Thanksgiving is a special time when life slows down just enough for us to enjoy good food, great company, and the simple beauty of nature. There is no better place to do that than the Pocono Mountains. With peaceful lakes, rolling forests, and cozy cabins, the Poconos itinerary offers everything we love about the holiday, which is comfort, togetherness, and the calm outdoors.
Whether you are spending time with family, planning romantic Thanksgiving getaways, or having a Friendsgiving with friends, don’t worry. This easy three-day plan will help you make the most of your long weekend. Expect scenic drives, delicious meals, outdoor fun, and plenty of rest during Thanksgiving in the Poconos.
Day 1: Arrival & Cozy Thanksgiving Eve
Here are the things to do in the Poconos Thanksgiving weekend.
A. Morning Drive to the Mountains
Start your Thanksgiving weekend with a beautiful drive through Pennsylvania’s countryside. In late November, the roads to the Poconos are lined with golden trees and mountain views that make the trip feel like part of the vacation. Try to leave early to avoid holiday traffic and get there before sunset. The sky over the hills turns amazing shades of orange and purple.
Travel Tip: Keep your camera ready! Some of the best views are just off the highway.
Where to Stay: When you arrive, check into your HolidayKeepers Thanksgiving vacation home in the Poconos. Choose from a rustic cabin with a stone fireplace, a modern lakefront villa, or a big lodge for the whole family. Look for extras like outdoor fire pits, hot tubs, or game rooms to make your stay even more fun and relaxing.
B. Afternoon Shopping and Getting Cozy
Before you settle in, stop by a local market or farm store to pick up fresh fruits, baked pies, and some apple cider. Places like The Pocono Organics Market & Café or Miller’s Orchards Farm Market are great spots to find seasonal goodies and local treats.
Back at your rental, take a little time for Thanksgiving decorations for the weekend. Hang some fairy lights, light a few candles, and use pinecones or autumn leaves to give your space a warm, Thanksgiving feel. It’s an easy way to bring the holiday spirit inside.
C. Evening Fireside Dinner and Movie Night
Start your vacation slow and easy with a relaxed dinner. You could cook a big pot of chili or grill outside while enjoying the fresh mountain air. After dinner, gather around the fireplace with blankets for a cozy movie night.
Fun Things to Do:
- Toast marshmallows or make s’mores by the fire pit.
- Watch a holiday movie like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
- Share stories or play simple games like Uno or Jenga.
End the night by stepping outside to look at the stars. The clear, dark sky shines bright this time of year, far from city lights. It’s a peaceful way to wrap up your first day.
Day 2: Thanksgiving Day: Food, Family & Fall Fun
A. Morning with A Fresh Nature Walk
Start your day with the fresh smell of pine and a peaceful morning walk. The Pocono Mountain trails are quiet and beautiful this time of year, with cool air and colorful fall leaves.
Top Trails to Explore
- Tobyhanna State Park Trail offers a calm walk by a pretty lake, perfect for families.
- Bushkill Falls is also known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania. It is a stunning waterfall surrounded by bright fall colors.
- Promised Land State Park is suitable for easy hikes and has great spots for taking photos.
Bring a thermos of coffee or cider and enjoy the quiet before the day’s big celebrations begin.
B. Afternoon with the Thanksgiving Meal
Head back to your cabin to get the big meal ready, or skip cooking and enjoy a special Thanksgiving dinner prepared by local chefs.
If you love cooking, turn your kitchen into the heart of the Thanksgiving celebration. Share cooking tasks with family and friends. One person cooks the turkey, another bakes pies, and others prepare sides and drinks.
If you want to eat out, many resorts and restaurants in the Poconos offer special Thanksgiving dinners.
Top Places to Try Thanksgiving Dinner
- Skytop Lodge offers an elegant buffet with beautiful mountain views.
- The French Manor Inn & Spa is a great place for fancy dining with a romantic feel.
- Woodloch Resort is your place for family-style meals with fun entertainment.
Pro Tip: Book your table early. These places fill up fast during the holiday.
C. Evening with Bonfire, Games & Gratitude
After dinner, relax around a cozy fire. Wrap up in blankets, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy time with the people you love.
Fun ideas for the evening
- Have a “thankful circle” where everyone shares something they are grateful for.
- Set up a dessert bar with leftover pies, marshmallows, and whipped cream.
- Play board games, tell ghost stories, or listen to soft holiday music.
It is a wonderful way to end Thanksgiving full, happy, and surrounded by laughter.
Day 3: Black Friday Fun & Saying Goodbye to the Mountains
A. Morning with Easy Breakfast with Mountain Views
Take it slow on your last morning amidst the beauty of the mountains. Prepare a hearty breakfast like pancakes, eggs, and local maple syrup, and enjoy it on the porch with a hot cup of coffee. You can take a short walk or just relax by the fireplace, soaking in the beautiful cabin views one last time.
B. Late Morning with Shopping and Exploring Nearby
If you feel like getting out, Thanksgiving weekend is a great time for shopping and sightseeing.
Places to Visit
- The Crossings Premium Outlets, Tannersville, lets you find holiday deals at popular stores like Nike, Coach, and Levi’s.
- Downtown Stroudsburg or Jim Thorpe is the best place to stroll through cute streets filled with small shops, antique stores, and cozy cafés.
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway lets you take a train ride for stunning mountain views after Thanksgiving.
These were a few fun ways to enjoy local culture and the holiday spirit.
C. Afternoon with the Outdoor Adventure or Relaxing Time
If you are not ready to leave yet, spend your afternoon either enjoying the outdoors or relaxing in your cabin.
For Adventure Lovers
- Try early snow tubing or ice skating at Camelback Resort.
- Visit Bushkill Falls or Hickory Run State Park for great photos.
- Treat yourself to a spa visit at The Lodge at Woodloch for a peaceful end to your trip.
For Those Who Want to Relax
- Host a cozy “Leftovers Lunch Party” with friends or family.
- Play games or read by the fire.
- Take a nap and enjoy the calm mountain atmosphere.
This is a perfect way to finish your Thanksgiving weekend in the Poconos. Whether you are ready for one last adventure or just some quiet time before heading home, the Poconos have everything for you.
D. Evening with a Wonderful Goodbye
On your last night, take time to celebrate the great memories you have made. Cook something easy, open a bottle of wine or cider, and share stories from your trip. You could have one last fun karaoke session or just enjoy a relaxed movie night. Before bed, step outside for a final look at the starry sky. This is a peaceful and perfect way to end a weekend full of rest and special moments.
Conclusion
A Thanksgiving in the Poconos brings together everything the holiday is about. It has thankfulness and warmth and is close to those you care about. Every moment feels meaningful, from beautiful drives and forest walks to cozy dinners and laughter-filled evenings.
Whether you are celebrating with family or enjoying a quiet escape, the Poconos give you a Thanksgiving experience that feels timeless and special.
Plan your perfect mountain getaway with HolidayKeepers. This is where comfort, nature, and holiday spirit come together for a trip you’ll always remember. Contact our team for booking assistance.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to book a Thanksgiving stay in the Poconos?
A: Try booking at least two months in advance. Rentals and resort tables fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Q: Are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day?
A: Yes, many resorts and fine-dining spots offer Thanksgiving buffets or special menus, but reservations are highly recommended.
Q: What is the weather like in the Poconos in late November?
A: Expect cool days and chilly evenings. Pack warm clothes, boots, and a jacket for outdoor fun.
Q: Can I bring pets to my rental home?
A: Many HolidayKeepers properties are pet-friendly. So, your furry friends can join the trip too.
