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Looking for winter things to do? Sussex County NJ has plenty. The county’s mountains, state forests and small downtowns stay busy from December through March, with skiing and snow tubing at Mountain Creek in Vernon, groomed cross-country trails at High Point State Park, holiday concerts at the Newton Theatre and the German Christmas Market at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta.
Our team built this guide from official sources only: the resort’s own website, the State of New Jersey’s winter activities map for High Point and Stokes, and venue and organizer calendars. Winter schedules depend on snow and weather, so we link the official page for each item and recommend checking it the day you go.
Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at Mountain Creek
Mountain Creek Resort (Vernon)
Mountain Creek, at 200 Route 94 in Vernon, is Sussex County’s ski and snowboard resort. Winter passes are on sale on the resort’s tickets and passes page, which lists season passes, day tickets and Triple Play cards (three visits with no blackout dates, per the resort). The resort has not posted a 2026/27 opening date, so watch the mountain report for conditions and opening announcements as the season approaches.
New skiers and riders can book private or group lessons through the resort’s lessons, camps and racing page. Prices and availability are set by the resort, so book ahead for holiday weeks.
Snow tubing at Cobblestone Village
Mountain Creek’s snow tubing is in Cobblestone Village, with entry from the Vernon General Parking Lot across from The Appalachian. Tickets are sold online only and are required for each person, and the resort recommends reserving ahead because sessions can sell out. Per the resort’s rules, riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone, and riders between 36 and 42 inches must ride in a tandem tube or chain with a responsible adult. Per the tubing page, sessions are two hours long. The resort had not posted 2026/27 tubing dates or prices when we checked, so confirm on the tubing page before you go.
Spending the day in Vernon? Our things to do in Vernon NJ guide and our list of the best restaurants in Vernon can fill out the trip.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the state parks
High Point State Park (Wantage and Montague area)
The State of New Jersey’s winter activities map for High Point State Park and Stokes State Forest marks the High Point Cross Country Ski Center, which the map says offers snowmaking, grooming, rentals and lessons for a fee from the park’s concessionaire. The map lists the ski center’s phone, (973) 702-1222, for snow conditions. Call before you drive, since cross-country conditions change quickly with thaws.
The same map shows designated cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, plus a park office, parking areas and scenic views.
Stokes State Forest (Sandyston area)
The state’s winter map also covers Stokes State Forest, marking cross-country ski and snowshoe trails along with snowmobile and dogsled trails. The map labels the snowmobile and dogsled trails Class A and Class B, notes that Class B trails are unsuitable when snow cover is under 8 inches, and states plainly: no snowmobiles on frozen waters. For a full overview of the forest, see our Stokes State Forest guide. If you want to stay the night, our High Point cabins and camping guide covers the park’s overnight options.
Holiday shows at the Newton Theatre
The Newton Theatre at 234 Spring Street in Newton, run by SKYPAC, has a packed December. Per the SKYPAC events list:
- Fri, Dec 4: Christmas with the Celts, show 8 p.m.
- Sat, Dec 5: Sara Evans, The Holiday Road Tour, with Braden Hull, show 8 p.m.
- Sun, Dec 6: The Wood Brothers with Tyler Ramsey, show 7 p.m.
- Thu, Dec 10: Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan, show 8 p.m.
- Sat, Dec 12: Steven Page Trio, show 8 p.m.
- Sun, Dec 13: Rocky Mountain Christmas, a John Denver tribute featuring Ted Vigil, matinee at 3 p.m.
- Thu, Dec 17: The Rascals, Rockin’ the Holidays, show 7 p.m.
- Sun, Dec 20: Top of the World, a Carpenters Christmas show, matinee at 3 p.m.
The theater’s winter calendar continues into the new year with Creedence Revived on Friday, January 15, All You Need Is John on Thursday, February 11, and Clay Aiken on Sunday, February 28. Check skypac.org for tickets or call the box office at 973-940-6398. Our full rundown of Newton Theatre holiday shows has more on each act.
German Christmas Market, December 4 to 6
The German Christmas Market of New Jersey returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, on Friday, December 4 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Saturday, December 5 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday, December 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Per the market’s website, admission is $10 for ages 13 and up and $7 for seniors 65 and up, with free entry for veterans with ID and children 12 and under. Pair it with a Newton Theatre show the same weekend for a full holiday outing.
Christmas trees and holiday giving
Early December is prime time for choose and cut trees in the county. Our Christmas tree farms in Sussex County guide lists farms by town, with tips on saws, netting and timing. If you want to give back this season, the Norwescap Winter Wonderland toy drive is a simple way to help local families.
Know before you go
- Check conditions the day of. Ski, tubing and cross-country operations depend on snow and temperature. Use the Mountain Creek mountain report and call the High Point ski center before driving.
- Book online. Mountain Creek sells snow tubing tickets online only, and holiday weeks fill up.
- Roads. Higher elevations around High Point and Vernon can get more snow and ice than the rest of the county. Allow extra time on winter mornings.
- Layers. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm hat and waterproof gloves. Bring a dry change of clothes for the ride home.
- Respect the rules. Stay on marked trails, and remember the state map says no snowmobiles on frozen waters.
Stay ahead of the snow. Our free weekly newsletter rounds up winter events, holiday shows and things to do across all 24 Sussex County towns. Subscribe free here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Mountain Creek open for the 2026/27 season?
The resort had not posted an opening date when we checked. Watch the mountain report on mountaincreek.com for updates.
Where can you cross-country ski in Sussex County NJ?
The state’s winter map shows cross-country ski and snowshoe trails at High Point State Park and Stokes State Forest, plus the High Point Cross Country Ski Center, which offers grooming, rentals and lessons for a fee.
How tall do you have to be to snow tube at Mountain Creek?
Riders must be at least 42 inches to ride alone. Riders 36 to 42 inches must ride in a tandem tube or chain with a responsible adult.
How much is the German Christmas Market in NJ?
$10 for ages 13 and up, $7 for seniors 65 and up, and free for veterans with ID and kids 12 and under.
What holiday shows are at the Newton Theatre?
December includes Christmas with the Celts, Sara Evans, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Steven Page Trio, a John Denver Christmas tribute, The Rascals and a Carpenters Christmas show. Check skypac.org for tickets.
Primary sources for this guide: Mountain Creek Resort, Mountain Creek tickets and passes, Mountain Creek snow tubing, NJDEP High Point and Stokes winter activities map, SKYPAC events list, German Christmas Market of New Jersey.
Featured photo: the High Point Monument in the snow. Photo by SussexBrancher via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
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