From family-friendly activities to live music, festive dining, and outdoor adventures, Monroe County and the Poconos are serving up a full plate of events this Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you’re a local looking for something fun to do or a visitor escaping to the mountains for the holiday, here’s your guide to what’s happening from this weekend through Thanksgiving.
🎵 Live Music & Entertainment
Yung Gravy at Sherman Theater
Friday, November 21, 2025 Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg
Kick off the pre-Thanksgiving weekend with hip-hop artist Yung Gravy alongside Pertinence and DJ TIIIIIIIIIIP. The Sherman Theater brings world-class entertainment to downtown Stroudsburg.
The Blank Stares, Ultra Death Cult & More
Friday, November 21, 2025 Sherman Showcase, Stroudsburg
Alternative rock fans won’t want to miss The Blank Stares with Ultra Death Cult, Proven Winners, and Twentytwo at the Sherman Showcase.
Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center Events
Saturday, November 22, 2025 East Stroudsburg Tickets: $18
Catch special film screenings and cultural programming at this local gem.
Zakk Sabbath at Sherman Theater
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg
The day before Thanksgiving, rock out with Zakk Sabbath, Bonfire, and Dark Chapel—a perfect pre-feast celebration.
Railroad Earth (Two Nights!)
Friday, November 28 & Saturday, November 29, 2025 Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg
The jamgrass legends Railroad Earth play back-to-back shows for the Thanksgiving weekend. Saturday’s show features Dirty Grass Players as the opener.
🍷 Wine, Food & Relaxation
Radiant Roots Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up
Saturday, November 23, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Mountain View Vineyard, 2332 Walters Rd, Stroudsburg
Browse beautiful permanent jewelry while enjoying Mountain View Vineyard’s handcrafted wines. A perfect afternoon activity for those looking for unique gifts or a little self-indulgence.
Live Music with Sol Katana
Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Mountain View Vineyard, Stroudsburg
Wind down the long weekend with live music, wine tasting, and scenic views at Mountain View Vineyard.
🦃 Thanksgiving Dining Experiences
Camelback Resort Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 28, 2025 Hemispheres Restaurant, Camelback Mountain
Join Camelback for a warm and festive Thanksgiving dining experience. Gather with family and friends to enjoy a traditional feast in a beautiful mountain resort setting. Reservations recommended.
Kalahari Resorts Thanksgiving Celebration Buffet
Thursday, November 28, 2025 Kilimanjaro Ballroom, Kalahari Resorts
Kalahari is pulling out all the stops with their legendary holiday buffet featuring turkey, prime rib, mashed potatoes, candied yams, and an extensive dessert station. Turn your Thanksgiving into a weekend family vacation and enjoy one of the country’s largest indoor waterparks. Perfect for families looking to make the holiday extra special.
Pocono Organics Thanksgiving Takeout
Pre-order by November 21, 2025 Pocono Organics, Stroudsburg
Let award-winning Chef Lindsay McClain prepare your Thanksgiving feast! The farm-to-table menu includes creative dishes like mushroom brioche stuffing and Dutch apple pie. Customize your order online and skip the cooking stress.
Order deadline: November 21
Skytop Lodge Thanksgiving Tradition
Thursday, November 28, 2025 Skytop Lodge
Make Skytop Lodge your new Thanksgiving tradition! This luxury Pocono resort offers an elegant holiday dining experience in a stunning mountain setting.
🏔️ Outdoor Activities & Shopping
Explore Jim Thorpe
Ongoing through the weekend
Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe offers charming Victorian architecture, boutique shopping, museums, and outdoor activities. Perfect for working off that Thanksgiving dinner with a scenic hike or a stroll through the historic downtown.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Open daily
Take advantage of the crisp fall weather with hiking, scenic drives, and nature walks. With over 70,000 acres spanning Monroe and Pike Counties, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural beauty of the Poconos.
Black Friday Shopping
Friday, November 29, 2025
- Stroud Mall – Featuring JCPenney, specialty shops, and dining
- Olde Engine Works Antique Mall – Unique finds and collectibles in Stroudsburg
- Downtown Stroudsburg – Boutique shopping on Main Street with local businesses
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Check hours for holiday schedule 5 Quiet Valley Rd, Stroudsburg
Experience Pennsylvania Dutch farm life with living history tours, including the schoolhouse experience with “Mrs. Miller.” A great educational activity for families visiting over the long weekend.
