year’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations one to remember. So pack your bags, embrace the holiday spirit, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The magic of PA is waiting for you!

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Looking for even more Pennsylvania winter getaway inspiration? Head over to Visit PA to uncover a treasure trove of ideas for your next Keystone State adventure. From cozy retreats to thrilling outdoor activities, Pennsylvania has a winter escape waiting just for you!