The Top Festive Things To Do In Winter at Deep Creek Lake

Grab your cup of hot cocoa and snow boots, because we are getting down to all things winter in Deep Creek Lake. If you are looking for a weekend away with cozy and festive winter vibes, Deep Creek is your perfect destination! These are the top 20 festive things to do in winter at Deep Creek Lake.

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Skiing and Snowboarding at Wisp Resort

Skiing and snowboarding is the most popular winter activity in Deep Creek Lake. Wisp Ski Resort is located at the northern end of Deep Creek Lake, in the town of McHenry. It is home to 34 slopes, 10 chair lifts and a terrain park. A few of the slopes overlook the lake. Wisp offers ski school and ski lessons for both adults and children. The slopes at Wisp have lights, so night skiing is available. The sunsets on top of Wisp are really stunning, so if you buy a night ski lift ticket, come early for sunset! Check out my post Everything You Need to Know About Skiing at Wisp Resort for a detailed description of each slope, ranked easiest to hardest. Visit my Amazon storefront for ski & snowboarding gear and winter essentials.

Ski and snowboard rentals are available at Wisp Resort but if you want to skip the long rental line at the resort, I highly recommend renting at these local shops, which you will pass on the way to the mountain:

High Mountain Sports
Deep Creek Ski & Snowboard Rentals

Swallow Falls In the Snow

Nothing is more magical and beautiful than Swallow Falls Canyon Trail in the snow. Swallow Falls turns into an actual winter wonderland when there is fresh fallen snow. Put on your snow pants, ski jacket, snow boots, and grab your hat and gloves for this trail. The one mile roundtrip loop will take you past 4 snow covered waterfalls: Muddy Creek Falls (the largest free-falling waterfall in Maryland), Lower Swallow Falls, Upper Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls. This is, by far, one of the most festive things to do in winter in Deep Creek. The only problem is that when there is snow at Swallow Falls, my family wants to be on the slopes skiing! But trust me, this is definitely worth tearing yourself away from the fresh powder on the slopes for! The entrance fee for Swallow Falls is $3 per person for Maryland residents and $5 per person for out-of-state visitors.

Snow Tubing at Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort’s Snow Tubing hills are so much fun for both kids and adults! Children ages 4 and up that are at least 42 inches tall can ride the tubes. From the base, you take a tube onto a conveyer belt that takes you to the top of a 750 foot hill. At the top of the hill, there are 12 tubing lanes to choose from. There are staff members at the top who will direct you when to go, and even give you a push if you need one. Make sure to bring your snow boots for tubing! Snow tubing is a very popular and festive thing to do in winter in Deep Creek, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. Click here for pricing and reservations.

Sledding at Herrington Manor State Park

Herrington Manor State Park has trails designated just for sledding! These are unique from most sledding places because they are trails that meander through the woods, not wide-open sledding hills. There are bumper pads on the base of the trees on the trail to prevent you from hitting any of the trees.

The sledding area is unmarked and easy to miss when arriving by car. When you enter Herrington Manor State Park, make a left after the entrance booth. When you see the camp store on your right, there will be a playground and parking on the left. Park in that lot, and walk down the trail across from the parking lot (next to the camp store).

Sledding through the snow-covered forest is such a magical and festive thing to do in the winter in Deep Creek! Be sure to bring your own sled or toboggan, and check out the park website for sledding conditions before you go.

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides

Pleasant Valley Dream Rides & Circle R Ranch both offer horse drawn sleigh rides during the winter months. Nothing is more idyllic and festive than riding on a horse drawn sleigh through snow covered fields. (Anyone else have “Jingle Bells” going through their head when they imagine this?!) Pure winter perfection! Be sure to check out both websites for more information.

Igloo at Mountain State Brewing Co.

Mountain State Brewing Co. is a fabulous restaurant in Deep Creek that offers festive igloo dining in the winter. The igloos are heated and some even have electric fireplaces in them! Igloos at Mountain State Brewing Co can accommodate up to 7 people. Reservations should be made online in advance. Click here for igloo reservations.

