Below is a sample of December programs and holiday events held in Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For a more complete calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. More information on accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. You can also become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
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HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS
Lights Up on the Lake
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 1 - 29, 2013
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville, GA
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, enjoy a drive through a winter wonderland at the picnic area by the lake. Several lit scenes will grace the roadside as we welcome the holiday season. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.
Tour of Lights on Seminole
November 30 – December 29, 2013
Seminole State Park - Donalsonville, GA
See pretty light displays throughout the park, presented by local businesses and organizations. It's free to drive through, but donations are appreciated. 229-861-3137.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EVENTS
Christmas on The Lake
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - 10 AM to 3 PM
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA
Make Christmas decorations out of natural ornaments such as pine cones, sweetgum balls, magnolia seedpods and seashells. We provide all the materials you will need. Then from 1 to 3 p.m., be sure to bring your wish list as pictures will be taken with Santa Claus. $1 - $3 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
A Jarrell Plantation Christmas
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA
Celebrate a country Christmas from around 1900. Greenery and grapevine wreathes make the houses festive, along with a tree adorned in homemade decorations, stockings and simple gifts. Also enjoy spiced apple cider, cookies and fireside stories. $4-$6.50. 478-986-5172.
Christmas Candlelight Tour
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - 6 PM to 9:30 PM
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun, GA
Luminaries will light the pathways, and decorations will welcome visitors to the historic buildings. Christmas carols, hot apple cider, refreshments and Christmas cheer will kick off the holiday season at the historic Cherokee Capital. Grab your candle lantern and dress for the weather. $5.50-$7.50. 706-624-1321.
Christmas at Red Top’s Cabin
Saturday, December 7, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park - Cartersville, GA
Yuletide celebrations of the 1800s come to life at the Vaughan cabin. Experience the sights and sounds of the holiday with music, cooking, toys and games. Bring the family and a camera to get a free picture with Santa. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Christmas by Candlelight - Cherokee Home Tour
Friday, December 13, 2013 until Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 6 PM to 9 PM
Chief Vann House Historic Site - Chatsworth, GA
Enjoy Christmas in one of the best preserved Cherokee Indian homes. The 1800s house is decorated in the Moravian-style with all natural garland, paper ornaments and more than 300 candles. $4 - $6. 706-695-2598.
A Colonial Christmas
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 5 PM to 8 PM
Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway, GA
Get away from the over-commercialization of the holidays and visit Fort Morris for a more peaceful celebration. Join park staff for colonial refreshments, a yule log, bonfire, 18th century music, caroling, dance and firing of the Christmas guns. 912-884-5999.
Christmas on the Pond
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 6 PM to 8:30 PM
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA
Visit with Santa, enjoy storytelling, hayrides, a marshmallow roast and homemade refreshments. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Christmas at Reed Bingham
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 7 PM to 9 PM
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA
Meet Santa and enjoy homemade baked goods, hot cocoa, Christmas carols, and ornament making. The beach shelter will be decorated with lights for all to enjoy. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
A Tree of Families
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 10 AM to 4 PM
Robert Toombs House Historic Site - Washington, GA
The Christmas tree takes the center stage as living history performers "Robert Toombs Family and Friends" celebrate post-colonial holiday traditions through the early 1900s. 706-678-2226.
Reading of The Polar Express
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA
Children can ride the Warm Springs Choo-Choo to Mustian Place where a real train conductor will read The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Refreshments will be served along with a visit from Santa. Children will receive a reindeer bell as a gift. Train will depart from the Memorial Fountain at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. $8-$12. 706-655-5870.
Victorian Christmas
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Travelers Rest Historic Site - Toccoa, GA
The inn will have its halls decorated with items reflecting the Victorian Era. $3-$5 plus $5 parking. 706-886-2256.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 4 PM to 7 PM
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA
Join us for the 10th Annual Tree Lighting of a 35-foot live Blue Spruce. Also caroling, hayrides, Santa Claus visit, bonfires, hot chocolate and cider. 706-745-2628.
