In Erie, the snow doesn’t have to slow you down – unless you want it to.
Plan a snow day in Erie this winter. Whether that means you’re renting gear and hitting the snowy trails, or booking a room to cozy up and watch the snow fall, getting snowed in in Erie can be a welcome break from the day-to-day.
Sometimes the best getaways are the slow ones, and winter marks the perfect time to settle in, slow down, and simply enjoy. Book a hotel on the water or a cabin in the woods and make plans to have no plans. Erie’s best places to stay are close to restaurants offering cozy comfort food and elevated classics.
For a little direction, use these itineraries for where to eat and explore in Erie’s small towns, including North East, Edinboro, Downtown Erie, and Corry.
Photo by @ashleyycatherine on Instagram
Erie brings serious fun to outdoor winter activities. Take on the hills at ski resorts in the snowbelt at Peek’n Peak Ski Resort, just over the Pennsylvania/New York line, or Mount Pleasant of Edinboro, which both feature hills with varying degrees of difficulty, ski and snowboard rentals, and tubing. To stay on flat ground, check out the trails at Asbury Woods and Presque Isle State Park on cross country skis and snowshoes.
Shorter and colder days tend to make us all a little stir crazy, and a winter trip to Erie is the perfect cure. With its affordable family attractions and small city feel, Erie is well known as a place to travel with kids. Let them play across three floors of new exhibits at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, which is also home to one of the largest water tables in the country and features miniature versions of Erie landmarks. Root for future NHL stars up close at an Erie Otters game at the Erie Insurance Arena, or make a weekend of it at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park and Resort, consistently ranked one of the top indoor water parks in the country.
An Erie getaway lets you go with the flow. Gather inspiration for things to do on your next trip to Erie below, or by clicking here.
Take advantage of Erie's lake effect snowfall on these trails and hills.
Cure your family's cabin fever with a trip to Erie.
Nothing says cozy season like classic comfort food. These five dishes give ultimate cozy vibes with a modern twist.
Families can escape the cold at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, where it’s always 84 degrees and tropical. This Polynesian-themed destination features nine water slides, pools, hot tubs, a multi-level Tree House, and a massive arcade for all-day family fun. Recently ranked the No. 2 Best Indoor Water Park in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best, Splash Lagoon is the ultimate cold-weather getaway.
From tailgating and birthday parties to travel sports and family reunions, Donatos is here to feed your whole crew! Right now, get four large 1-topping pizzas and three 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for just $74.99! Use code 262 when ordering online or mention at either of our two convenient locations: Greengarden, on 8th and Greengarden or Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!
The Bicentennial Tower offers Erie’s best view in every direction, every season of the year! Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the scenic and tranquil view of Presque Isle Bay. Now open for winter hours: Friday/Saturday/Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm. In December, don’t miss the tower lit in holiday colors!
Discover the perfect way to experience dining and genuine hospitality across our family of restaurants. With the John Russell Hospitality Gift Card, you have the freedom to enjoy six local establishments — each offering its own unique atmosphere, menu, and commitment to quality service. Dine, drink, and savor the best of local flavors — all with the convenience of a single gift card.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the farm from November 22 – December 21! Start a new family tradition as you cut your own Christmas tree and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through our winter wonderland. Plus, decorate cookies and crafts, enjoy live music, and visit Santa every weekend in Santa’s Workshop! Free admission — activities are priced a la carte. Located just 13 miles south of I-90.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, Erie Events brings the best of entertainment, sports, and culture right to the heart of downtown Erie. Managing five of Erie’s premier venues — Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and Rebich Investments Amphitheater. Erie Events hosts everything from national touring concerts and Broadway shows, to thrilling hockey games, baseball, conventions, and community celebrations.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood and coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia believes that “there is always…local, an alternative, and a story.” They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
Presented by the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture, Tony-nominated Broadway star and writer Melissa Errico reunites with America’s great piano man, Billy Stritch, for their fourth holiday season together—this time with a brand-new winter show, “The Secret Diary of Mrs. Santa,” on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Mercyhurst University’s Walker Recital Hall.
Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious red pandas and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagined to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
NWPAMade is a regional mission dedicated to locally made products and the artisans behind them. We connect shoppers with the stories and craftsmanship that defines our community, such as Borgia Artistry Studio's inventive crystal ball photography, or Sealed by Nature's artisan soaps made right in Edinboro. Grab your eco-friendly outdoor adventure gear at Hikes & Hose, stop for a delicious mead cocktail at Meadville's Blissful Meads, and visit Tia Maria Wigs for high-quality helper hair of all types and beauty accessories. At NWPAMade, we celebrate real people and real craft.
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
Five Iron Golf is Erie’s premier indoor golf and entertainment destination, blending top-tier technology with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators, a full bar and kitchen, and Duckpin Bowling, it’s the perfect spot to play, practice, or just hang out. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging for fun, Five Iron Golf brings people together through golf, food, and great times.
The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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