Brookside Blog

Festive Fun and Holiday Traditions at Brookside Country Club

Written by Brookside Country Club | November 12, 2024

The holidays can be stressful, but Brookside can turn them into memorable experiences for your family. If you've struggled to find a place that accommodates your family's diverse interests, or simply want a place that feels like “home for the holidays,” we have you covered. 

Brookside’s festive calendar offers fun, family-oriented gatherings, so everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—can come together and enjoy the season. Here’s a closer look at what makes our holiday events unique, with some thoughts from our members who keep coming back year after year.

Brookside's Fall Festival 

The season kicks off with Brookside’s lively Fall Festival: Halloween Edition! The parking lot is transformed into a trick-or-treaters paradise for trunk or treat. Kids dash from car to car with friends new and old, collecting candy and showing off their Halloween spirit.

The Festival also includes spooky music, pumpkin decorating, and delicious fall-themed foods to enjoy. It's the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy Lehigh Valley’s stunning autumn foliage with your family.

New members have found this event to be the perfect opportunity to meet other families in the area–and often find that many of the kids attend the same school. If you’re new to the area (or just new to Brookside), this is the perfect way to embrace the fall season and make new friends.

Holiday Mini Photo Sessions

October is also the time for our Holiday Mini Photo Sessions. These aren’t just quick snapshots—they’re five-minute opportunities to create beautiful, professional-quality holiday portraits with your family, taken against the festive backdrop at the Club. 

With a professional photographer guiding the session, these mini photos are perfect for holiday cards or just capturing a cherished family moment. It’s a great way to save time during the busy season while still getting stunning photos you’ll love displaying.

Thanksgiving Takeout 

With holiday cards crossed off the list, it’s time to shift your focus towards the next holiday in queue—Thanksgiving! Brookside is here to make your holiday celebration stress-free, whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones without the hassle of cooking. Join us at the Club for a warm, festive Thanksgiving dinner, or, if you prefer to celebrate at home, choose our Thanksgiving Takeout option, designed to take the work out of your holiday.

Our expertly prepared menu—featuring a perfectly roasted turkey, savory stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, and more—ensures a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s all about giving you more time to enjoy the day with your loved ones.

Gingerbread Decorating Extravaganza

In December, one of the most beloved events at Brookside is the Gingerbread Decorating Party. For one afternoon, kids—and some spirited adults—decorate gingerbread houses with piles of colorful candies and icing. The Club does all the prep for you, so all you need to do is show up and have fun!

Brookside member Carrie Jankowski shares, "Gingerbread decorating at Brookside has become one of my family’s cherished holiday activities.” 

The ballroom transforms into a candy-lover’s paradise, with every kind of sweet treat you can imagine. Members can stroll through, pick their decorations, and snack along the way to fuel their creativity. Completed gingerbread masterpieces are carefully boxed up to take home, where they’ll proudly sit on countertops throughout the holiday season. 

Santa Brunch: A Holiday Classic

No holiday season at Brookside is complete without the magical Santa Brunch! Skip the trip to the mall and avoid meltdowns in long lines to meet Santa. Instead, make a full day out of the experience–and have it be something even you can enjoy!

Imagine a cozy morning, starting with a hearty brunch buffet, featuring everything from sweet pastries to savory breakfast delights. After brunch, take a horse-drawn carriage ride down the Club’s scenic drive. 

The highlight, of course, is a visit with Santa himself—seated in his grand chair, listening to each child’s wish list. With a photographer on hand, you can leave with a full heart and a treasured photo to capture the memory.

Mrs. Jankowski shares, "We love displaying our family photos with Santa each year. It’s a fun way to see how much we’ve grown and changed over the seasons."

Family Holiday Brunch and Adults Only Formal 

As children grow, Brookside’s Family Holiday Brunch is a wonderful way to keep the festive spirit alive. Even your teen will look forward to this event (a big statement, we know). 

With a refined yet cheerful atmosphere, the brunch is filled with the warmth of holiday carolers and beautiful decorations that make the space feel both cozy and elegant. It’s a tradition that grows alongside your family, ensuring that everyone—no matter their age—feels included in the holiday festivities.

For member Jeffrey Johns Jr., who grew up as a Brookside member, the holidays hold a special place in his heart. “The holiday events at BCC have been a cherished tradition since my childhood, full of fond memories that I now get to share with my own family,” said Johns. “Our kids eagerly look forward to these events each year, and we all anticipate kicking off the holiday season together. These gatherings have become a beloved part of our family's holiday experience, creating memories we’ll treasure for years to come.”

While family traditions are at the heart of the holidays, it's also important to carve out time for yourself and enjoy a night out with your spouse or friends. That’s where Brookside’s Holiday Formal shines. This elegant, adults-only event offers a chance to dress up, enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres, indulge in a gourmet multi-course dinner, and savor a decadent dessert station—creating a sophisticated and festive evening you won’t want to miss.

The Holiday Luncheon: A Perfect Gathering

If you’re in charge of planning your office holiday party or want to host a festive gift exchange with friends, Brookside's Holiday Luncheon is the ideal choice. 

A DJ keeps the atmosphere fun with a mix of holiday classics and upbeat tunes, while you mingle and relax. With a mouthwatering menu of seasonal dishes, you can rest assured your friends/colleagues will be impressed without you having to lift a finger! 

New Year’s Eve: Family Fun and Festivities

And finally, end the holiday season on a high note with Brookside’s New Year’s Eve Family Party. This event starts early, with activities designed specifically with little ones in mind, including kid-friendly music, games, and a balloon drop that lets children ring in the New Year before bedtime. 

Once the kids clear out, the Club transforms into an elegant setting where you can enjoy a delicious dinner, raise a glass, and celebrate the coming year. It’s the best of both worlds—a family-friendly event that’s fun and memorable concluded with just the right amount of elegance to make it special.

Celebrate the Seasons at Brookside

What sets Brookside apart is the sense of belonging you feel the moment you step through the doors. Our events are more than just gatherings—they’re traditions that build connections, strengthen bonds, and create memories your family will cherish forever

"The holiday events at Brookside are a wonderful way to spend time with our family, friends, and familiar faces to celebrate the holiday season,” member Paul Barbehenn says. We always bring a small village to enjoy the celebrations with us!"

This year, give your family the best gift of all—a community that makes every season brighter. Download our Membership Guide or schedule a tour to learn more about joining Brookside Country Club. Make this holiday season the start of a new tradition.