Things to Do During the Winter in Cumberland Valley

Don't stay hidden inside this winter! We found the best outdoor attractions, performing arts venues, and shopping hotspots that will keep you exploring Cumberland Valley well into the chilly months.

Outdoor Adventure

Winter sports enthusiasts have numerous choices to explore snow-covered mountains, such as skiing, snowboarding, and inner tubing. In contrast, those who favor a more relaxed winter activity can opt for our picturesque parks, which provide chances for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and hiking.

• Cross-country ski on moderate hilly to mountainous terrain at Colonel Denning State Park or ice skate on the lake.
• Kings Gap Environmental & Education Center offers special programming and hikes throughout the winter months. Sign up for their events or head out on your own to explore over 25 miles of trails.
• Cross-country ski at Pine Grove Furnace State Park or ice skate on Laurel Lake.
• Roundtop Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
• Adventure Explorations offers expert guides that provide year-round customized outdoor experiences in rock climbing, hiking, biking, and more.

Arts & Culture

There are numerous opportunities for musical performances, speakers, films, or children's shows at performing arts venues in Cumberland Valley. And several still offer virtual events that you can enjoy from the safety, comfort, and warmth of your home. Either way, despite the cold weather, you'll stay warm and dry as you enjoy year-round cultural offerings.

• Take in a variety of shows and performances at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center in Shippensburg.
• The historic art deco Carlisle Theatre hosts musical acts, live theatrical productions, and independent, foreign, first-run, and award-winning films.
• The Playhouse at Allenberry, Oyster Mill Playhouse, and Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg provide quality live theatre and have been entertaining guests for over 40 years.
• Dickinson College and Messiah University host numerous musical performances as well as lectures that are free and open to the public.
• Don't forget to take advantage of our public libraries, many of which host fun activities and classes for children and adults, as well as live music and films.
• If you are looking for a more hands-on experience, try an art class at Carlisle Arts Learning Center. Classes are offered to adults and to children and include mediums such as photography, ceramics, drawing, copper enameling, and painting. Craft Beer & Clay Nights are particularly popular.

Explore our Cumberland Valley art galleries, where you can view the fine craftsmanship of Cumberland Valley artisans. Whether is exquisite pottery, unique hand-crafted jewelry, sculptures, or photography, these galleries reflect a lively local arts scene.

Shopping Hotspots

The Valley's assortment of funky gift shops, art galleries, and handcrafted Made in Cumberland Valley goodies make shopping easy and fun.

• Explore downtown Carlisle where you will find welcoming shops featuring handmade chocolate, trendy clothing, jewelry, antiques, and more.
• Spend a Saturday morning at the 60,000-square-foot West Shore Farmers Market, an indoor shopping haven with 50 food vendors downstairs and upscale boutiques on the second floor that offer designer clothes, jewelry, and home decor.
• 1801 Market Street in Camp Hill features a treasure trove of stores, including One Good Woman, Little Black Dress, Plum Bottom, Underneath It All, Sweet Velvet Macarons, and Live in Color.
• If you need clothing or equipment for your outdoor adventure, you’re in luck! We have a number of specialty shops that will keep your adventure on the right track, including Earth Artisan & Outfitter and TCO Outdoors.

Make it a Weekend

Plan to make a winter getaway out of the suggestions listed above. Our lodging choices range from downtown hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Also, plan for a cozy meal or two with the collection of eclectic dining choices throughout Cumberland Valley or make a few stops along our Cumberland Valley Beer Trail.