Grand Cascades Lodge entrance at Crystal Springs Resort in NJ

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

Hand holding hot chocolate with whip cream.

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.

Boy and girl about to push curling stone down ice.

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.

Two kids curling.

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.

Carolers singing in front of decorated Christmas tree in Crystal Springs Clubhouse

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!

Family watching a holiday movie

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 of boy holding baby goat.

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.

Santa looking down at little girl.

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 doll.

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

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.
Family decorating mini Christmas tree during Winter Workshop at Minerals Hotel

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.
Get creative with paint & sip

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.
Decorated gingerbread cookes in a jar.

WORKSHOP: Ginger Bread House Decorating

During this very popular workshop, big and little kids alike will enjoy decorating a Gingerbread House with lots of delicous candy. Bring home your sweet creation to display for the holidays. While decorating, festive holiday music will fill the air. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge.
Decorated gingerbread house.

WORKSHOP: The Art of Mixology

Get into the 'spirit' and join one of our talented Resort mixologists to learn how to make the tastiest cocktails this winter season. Step by step instruction is provided to ensure delicious favorites which your guests will love during the holidays. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge.
Adults participating in a Mixology teambuilding competition

WORKSHOP: Metal Stamped Ornaments

Create one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake in this hands on workshop! Open to both kids and adults, each guest will receive a blank ornament to personalize using metal stamping techniques. Add names, dates or festive designs to make it uniquely yours.
Metal stamped ornaments.

WORKSHOP: Decorate Your Own Mini Tree

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.

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: Ginger Bread House Decorating

During this very popular workshop, big and little kids alike will enjoy decorating a Gingerbread House with lots of delicous candy. Bring home your sweet creation to display for the holidays. While decorating, festive holiday music will fill the air. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge.

WORKSHOP: The Art of Mixology

Get into the 'spirit' and join one of our talented Resort mixologists to learn how to make the tastiest cocktails this winter season. Step by step instruction is provided to ensure delicious favorites which your guests will love during the holidays. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge.

WORKSHOP: Metal Stamped Ornaments

Create one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake in this hands on workshop! Open to both kids and adults, each guest will receive a blank ornament 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.

Minerals Hotel Indoor Pool

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.

Waterfall at Biosphere Pool Complex in Grand Cascades Lodge

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.

Family sitting by fire pit at Schnapps Shack

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!

Couple enjoying the snow pool at Grand Cascades Lodge

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. 

Minerals Sports Club floor.

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.

Young girl going down the Biosphere water slide

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.

Woman in white towel sitting in sauna.

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.

Kids sitting on glice skating rink.

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.

Group of four people hiking in woods during winter.

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.

Children rock climbing.

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.

Two men playing pickleball behind Minerals Hotel.

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.

Family of four sits around firepit as it snows around them on Fire & Water Terrace

A December to Remember

SAVE UP TO 30%

A December to Remember

SAVE UP TO 30%

Save up to 30% on your stay + professional holiday photo + all-included holiday experiences & activities.

Waterfall at Biosphere Pool Complex in Grand Cascades Lodge

Crystal Mountain Escape

RECEIVE UP TO $300 RESORT CREDIT

Crystal Mountain Escape

RECEIVE UP TO $300 RESORT CREDIT

Up to $300 in Resort Credit toward Spa, Dining, Workshops or Shopping with your stay.

Family dancing in Emerald Ballroom on NYE

New Year's Eve Celebrations

RING IN 2026 WITH US

New Year's Eve Celebrations

RING IN 2026 WITH US

Choose from an array of New Year's Eve dining & celebration options at #NYCsClosestResort!

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.