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
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.
Marshmallow Roasting
Warm up around the fire and make some memories with a good old fashioned marshmallow roast. Great fun for adults and kids alike.
The Light Hunt
The holiday Light Hunt is a fun scavenger hunt where guests search for animal lights that are hidden outdoors around the property. Hosted at Grand Cascades Lodge.
Glice Skating
Glice is a Swiss engineered eco-friendly synthetic material that can be skated on, even when it is above freeing. 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.
Santa's "Reindeer" Goats
Santa's official reindeer trainers are making a special stop at Minerals to show us how they get Santa's fleet ready for the big flight on Christmas Eve! In this playful demonstration, our friendly Resort Reingoats - goats dressed as reindeer - will stand in for Santa's famous team while the trainers share their magical methods.
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.