Tuesday, January 6: Learn a Snow Sport Day at Shawnee Mountain, East Stroudsburg, (570) 421-7231 ext210, www.shawneemt.com. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shawnee is offering 100 introductory learn to ski packages that include lift tickets, a lesson and rental for $25. Proceeds benefit Bushkill Outreach. Reservations required.
Ongoing: Now to January 7: Holiday Light Show at Nay Aug Park, Scranton, www.visitnepa.org. Enjoy an evening of spectacular illumination from 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, January 10: Cross Country Skiing at PEEC, Dingmans Ferry, (570) 828-2319, www.peec.org. Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) hosts this opportunity to learn the basics of cross country skiing starting at 9 a.m. Skis, poles & boots provided with adults at $20 and kids $10. Pre-registration required with shoe size to guarantee a spot.
Saturday, January 10: Kettle Creek Winter Go Outside Day, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, (570) 629-3061, www.mcconservation.org. In conjunction with Get Outdoors PA this program invites the whole family on a natural winter time happening tour starting at 10 a.m. Dress for the appropriately. Cost is $5 non-members with children under 12 $3. EE Center members are free.
Saturday, January 10: Winter Trails Day Hike, Nescopeck State Park in Drums, (570) 403-2006. Registration required for this 2-mile hike where you’ll enjoy the Winter Trails Day crisp air. Dress for the weather. Conditions permitting participants will have the option of hiking on snowshoes.
Saturday, January 10 and Sunday January 11: Mid-Atlantic Snowboard Series at Camelback Mountain, Tannersville, (570) 629-1661, www.skicamelback.com. This exciting two-day slalom series is an equally invigorating spectator sport as racers soar to amazing heights with jaw-dropping feats. Each day’s Slalom #1 kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with #2 at 12:30p.m. USASA member and Mid-Atlantic Snowboard Series member competitors’ lift tickets are $30. Spectators welcome to hike up and watch with release form required.
Tuesday, January 13: Pennsylvania Farm Show Trip with Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, (570) 629-3061, www.mcconservation.org. This bus trip to the 99th Pennsylvania Farm Show leaves the EE center at 8:30 a.m. returning at 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Cost is $24 with EE Center members $18.
Saturday, January 17: Delaware Highlands Conservancy Winter Eagle-Watching, Lackawaxen, (570) 226-3164, email: info@delawarehighlands.org. Enjoy a heated bus ride from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the Upper Delaware Region as an expert guide talks about the area’s bald eagles and their habitat. Reservations required. Fee is $20 for non-members with members $15.
Saturday, January 17: Owl Prowl, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, (570) 629-3061, www.mcconservation.org. Learn where and how to look for owls as these nocturnal birds roost in the daytime from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $5 with kids under 12 $3 and EE Center members free.
Monday, January 19: Steamtown Entrance Fee Free Day, Scranton, (570) 340-5200, www.nps.gov/stea. This historic railroad museum will waive its daily entrance fees for a day filled with fun and intriguing history. Learn the story of steam railroading and the people who made it possible with exhibits and more! Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ongoing: Mondays through Saturdays, Now through February 28: Snowshoe & Cross-Country Skiing, Nescopeck State Park in Drums, (570) 403-2006. This free first come first served loaner program encourages outdoor fun in the park from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rules include: equipment must be returned by 3 p.m., at least 4″ of snow must be on the ground for skis and 6″ for snowshoes, borrowers must provide a valid driver’s license. Park staff is available for a brief instruction upon request.
Ongoing: Now through January 31: Bendixen’s Annual Buyers Blowout! Pocono Summit, (570) 839-8795, www.bendixens.com. Indoor thrills are in-store as this popular destination hosts its storewide sale offering the opportunity to take “a bit of country” back home. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Ongoing: Saturdays, January 10 through 24: Beginner Fly-Tying Course, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, (570) 629-3061, www.mcconservation.org. This three-week beginner basic fly-tying course taught by PA State Champion Fly Tyer, Scott Cesari, runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Instruction is free with a $15 charge for materials. Pre-registration required so call Will Daskal to register at (610) 381-6188.
Ongoing: Saturdays and Sundays: January 10 through 31: Shawnee Mountain’s NASTAR Race Series, East Stroudsburg, (570) 421-7231 EXT254, www.shawneemt.com. Shawnee’s Upper Tomahawk Race Course hosts this competitive racing program for all ages and abilities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Cost for two timed runs is $7 with five timed runs at $13. Lift Ticket/pass and NASTAR race ticket required to participate.
Ongoing: Fridays: Friday Happy Hour, Mountain View Vineyard, Winery and Distillery, 5866 Neola Road, Stroudsburg, (570) 619-0053, www.mountainviewvineyard.com. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Enjoy $1 off a glass of your favorite wine, savor a signature drink, and indulge in complimentary snacks! Featured items vary. Ages 21+ only. See website for details.
Ongoing: Saturdays and Sundays: Vineyard & Distillery Tours, Mountain View Vineyard, Winery & Distillery, 5866 Neola Road, Stroudsburg, (570) 619-0053, www.mountainveiwvineyard.com. Saturdays and Sundays. Vineyard Tours at 1 p.m. & Distillery Tours at 2 p.m. Mountain View Vineyard, Join Randy & Linda as they talk about MV’s history, how the wine is made and the types of grapes that grow in our area. MV’s Winery and Distillery is one of only two winery-distilleries in the state! So take a tour of the facilities and see how your favorite wine and spirits are made! Ages 21+ only. Note: no tours January 10 & 11*
Ongoing: Free Brewery Tours and Beer Tastings, Barley Creek BrewingCompany, Sullivan Trail and Camelback Road, Tannersville, (570) 629-9399, www.barleycreek.com. Free brewery tours are offered every day at 12:30 p.m. See the tanks and mills at the brewpub and learn how great beer is made! Tours are followed by free tastings of assorted Barley Creek brews. All ages welcome for tours; tastings restricted to participants 21 and older. Group tours by appointment.
Ongoing: Candle Making Demonstrations, House of Candles, Route 715, Henryville, (570) 629-1953, www.houseofcandles.com. See candles made at the Oldest Candle Shop of the Poconos! Dip your own “wax hand” between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. See website for details.
