BEST HOTELS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
USA TODAY
Crystal Springs Resort is thrilled to have been named by USA TODAY® as one of the Top 3 Best Hotels for the Holidays nationally. Spend the most magical time of year with us featuring festive all-included activities + holiday experiences.
Holiday Experiences & Activities Included With Your Stay
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.
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.
Curling - Private 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.
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.
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 at Minerals to fill out a holiday card with your gift wishes, then mail it to St Nick!
Christmas Carol Bingo
Holiday Movies in Frosty's Courtyard
Join us at Frosty's Cantina to watch clips of your favorite holiday movies and pull up a chair to roast some marshmallows on the fire and enjoy the lights and holiday decor in Frosty's Courtyard. Hot cocoa and festive adult beverages are available but not included. Hosted for members and resort guests at Minerals Hotel.
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.
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.
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!
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
WORKSHOP: Ginger Bread Cookie Decorating
WORKSHOP: Ginger Bread House Decorating
WORKSHOP: The Art of Mixology
WORKSHOP: Stuffed Animal Build
WORKSHOP: Metal Stamped Ornaments
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.
Pickleball Courts
Come play the fastest growing sport in America - now available at Minerals Hotel and open to guests of both hotels. Paddle rentals are available but are not included.
A December to Remember
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Crystal Mountain Escape
RECEIVE UP TO $300 RESORT CREDIT
New Year's Eve Celebrations
RING IN 2026 WITH US
Holiday Packages
Make your holiday celebration special with an escape to the mountains of northwestern New Jersey. Enjoy award winning accommodations at the AAA 4-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 #NJsFavoriteResort.