Get into the holiday spirit while decorating your very own mini Christmas tree! Show your creativity with shiny beads, glistening balls and your own imagination to make the perfect tree.
Holiday Experiences & Activities Included With Your Stay
Postcard Coloring
Kids can choose their design, color it in, then write their very own season's greetings. All that's needed is a bit of creativity to make a one-of-a-kind card for family and friends!
Letters to Santa
Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice, but you still need to write him all that you want for Christmas! Visit the North Pole Post in Frosty's Courtyard at Minerals to fill out a holiday card with your gift wishes, then mail it to St Nick!
Kid Crafted Gifts: Holiday Cards
Kids are invited to get creative by crafting their very own Easter greeting cards, allowing them to express their wishes in a one-of-a-kind way. Cards and supplies are provided for all participants. Move over Hallmark!
Elf Scavenger Hunt
Follow the trail through a series of short videos featuring one of Santa's mischevious elves as they explore the Resort! At each stop, scan a QR code to watch a short pre-recorded video showing the elf's next destination. Follow the trail, collect clues along the way, and solve the puzzle to earn a festive prize at the end!
Live Holiday Music at the Glice Rink
'Tis the season to enjoy your favorite holiday songs. You'll be entertained by the sounds of the season and can also sing along to all your favorite carols. Our group will make spirits brights with an array of popular and beloved tunes. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge on select dates.
Live Nativity Scene
A visit to our live nativity scene will awaken your holiday spirit. This holiday event features staff in costume and live animals, which bring the story of Christmas to life. Photos are allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. Included for guests of both hotels. Hosted at Christmas Corner by the Crystal Springs Clubhouse adjacent to Grand Cascades Lodge.
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy our breakfast buffet and meet Santa from 8:30-10:30am!
Visits with Santa
Have you been naughty or nice? Make sure to bring your camera and holiday gift list to meet the man with the goodies in his bag. Santa will be visiting Grand Cascades Lodge Fridays and Saturdays this holiday season. Reservations are not required. First come, first served. Open to Members and guests of both hotels.
Reindeer Games
It's time for festive and fun Reindeer Games at Crystal Springs Resort! Enjoy a variety of winter and holiday themed family games including the Musical Candy Canes, Reindeer Ring Toss and many others. Hosted at Minerals Hotel.
Christmas Carol Bingo
Reindeer Farm Visit
Experience the wonder of the season with a visit to LuftGardens Farm! This 1.5 hour guided tour lets you meet real reindeer up close and learn all about how they're cared for! Sip on hot cocoa, snap memorable photos, and enjoy a cozy dose of holiday cheer!
The 12 Goats of Christmas
Come out for a holiday meet and greet with Santa's baby goats. These adorable animals love to dress up for the season and play with guests of all ages. Step into their pen for some unforgettably fun photo opportunities. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. This experience is accessible to guests of both hotels.
Kid Crafted Gifts: Ornaments
Kids will have lots of fun creating holiday ornaments. A little glue, some glitter and a few basic craft supplies are all that's needed for decorations that youngsters can easily make. These DIY ornaments make great gifts, or add a special touch to your tree.
Frosty's Courtyard
Gather with friends at Frosty’s Courtyard—an outdoor holiday escape with twinkling photo spots, lighthearted games, and a North Pole Mail Stop . Top it all off with festive cocktails and cozy drinks from Frosty’s Cantina, open weekends only.
Glice Skating
Glice is a Swiss engineered eco-friendly synthetic material that can be skated on, even when it is above freezing. Come glide around the rink and then warm up by the fire with a hot cocoa or festive adult beverage from the Jacques Torres Hot Cocoa Hut. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge. Skate time and skate rentals are included for guests of both hotels.
Holiday Carol-oke
Step into the spotlight and sing your favorite holiday hits under the glow! Grab the mic, gather the family, and belt out festive classics in this glowing karaoke celebration. No experience required—just holiday spirit and a willingness to have fun!
Curling Open Sessions
Try this winter sport by the Glice Rink at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse. Two teams of players slide curling stones down a sheet of specially prepared synthetic "glice" attempting to get their stones closest to the target's center.