Luminary Night with Santa
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 6 PM to 8 PM
Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA
Bring your children and pets for pictures with Santa. Enjoy a walk along our enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park. Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts. $5 per picture, hayrides $2. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
OUTDOOR & HISTORY EVENTS
Pearl Harbor Remembered
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - 10 AM to 3 PM
Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA
World War II Veterans will be in the museum to meet with guesta. Living history with Kellys Zeroes will take place in the museum and a re-enactment of the Declaration of War will be delivered by President Roosevelt. Operation Stars and Stripes will be collecting gift donations for troops serving in Afghanistan. $8-$12. 706-655-5870.
Constellations by Carriage
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - 7 PM to 8 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Hard Labor Creek is a great place for star-gazing. Relax on this guided carriage ride by the beach. Register in advance. Call park for additional dates. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Toy Trot 5K Trail Run/Walk
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
This 5K Run/Walk race is being held by Walton-Barrow Board of Realtors to benefit the "Shop With A Cop" program for needy children. $5 parking. 706-215-3893
Civil War Heritage Festival
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Magnolia Springs State Park - Millen, GA
Enjoy a living history encampment, live cannon fire, and a skirmish of Confederate and Union soldiers. Georgia Southern will be hosting an archaeology presentation while vendors and other presenters join in the festivities in the picnic area. Remember to stay for the big finale with a cannon firing as soon as it gets dark. $5 parking. 478-982-1660.
Dirty Spokes Race
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
The Dirty Spokes running race series includes four state parks: Red Top Mountain, Unicoi, Fort Yargo and Victoria Bryant. Dates and distances vary. Visit http://www.dirtyspokes.com/victoria-bryant-georgia-series/ for more information and to register. Race Fee plus $5 parking. 706-245-6270.
Winter Muster Reenactment
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 9 AM to 4 PM
Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA
On December 13, 1864, General Sherman ended his March to the Sea by ordering his troops to take Fort McAllister. Come and watch as we reenact this historically significant moment in our country's history. Program and demonstration from 9am - 4pm. Battle at 5:00pm. $6.50-$3.75. 912-727-2339.
Geminid Meteor Shower - The Heavens Last Hurrah of 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013 to Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 11 PM to 1 AM
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Join us on the beach to view the last major meteor shower of 2013. Bring a lawn chair, a thermos of your favorite warm drink, and a cozy blanket. Reflect on the past year, as we enjoy some of winter’s best constellations. Preregistration required, meet at the beach parking lot. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 5 PM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountaintop under the full moon. We'll head out just before sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 7 PM to 9 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Meet and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Who gives a Hoot? Owl Show
Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 1 PM to 2 PM
Saturday, December 28, 2013 - 1 PM to 2 PM
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville, GA
Join Zeus, Owl Capone, Goliath and all your favorite Amicalola Falls Feathered Friends for a fun and educational time in the Lodge Lobby. $5 parking. 706-344-1500.
Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 5 PM to 7 PM
Monday, December 16, 2013 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Join in this group hike as the evening arrives. Arrive early; space is limited. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
TRAIN RIDES
Train Ride: School Express
Friday, December 6, 2013 - 10:15 AM to 2:40 PM
SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele, GA
All Aboard! Bring the kids and ride in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars. You'll board at Georgia Veterans State Park and travel to Americus and Plains. Hobo Lunch Package is $11.99. SAMShortline.com. 229-276-0755.
Rudolph's Favorite Train Ride
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - 6:30 PM to 8:40 PM
SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele, GA
Enjoy a relaxing ride from Georgia Veterans State Park into Cordele. Vendors will be awaiting your arrival to show you all the exciting things for Christmas. Games, music and reading of The Polar Express await younger ones. Ticket fee. SamShortline.com. 229-276-0755.
Bells Over Plains Train Ride
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 10 AM to 2:20 PM
SAM Shortline Excursion Train - Cordele, GA
Enjoy a train excursion with a 1 hour layover in Plains. The town will be all dressed in its Christmas wrapping, fun for shopping. SamShortline.com. 229-276-0755.
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