Lakefront Christmas Tree Lighting at the Honi Honi Bar

The Honi Honi Bar is a popular destination in Deep Creek Lake. This lakefront bar is located right next door to Uno’s Restaurant and shares an expansive lake front lawn with the restaurant. During the summer, the lawn is filled with corn hole, spike ball and visitors enjoying the outdoor live bands. In the winter, it boasts a large Christmas tree and other Christmas decor. The Honi Honi hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting event each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Tree Lighting is a festive family-friendly event with a band playing Christmas Carols, a hot cocoa bar, marshmallow roasting and s’mores over the patio fire pit and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Ice Fishing

In winter, when Deep Creek Lake freezes over, you will find the lake spotted with people ice fishing. In order to safely ice fish, the lake needs to have at least 4 inches of ice. The shallow coves of Deep Creek Lake freeze first and are the best locations for ice fishing. Deep Creek Lake State Park also has good ice fishing access. You will need ice fishing poles, an ice auger, and bait. Bait can be purchased at B&B Bait, Snoopers Heaven or Hanky Pankies Bait & Tackle. Western Maryland Guide Service offers guided ice fishing. Click here for more information on their guided ice fishing.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity in Deep Creek and a great option for non-skiers who want to get out and enjoy the snow. Snowshoe equipment is available for rent at High Mountain Sports, Herrington Manor State Park, and New Germany State Park. All of the State Parks in Deep Creek have snowshoe trails. The most popular trails are at Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park. Both parks have groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. All Earth Eco Tours provides guided snowshoe tours with equipment included in the tour.

Ride a Fat Bike Through The Snowy Forest

Fat bikes are bicycles with exceptionally wide tires, typically 3.8 inches wide or more. These oversized tires make fat bikes well suited for riding in the snow. Fat bikes give you the feeling of floating over the snow as you ride. If you don’t own a fat bike, you can rent one at Herrington Manor State Park. Deep Creek Adventure Bureau also hosts Fat Bike Events throughout the winter.

Woodlake Tree Farm

If you want to cut down your own Christmas Tree, Woodlake Tree Farm is the place to go in Deep Creek. Reservations are required for tree cutting. If you aren’t in the market for a fresh cut tree, Woodlake Tree Farm is still a must-visit winter destination. Their Christmas Shop has the most beautiful rustic chic decor for sale. The Christmas Shop opens the day after Thanksgiving and remains open throughout the tree-cutting season.

Cross Country Skiing

Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park have groomed trails for cross country skiing. Both parks offer cross country ski rentals, along with High Mountain Sports. Deep Creek Lake State Park also has trails, however they are not groomed.

Outdoor Ice Skating

Head to the nearby town of Grantsville (just a 20 minute drive from Deep Creek Lake) for some festive outdoor ice skating. The JTF Ice Rink, located at Granstville Town Park, offers public skate sessions, private and group lessons and party reservations. Skate with Santa sessions are also held in December. Ice skates, helmets and skate aids are available to rent. Be sure to book your visit in advance. Click here for ice skating reservations.

Christmas Light Show at Oakland Armory

The Oakland Armory puts on an amazing Christmas light show called the Joy of Christ. The light show features Christmas Carols synchronized in lights on a giant light tree. The show restarts every 30 minutes from 5-10 pm, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. You can view the light show from inside your vehicle, tuning your car radio to the coordinating radio station, or from outdoors, listening to the music from the show speakers.

Festival of Trees at the Fairgrounds

The Festival of Trees is held annually on Thanksgiving weekend (Friday and Saturday). The event benefits the Dove Center, Garrett County’s domestic violence and sexual assault assistance program and has raised over $200,000 for the the center since the festival began. The festival, held at the main building of the Garrett County Fairgrounds, features donated Christmas trees decorated in different themes by local designers, which visitors can bid on during the Saturday night live auction. There are several activities throughout the days, including Frosty’s Funland, Christmas shopping, cookie decorating and pictures with Santa. The Festival of Trees is a fun start to the Christmas season!

A Great Small Town Christmas in Oakland

Downtown Oakland hosts A Great Small Town Christmas the first weekend in December. This festive event includes the Oakland Christmas tree lighting, a parade, sleigh rides, visits with Santa, live music, shopping and soup stations.

Winterfest Wine Walk

The town of Oakland hosts Winterfest every February during President’s Day Weekend. Winterfest activities include ice sculptures, festive kids activities, sleigh rides and the popular Wine Walk with different wine tastings. For more information on Winterfest, click here.

