By Dawn Henthorn
Florida Travel Expert, about.com
If you have been following my journey as your Florida Travel Expert for very long, you know that I am partial to Florida's State Parks. They are one of my favorite destinations for a quick day trip or weekend getaway. The parks are all unique with plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast; but, best of all, they are budget-friendly getaways for families with limited resources.
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In an effort to find
something a little different to do with the family in December, I made
another discovery about Florida's State Parks.
Many of them celebrate the holiday season with
fun festivities that the entire family can enjoy! How could I have
missed this all these years? You can be sure I won't be making that
mistake this year!
Of course, during the holidays, it's easy to
get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and opt for more
traditional family activities...
like shopping, decorating our homes, more
shopping... well, you get the picture. Why not opt for a simpler holiday
and take the time to attend one of these great events at these Florida
State Parks? The celebrations encompass lights, special refreshments,
and activities unique to each park. Here are a few highlights:
Festival of Lights
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
White Springs
December 4 thru December 31, 2015 - 5:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Named
one of the top 20 events in the Southeastern U.S., the Festival of
Lights celebration is an annual event held nightly from early December
through the end of the month. Visitors to this historic park will find
the antebellum museum dressed in holiday grandeur and the park's
majestic oaks sparkling with thousands of lights.
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Additionally, visitors will experience a gingerbread village, a candy cane forest and the North Pole with Santa's workshop.
That
not all! Craft Square features craft demonstrations, a bonfire,
marshmallow roasting and holiday singing. Complimentary hot cocoa and
popcorn are served nightly. Admission is just $3.00 per person.
Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. December 24 is drive-through only and closed December 25. There are participation requirements
that include, but are not limited to, traversing uneven terrain
independently or with the assistance of a companion. For more event
information visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/parks/Stephen-Foster.
Camellia Christmas
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee
December 4, 2015 - 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy
an old-fashioned introduction to the holiday season with music, hot
cider, cookies and candlelight. The historic Maclay House will be
adorned for the holidays and start your holidays shopping by bidding on
items in the silent auction.
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This event is free, however, there are participation requirements
that include, but are not limited to, being able to withstand exposure
to outdoors for a period of one hour. Looking for more information?
Visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/parks/Maclay-Gardens for details.
Celebration of Lights
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs
December 19 thru December 24 and December 26, 2015 - 5:30 until 9:00 p.m.
Visit
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park during the week before Christmas
and enjoy a spectacular display of lights and a variety of
entertainment. Refreshments will also be available.
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Suggested
admission is a $5.00 donation for adults and a $2.00 donation for
children. Visitors to the Celebration of Lights are encouraged to park
in the Visitor Center parking area, located at the main entrance on U.S.
Hwy. 19. There trams will be available to transport guests to the West
Entrance of the park. For additional information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/park/Homosassa-Springs.
Christmas On the Florida Frontier
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Bushnell
December 5, 2015 - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate
the holidays the old fashioned way with wassail and popcorn prepared
over open campfires as traditional folk music fills the December air.
Visitors can help decorate a live Christmas tree, enjoy pioneer crafts,
games and dancing. After the sun goes down, stroll the luminary-lit
walkways.
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Admission is just $5 per car! And, you can take your pet along as long as they are leashed. For more information visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/park/Dade-Battlefield.
Cracker Village Christmas
Silver Springs State Park - Silver River Museum
Ocala
December 5, 2015 - 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
In
a joint effort with the Pioneer Garden Club, the Silver River Museum
presents music performances, tours of the pioneer buildings and vendors
displaying old-time crafts.
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Regular museum admission of $2.00 is
waived for this event, but park admission of $8.00 per vehicle applies.
For additional information visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/park/Silver-Springs.
Fort Clinch Holiday Jollification
Fort Clinch State Park
Fernandina Beach
December 5, 2015 - 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Fort
Clinch will host caroling, a bonfire and interpreters will be on hand
throughout the fort to show what their life would have been like during
the holiday season. Special treats of hot chocolate and cookies will be
served.
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Admission for this event will be waived to those making a
donation of one canned good per person which will support the Barnabas
Food Pantry for local families in need. For more information about this
event visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/park/Fort-Clinch.
Fort Foster Candlelight Experience
Hillsborough River State Park - Fort Foster State Historic Site
Thonotosassa
December 11 & 12, 2015 - 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Bring
the Florida frontier to life this holiday season with music, living
history scenarios and refreshments. After 8:00 p.m. each night, a battle
reenactment will take place as the Seminoles attempt to burn the bridge
crossing the Hillsborough River, while soldiers try to defend it.
Admission
is a suggested $5.00 donation for ages 13 and up. Those under the age
of 13 are admitted free. For additional information visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/park/Fort-Foster.
Holiday in the Gardens
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Palm Coast
December 13, 2015 - 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy
this family-friendly event featuring live holiday music, tea with Mrs.
Claus, photos with Santa and other children's activities, arts and
crafts. Grown-ups can stroll the beautiful gardens and mark off those
gifts for the gardeners in their life at the plant and dish garden sale.
There, of course, will be food and much more to enjoy.
This event is included with park admission, but additional activities incur an additional charge. Visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/park-Washington-Oaks for more information on this event.
