7 Best Pennsylvania Towns For A Winter Getaway

Known as the “Keystone State”, Pennsylvania is a delightful place for a vacation, where guests can expect to find loads of cultural charm, historic intrigue, and natural beauty. For those seeking a unique destination for a winter getaway, Pennsylvania should not be overlooked. The state's assortment of wonderful towns, including those within the famed Pocono Mountains, will undoubtedly create a special set of memories for all ages. Here, chances to relax, enjoy a slower pace of life, and take in special winter activities await in abundance, ensuring visitors will be glad to have chosen the “Keystone State” for their winter travels. So wait no more and explore the great State of Pennsylvania through some of its awesome towns, where unique memories of a winter getaway will always leave a lasting, positive impression.

Indiana

Seat of the same-named county in west central Pennsylvania, the lovely town of Indiana is lovingly known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World." Founded in the early 1800s, today just over 14,000 call this charming community home, where many local tree farms are proudly located, forming an important component of Indiana’s local economy. Take in the fantastic smell of pine that fills the air, while a unique opportunity to choose and cut one’s own Christmas tree to take home is a special and memorable experience. Add in great winter events like the “It’s a Wonderful Life" Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, and the House Decorating Competition, and the young and old alike will find warmth and welcome in this pretty town.

Meanwhile, exploring numerous landmarks in the Downtown Historic District and touring the scenic campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a true snowy delight to experience at the height of winter. And, of course, be sure not to miss the Jimmy Stewart Museum, which spotlights the life and career of the Hollywood icon who was born in Indiana in the early 1900s.

Easton

A town rich in colonial history, Easton is a great place to spend a vacation, including one during winter, where cool temperatures create a welcoming change of pace. The seat of Northampton County, the town was established in the mid-18th century and continues to maintain an old-world feel that, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it an ideal destination for a retreat. Located along the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, just over 28,000 residents call Easton home today. Spend time at the historic Centre Square, where charming winter markets delight all ages. Be sure to marvel at the Christmas Peace Candle Monument, which stands at a height of approximately 106 feet. Assembled in late November before Thanksgiving and in place until mid-January, this Yuletide and winter landmark serves as a continuous reminder of the need for harmony and tolerance in a world filled with strife.

Additionally, guests will love the annual Easton Winter Village in November and December. Featuring live music, carolers, kids' activities, skating on the rink, food vendors, carriage rides, and appearances by Old St. Nick, this is a special event that promises to create awesome winter memories.

Wellsboro

Home to a humble population of nearly 3,500, the town of Wellsboro is a pleasing community in northern Pennsylvania, offering mild winter temperatures. As the seat of Tioga County, Wellsboro offers a rich history, with its modern roots dating back to the early 1800s, providing guests with the opportunity to explore a variety of 19th-century architectural styles. Visit Main Street and the Historic District, featuring landmarks such as the First Presbyterian Church and the Tioga County Courthouse, which look particularly picturesque when covered with snow. And with Victorian-style facades and gas lamps lining the streets, the downtown area makes for quite the photogenic experience during the festive season. During the special Christmas on Main Street events, beautiful lights, wreaths, and other decorations combine with the chance to shop local vendors and even pet some of Santa’s reindeer, making for a truly unforgettable outing.

Then, in February, take in the sights and sounds of the Winter Celebration and its offerings for all ages. Try the homemade chili and hot chocolate, view the extraordinary ice sculptures, and marvel at the Valentine’s decorations that adorn this cute Pennsylvania community, always ready to welcome guests.

York

Established in 1741, the “White Rose City” of York is one of Pennsylvania’s richest historic destinations, ready to welcome guests to a unique vacation experience. Seat of the same-named county, those travelling in winter can enjoy cool temperatures from November to March, making it a comfortable place to spend the holidays and the New Year. With its links to Colonial America and the era of the American Revolution, there is never a shortage of historic intrigue in York, and many landmarks can be explored and admired here. Spend time in the town’s historic district, where buildings like the Billmeyer House (1860), the York Meetinghouse (1766), and the Golden Plough Tavern (1741) bring visitors back in time. Add in charming snow-covered cobblestoned streets and old Victorian lamps, and the postcard-perfect excursion is never far away.

Spending Christmas in York, Pennsylvania, is always a special delight. Enjoy events like Bright Nights York, running from November to the end of December, and the Christmas Magic Festival of Lights at the nearby Rocky Ridge Park. There are numerous ways to immerse oneself in the holiday spirit through brilliant displays and family-friendly fun.

Palmerton

Approximately 90 miles from Philadelphia, the town of Palmerton is a charming place situated at the foot of the Blue Mountains. For a winter retreat featuring awesome views of the Blue, Appalachian, and Pocono Mountains, Palmerton is hard to beat. Lying at an elevation of around 400 feet, guests will not want to miss out on some of Pennsylvania’s best alpine slopes at the Blue Mountain Resort. Here, excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding await in a climate that is cool, but not frigid, allowing for maximum fun amidst truly stunning scenery.

Additionally, in the neighboring community of Northampton, you can really get in the Christmas spirit with a number of unique holiday productions. Productions like "It’s a Very Valli Holiday" and "Saint Nick Returns," amongst others, are ready to get everyone in the mood for the Yuletide.

Williamsport

Williamsport’s modern history dates back to the 1790s, and it continues to serve as a leading economic and cultural hub in north central Pennsylvania today. Home to just under 28,000 residents, this seat of Lycoming County is a veritable historic delight, especially during the winter holiday season. Stroll through the Millionaire’s Row Historic District, and admire numerous landmarks from the 18th and 19th centuries while stepping along snow-covered cobblestones and past a charming array of local shops, which really sets a mood. There is even a special Victorian Christmas event where tours of several buildings and churches, decorated for the holidays and featuring costumed interpreters, create a unique sense of the festivities as they appeared in the 1800s.

Add in tranquil beauty at the nearby Susquehanna River, with its glistening icy surface, and plenty of pretty park areas, and having a fun winter retreat in Williamsport is never difficult. Savor some hot chocolate, stroll through history, and bask in the snowy climate at this great destination in the “Keystone State."

Jim Thorpe

One of the finest destinations in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region, the town of Jim Thorpe is a great place to spend a holiday. With its nickname of “The Little Switzerland of America,” a winter getaway here will definitely be an unforgettable one. The seat of Carbon County, this historic community was named after a prominent Native American Olympian in 1912 and welcomes visitors with its wonderful scenic beauty and landmark. Featuring moderately chilly temperatures from November to March and frequent snowy episodes, the stunning forested ambience in Jim Thorpe is accentuated by the caps of snow that line the trees and Pocono mountaintops.

Spend a uniquely wintry experience in the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, where many 19th-century landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places continue to fascinate the public. These include the County Jail (1870), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (1869), and the Asa Packer Mansion (1861), among others. And of course, don't forget about the excellent Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which can be even more dazzling in the winter as it passes through some of the Poconos' most breathtaking vistas! Add in seasonal events like Olde Time Christmas and the Jim Thorpe February Winterfest, featuring carriage rides, ice carvings, vendors, and live entertainment, and you're sure to have an exquisite vacation experience.

As a key component of the northeastern United States, the wonderful State of Pennsylvania offers guests a great mix of scenic geography, historic allure, and cultural wonder. For those searching for unique spots to spend a winter vacation, some of Pennsylvania’s smaller towns will definitely please with their eclectic range of events and natural splendor, perfect for a wintry holiday. From the Poconos town of Jim Thorpe, the historic center of York, to the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” in Indiana, these welcoming and totally charming communities offer tourists the chance to see some of the best of the “Keystone State” during the winter season.