Decking the halls takes on a whole new meaning in the Poconos. Many communities feature festive displays to celebrate the season. Here are four must-see holiday light displays in the Poconos. Bundle up and spend some time taking in the beauty and magic of the season.
Plan a visit to the Pocono Mountains to experience the quiet side of the holidays. Linger in the luxury of the accommodations and amenities offered at Ledges Hotel. Shop quaint Main Streets. Take in the natural wonder that surrounds you.
1. Peace, Love & Lights
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Drive through a one-mile route for an outta sight holiday light display. Highlights include a 120-foot Twinkle Tunnel, Groovy Way and Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Workshop. Afterward, stop in the Holiday Hub for food by the fire, sweet treats and holiday drinks. Most weekends will feature live music, children’s activities and holiday shopping. Walkthrough Mondays lets visitors see the display on foot. The display is open from 5-10 p.m. November 24-December 31.
2. Festival of Lights
Woodloch, Hawley
Take a hayride along the resort’s 1.5-mile nature trail adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Get cozy under blankets as you ride past scenes depicting your favorite holiday movies. The journey includes dinner, the hayride, holiday music, a visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself and hot chocolate at the end of the ride. Visit woodloch.com for dates and time.
3. 14h Annual Holiday Light Show
Honesdale High School, Honesdale
In the spirit of TV’s “Great Christmas Light Fight,” students in the school’s Department of Light and Sound create an intricate light display choreographed to music. Visitors are welcome to park in the school’s parking lot to watch the spectacle. Beginning December 1, the class, supervised by their teacher, begins stringing more than 25,000 lights on the walls and roof of the building. Each year brings new designs to accompany the traditional bells, trees, wreaths and candy canes.
Visitors tune their radio to 107.7 FM for the show, which lasts about 30 minutes and features 10-12 holiday songs. During the show, lights flash, blink and twinkle in orchestra with the music. The show runs from 6-9 p.m. from December 15-20. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Money collected is used to replace and repair broken equipment so the event may continue. Anything beyond what’s needed is donated to local non-profits. While you’re in Honesdale, take note of the giant star overlooking town. Located atop Irving Cliff, it’s been a fixture of the holiday season since 1955.
4. Belvin Family Christmas
East Stroudsburg
A family’s passion for decorating turned into a popular seasonal attraction. Each year the Belvin family transforms their East Stroudsburg property into a virtual North Pole. Over 153,000 bulbs illuminate the night. The lights flash, blink, twinkle and chase in harmony with 25 beloved Christmas Carols. The centerpiece of the show is a 186-foot illuminated arch. Visitors are welcome to check out the display Thursdays through Sunday in December. There is no charge, but 100 percent of donations benefit United Way of Monroe County.
Holiday Sparkle
Stay overlooking Paupack High Falls. Mother Nature decorates the rock ledges with shimmering icicles. Enjoy a getaway to this winter wonderland. Check availability and book online today to enjoy a holiday getaway.