Most everyone has heard the classic holiday song, Winter Wonderland. Written by Wayne County native Richard Smith, the song captures the heart and spirit of Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wayne and Pike Counties during the holiday season.

Each December, the tranquil town of Hawley, nestled in the foothills of the Poconos, celebrates the start of the winter season with Winterfest, a town-wide event to bring people together for fun and fellowship. With varied activities for all ages, including delicious culinary experiences, charming holiday decorations and lively entertainment, Winterfest embodies the peaceful small-town charm heard in Richard Smith’s evocative lyrics, “a beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland.” 

With the end of the 20^th Century just weeks away, the first Winterfest festivities, celebrated in 1999, centered around a Victorian theme which harkened back to the beginning of that century.  The event was envisioned by the Hawley Merchants Committee of the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce as a community event in which both the private and business sectors could come together to celebrate the turning of the century. The primary objective was to generate a positive image of the town and to provide entertainment and activities for the citizens of Wayne and Pike Counties, as well as visitors to the town during the winter holiday season. That objective was met and a new annual holiday tradition was born.

This year, Winterfest is celebrated Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9. Visitors will stroll down the streets of Hawley surrounded by the sights and sounds of the holidays, enjoying the serene beauty of the snow-covered town in winter, the very scenes that are said to have inspired Smith to write the words to one of the season’s most enduring and beloved songs.

Experience the season in a true holiday atmosphere as Winterfest transforms Hawley into a winter wonderland like no other. Be it a cozy dinner for two, a family holiday meal, an entertaining evening with friends or a warm drink while Christmas shopping, you’re sure to find something that will enhance the joy and spirit of the season. The seventh annual Winterfest festivities promise to be the biggest and brightest yet.

For specific events and times, please click on the Winterfest “Event Schedule” link  to learn about wonderful activities such as horse and carriage rides, historic house tours, carolers and other musical entertainment, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a free holiday play and transportation to various venues around town. A special treat awaits you at the Hawley Borough Hall where you will be able to view Louis Hensel prints. Louis Hensel recorded our history and countryside from 1875 to 1928. Follow this link for detailed information. Click on this link to view a merchant map and some specific merchant activities.
 

hlwchmbr@ptd.net  - Ornaments are $15.95 / Cost for mailing is $3.00

Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce
(570) 226-3191