Things to Do in Pennsylvania During Winter

Winter in Pennsylvania is a magical time of the year, and even though the state is blanketed in snow, there are still plenty of exciting things to do. While most travelers plan their visits for summer, winter is made for snow sport enthusiasts, and sipping cups of hot chocolate in the city. For sitting by a fireplace or discovering a collection of truly impressive museums.

Pennsylvania is a fabulous choice of white winter destination, and the following are the best attractions and things to do.

State College State Parks

The best way to enjoy winter in State College is to take advantage of its State Parks. Snow sport enthusiasts should head to Bald Eagle State Park. There are opportunities here for activities such as sledding, cross-country skiing, skating and ice fishing.

Black Moshannon State Park offers a unique chance to try your hand at ice boating. “Black Mo in the Snow” is scheduled for January 19 2016 and will feature additional sports like ice bowling, curling and ice mini-golf.

Philadelphia Waterfront Winterfest

From December 17 – March 1, the best thing to do in Philadelphia is the Waterfont Winterfest on Penn’s Landing. This is a pop up village on the Delaware River Waterfront, and your one stop shop for everything that is wintery and festive.

There is an Olympic size skating rink which overlooks the Delware River, and a deck which runs around the rink lined with heated tents serving food. There is plenty of dining with seating both indoors and out; enjoy hot drinks, cocktails, craft beers and small bites while enjoying the holiday light show.

Essington for Wildlife

Visit the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum for some of the best wildlife and bird viewing in Pennsylvania. This is the first urban wildlife refuge in the United States, and protects almost 300 different species of birds, prioritizing a sanctuary for those listed as either threatened or endangered.

This is a fabulous way to spend the day in Essington; an uncrowded and peaceful refuge which offers a pleasant nature walk and is a magnet for birds.

Hummelstown for HersheyPark

Hersheypark is a fantastic family theme park which really comes alive over Christmas. HersheyPark Christmas Candylane is an annual season which sees holiday themed entertainment, seasonal treats, visits with santa, holiday shopping and more. 4 million christmas lights twinkle in one of the biggest and brightest lights displays in the United States, and there are fun rides for every member of the family.

Hershepark is a 10 minute drive from most Hummelstown hotels.

Harrisburg Museums

Winter is a fabulous time of year to explore Pennsylvania’s museums – all indoor and heated! When in Harrisburg be sure to stop by the National Civil War Museum – this is one of the largest exhibitions in the world dedicated exclusively to the American civil war.

Also plan for a stop by the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Especially if traveling with children, this museum features hands on science exhibits, though also live entertainment, doubling as one of Central PA’s best performance venues. This space sees live theatre, concerts, dance, comedy shows and more.