Christmas In The Village

The Spruce Forest Artisan Village at Little Crossings in nearby Grantsville hosts Christmas in the Village each year. Christmas in the Village is usually held in the beginning of December, and features the tree lighting, live music, luminaries, crafts, visits with Santa and a live nativity. Click here for more information on the Christmas in the Village.

The Deep Creek Dunk

One of the most popular events in Deep Creek in the winter is the Deep Creek Dunk. The Deep Creek Dunk is essentially a polar plunge fundraiser which benefits the Special Olympics of Maryland. This annual event, which is held in February at the Honi Honi Bar, features live music, costume contests, and of course, the actual plunge into the frigid lake. You don’t have to actually do the dunk to participate in this fun event. Spectators are welcome! The Deep Creek Dunk is open to all ages, and it is a really fun party! This is one of of our favorite things to do in the winter in Deep Creek Lake.

Sledding at Blackwater Falls

If you are up for a day trip, go sledding at Blackwater Falls sled hill in West Virginia. Blackwater Falls is only a 45 minute drive from Deep Creek and features the longest sled run on the East Coast! The best part of this sledding experience is that you don’t have to walk back up the hill–there is a magic carpet that takes you and your sled up to the top! Sleds are provided, they do not allow you to bring your own. Tickets must be purchased in advance–this is a popular activity and tickets will sell out, so be sure to book in advance at wvstateparks.com

Indoor Activities at Deep Creek Lake in Winter

For those visitors who don’t want to brave the cold, these are great indoor options in Deep Creek during winter.

Simon Pearce Glass Blowing

Deep Creek is home to the Simon Pearce Glass Factory Store. Besides shopping for a variety of gorgeous hand blown glass products, you can actually walk into the factory and watch the factory workers make the glass. Glass blowing is open to the public daily from 10am-2pm. Watching them mold the molten glass is fascinating and a fun indoor activity for all ages.

Candyland

Candyland Farmer’s Market in Oakland is one of Deep Creek’s hidden gems. This store is home to over 900 varieties of candy, including throw-back, nostalgic candies dating back to the 1950’s. If you can think of a type of candy, they probably have it! The majority of the candies can be mixed in a pay per pound form, while others are sold individually. Candyland is a treat for all ages!

The Bogey Club Golf Lounge

Play golf in the height of winter! The Bogey Club Golf Lounge is an indoor golf simulator, perfect for the golf enthusiasts in winter!

Escape Room at Wisp Resort

The Escape Room at Wisp Resort is a fun indoor option for your family or group. Work together to solve clues and puzzles in this escape room game.

Bowling Alley

For some indoor fun, bring your family and friends to The Alley, Deep Creek’s only bowling alley. The Alley is more than just a bowling alley, they also have arcade games, pool tables, dart boards, shuffle board, ping pong and foosball.

OMG Relax Massage

OMG Relax offers touchless massage. Relax in their one of a kind massage chairs and enjoy a 30 minute full body massage.

Paint Your Own Pottery

Paint your own pottery at Deep Creek Pottery. This is a fun indoor winter activity for all ages!

Axe Throwing

Axe throwing at Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co. is a great thing to do indoor in the winter. You can participate in a session with instruction or on your own.

Deep Creek Lake Winter Wonderland

As you can see, there is a lot more to do in the winter in Deep Creek Lake, than just hitting the slopes. The best thing about a winter trip to Deep Creek, is you can also just enjoy the snow from your accommodations. Most vacation rentals come with hot tubs so bring your swim suits and enjoy soaking in the hot tub in the snow!

For a successful and stress-free winter trip, read my post Top Mistakes to Avoid in Winter at Deep Creek Lake. Be sure to check out my article on What to Pack For Deep Creek In Winter. If you will be snowboarding or skiing, my post Everything You Need to Know About Skiing at Wisp Resort will be very helpful! Deep Creek is truly a winter wonderland and the perfect place to make family memories this year!

For a full list of Christmas activities in Deep Creek Lake, explore my article Fun & Festive Christmas Activities in Deep Creek. For restaurant recommendations, explore The Best Restaurants in Deep Creek Lake.

Check out my Amazon Store for idea lists for Winter Essentials and Ski and Snowboard gear.