🎄 Getting Ready for the Holidays
Pocono Organics Shopping
Through the weekend
Browse the farm stand and gift shop for locally-made products, artisan goods, and farm-fresh items. Perfect for getting a jump start on holiday shopping.
Holiday Light Displays Begin
Starting late November
Poconos Lights and Christmas Tram Tours begin operating at the end of November. Check specific dates and times to kick off your holiday season with spectacular light displays.
🏨 Make It a Weekend Getaway
Many Poconos resorts are offering special Thanksgiving packages and deals:
Holiday Cheer Offer
Multiple resorts are offering up to 15% savings on accommodations with daily breakfast included.
Indoor Waterpark Fun
Beat the cold weather at:
- Kalahari Resorts (America’s largest indoor waterpark)
- Camelback Lodge (Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark)
- Great Wolf Lodge
Perfect for families looking to keep kids entertained while creating Thanksgiving memories.
📍 Community Events
Pocono Mountain School District Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM District Administration Center, 135 Pocono Mountain School Road, Swiftwater
For residents interested in local school district matters. Meeting is live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
Monroe County Courthouse Closures
November 27-28, 2025
The Monroe County Courthouse and Administrative Center will be closed for Thanksgiving and the day after.
🎉 Looking Ahead: Post-Thanksgiving Events
Fireside Fridays Begin
Starting Friday, December 5, 2025 Mountain View Vineyard, Stroudsburg
Book a cozy cabana rental and enjoy fireside wine tastings, seasonal cocktails, and warm beverages. Reservations recommended for this popular winter experience.
🍂 Why Visit the Poconos for Thanksgiving?
Natural Beauty: The fall foliage may be waning, but the mountain scenery remains stunning. Fresh mountain air, pristine forests, and peaceful landscapes create the perfect Thanksgiving backdrop.
Farm-to-Table Dining: The Poconos’ agricultural heritage means access to fresh, local ingredients at restaurants and markets throughout the region.
Family-Friendly: From indoor waterparks to historical sites, there’s something for every age and interest.
Proximity: Easily accessible from New York City (90 miles), Philadelphia (100 miles), and Northern New Jersey, making it an ideal long weekend escape.
Resort Amenities: World-class accommodations with spas, dining, entertainment, and activities all in one place.
💡 Insider Tips
- Make Reservations Early: Thanksgiving dining spots fill up quickly. Book your restaurant reservations now.
- Check Weather: Late November weather in the Poconos can be unpredictable. Pack layers and be prepared for rain or early snow.
- Traffic Timing: If you’re coming from NYC or Philly, arrive before Wednesday afternoon to avoid Thanksgiving travel traffic. Sunday afternoon/evening will also be busy for returns.
- Order Takeout in Advance: If you’re renting a cabin or vacation home, order your Thanksgiving takeout meals by November 21 from Pocono Organics and other local restaurants.
- Sherman Theater Tickets: Popular shows like Railroad Earth and Yung Gravy may sell out. Purchase tickets in advance online.
- Outdoor Activities: Trails can be muddy this time of year. Bring appropriate footwear and dress in layers.
📞 More Information
- Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau: PoconoMountains.com
- Sherman Theater: ShermanTheater.com
- Monroe County Events: MonroeCountyPA.com/calendar
- Weather Updates: Check local forecasts before planning outdoor activities
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re craving a traditional Thanksgiving feast, live music, outdoor adventure, or just a peaceful mountain retreat, Monroe County and the Poconos deliver. From the cozy wine country vibes of Mountain View Vineyard to the high-energy concerts at Sherman Theater, and from luxurious resort dining at Kalahari to historic charm in Jim Thorpe, there’s something for everyone this Thanksgiving weekend.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Poconos Thanksgiving getaway today!
Have an event we missed? Submit your Monroe County event to events@monroecountypa.com to be added to the community calendar.
Happy Thanksgiving from Monroe County! 🦃🍁
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