Looking for more?
In addition to all the experiences and activities above that are included with your stay, the Resort also offers the following workshops, which do require a fee.
WORKSHOP: Decorate Your Own Mini Tree
WORKSHOP: Paint & Sip
Join one of our local art instructors for step by step guidance to create a beautiful seasonal scene you'll be proud of. Enjoy a glass of wine as you paint your take home souvenir on canvas. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel.
WORKSHOP: Ginger Bread Cookie Decorating
'Tis the season to make delicious smiles! Have fun with this holiday tradition as you decorate three gingerbread people to create tasty treats. Use icing, colorful sprinkles and bright candies to make your cookies one-of-a-kind. All supplies will be provided. Hosted at Minerals Hotel.
WORKSHOP: The Art of Mixology
Elevate your bartending skills with a hands-on cocktail masterclass hosted by our talented Resort mixologists. Enjoy step-by-step guidance as you craft signature drinks at Grand Cascades Lodge.
WORKSHOP: Stuffed Animal Build
Meet your new best friend! Choose from a variety of animals in our animal stuffing workshop!
WORKSHOP: Metal Stamped Ornaments or Jewelry
Create one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake in this hands on workshop! Open to both kids and adults, each guest will receive their choice of a blank ornament or piece of jewelry to personalize using metal stamping techniques. Add names, dates or festive designs to make it uniquely yours.
Pools & Amenities
Minerals Pools
Guests of both hotels have access to the Minerals Hotel pool complex which features heated indoor and outdoor pools, refreshing waterfalls, multiple hot tubs, cold plunge, steam & sauna, swim up aquarium and more.
Biosphere Pools
Grand Cascades Lodge guests have full access to the Biosphere Pool Complex, which features a retractable glass roof, dozens or exotic tropical plants, 140' water slide, free form indoor & outdoor heated pools, hot tub, steam & sauna.
Fire Pits
Both hotels offer cozy fire pits with stunning mountain views which can be enjoyed in all four seasons. Whether roasting marshmallows, listening to music or enjoying the stars, these outdoor seating enclaves are a guest favorite.
Snow Pools
Pool complexes at both hotels have outdoor heated snow pools that are open year round and where you can stay warm regardless of how cold it is outside, even in a snowy blizzard!
Minerals Sports Club
Guests of both hotels have full access to dozens of weekly yoga and fitness classes as well as all facilities at Minerals Sports Club an expansive weight and cardio center, spin studio, running track, pickleball courts, rock climbing and basketball court.
Biosphere Water Slide
Take a ride down the 140’ water slide in the tropical Biosphere at Grand Cascades Lodge. The slide provides a high energy ride through a tunnel ending with a speedy splash down into our heated pool. Available to GCL guest only.
Hot Tubs, Steam & Sauna
The pool complexes at both hotels feature hot tub, steam & sauna for you to relax and unwind year round. Minerals pool complex also features a cold plunge for those interested in cold water immersion therapy.
Glice Rink
Made from an eco-friendly Swiss engineered material, the Glice rink at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse will be open daily starting November 29th. Skate rentals and Glice time are included with your stay at either Resort hotel.
Wild Turkey Nature Trail
Set out for a calming walk on our three mile wooded Nature Trail adjacent to Grand Cascades Lodge. Capture exceptional shots of flora and fauna in this forested setting with scenic views. Sturdy walking shoes recommended.
Rock Climbing Wall
Guests of both hotels are invited to try their mountaineering skills on the rock climbing wall at Minerals Hotel, which uses a catch-and-hold technology to give climbers the time they need to rest, recover, and finish their route.
Crystal Mountain Escape
RECEIVE UP TO $300 RESORT CREDIT
Holiday Packages
Make your holiday celebration special with an escape to the mountains of northwestern New Jersey. Enjoy award winning accommodations at the AAA Four Diamond Grand Cascades Lodge or the comfortably appointed Minerals Hotel, an array of dining choices ranging from casual to gourmet, exciting seasonal activities for all ages, spectacular pool complexes and endless amenities. No matter the season, experience a memorable holiday getaway at New Jersey's favorite Resort.