WinterFest Jim Thorpe 2026: A Day Trip Guide from Your Cabin
Jim Thorpe WinterFest is one of the most popular winter events in the Pocono Mountains, and the 2026 edition
takes place on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 in the historic downtown area. The event
features free admission, live ice carvings, carriage rides, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, live music at the
Mauch Chunk Opera House, and the popular Mug Walk through local shops. For anyone staying at a vacation
home in the Poconos, WinterFest is one of the best day trips of the winter season.
What to Expect at WinterFest 2026
WinterFest takes place along Broadway, West Broadway, and the surrounding streets of downtown Jim Thorpe.
The event runs during the day on both Friday and Saturday, with evening entertainment at venues like the
Mauch Chunk Opera House and Penn's Peak.
Ice Carvings and Sculptures. Artists carve ice sculptures live outside the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14
West Broadway. Finished pieces are displayed throughout downtown all weekend.
Luminary Walk. On Friday evening, February 14 (Valentine's Day), the streets of Jim Thorpe glow with
candlelit luminaries from 6 to 9 PM. Local shops and restaurants stay open with winter specials. It's one of the
most scenic evenings in the Poconos all year.
The Mug Walk. For $30 per ticket (advance purchase required), you get a commemorative mug, a walking
map, and a tote bag to collect goodies from 18 participating shops along Broadway. Mugs are picked up at the
Jim Thorpe Visitors Center inside the train station at 1 Susquehanna Street, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Bring your
receipt.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The train runs 70-minute round trips through the Lehigh Gorge during
WinterFest weekend. Tickets range from $23 to $32 and sell out quickly. Book at lehighgorgerail.com.
Live Entertainment. The Mauch Chunk Opera House hosts an ELO Tribute Show on Saturday night. Penn's
Peak features Atmosphere on Friday and a Neil Young tribute show on Saturday. The Mauch Chunk Museum
hosts Shimmer, a winter circus by Cirque-tacular with shows for all ages at $15 per ticket.
Family Warming Station. Inside the Mauch Chunk Museum and Ballroom at 41 West Broadway. Grab a
snack, browse local vendors, and warm up.
Getting There and Parking
Jim Thorpe is about 45 minutes from most Pocono Pads vacation homes near Camelback Mountain. Take
Route 903 or I-476 depending on where you're coming from.
Parking is limited and fills up fast on event weekends. Here are your options:
Carbon County Municipal Lot at 1 Susquehanna Street. $15 per day on Saturday and Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM.
This is the main lot.
County Lot at 41 Susquehanna Street. Additional overflow parking.
Immaculate Conception Parish at 163 West Broadway. Available Saturday and Sunday, pay via QR code.
Street parking is available downtown with payment at kiosks or through the Flowbird app. Avoid red permit
zones on West Broadway to avoid a $75 ticket.
The best strategy: arrive by 9:30 AM on Saturday to get a spot in the main lot. If you're coming for the Luminary
Walk on Friday evening, aim to arrive by 5:30 PM.
Plan Your Day Trip from Your Pocono Cabin
Here's a sample itinerary for a WinterFest day trip from your Pocono Pads vacation home:
9:00 AM - Big breakfast at the cabin. Use that full kitchen.
9:45 AM - Drive to Jim Thorpe (about 45 minutes).
10:30 AM - Pick up Mug Walk mugs at the Visitors Center. Start walking Broadway.
12:00 PM - Lunch at one of the downtown restaurants. Broadway Grille, Cafe Arielle, and The Inn at Jim
Thorpe are all solid options.
1:00 PM - Watch live ice carving. Browse shops on Race Street and West Broadway.
2:30 PM - Train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (if you booked ahead).
4:00 PM - Drive back to the cabin.
5:00 PM - Hot tub. Fire pit. Dinner at the cabin or a nearby restaurant.
Make It a Weekend
WinterFest falls on Valentine's Day and the day before Presidents Day weekend, which means you can
combine this day trip with a full long weekend in the Poconos. Ski Camelback Mountain on Saturday or
Monday, hit Jim Thorpe for WinterFest on Friday or Saturday, and spend the rest of the time enjoying your
cabin.
Pocono Pads manages over 40 vacation homes across the Pocono Mountains, many with hot tubs, fireplaces,
and game rooms that make the time between day trips just as memorable. Browse properties at
poconopads.com and book direct.
