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State Parks Invite Visitors to Enjoy Holiday Events
Events in Florida
State Parks Invite Visitors to Enjoy Holiday EventsEvents in Florida’s state parks celebrate the holiday seasonTALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season at a state park throughout December. From festivals and tea parties to caroling and special tours, state parks are hosting events for residents and visitors to commemorate the season. "State parks offer a wide variety of holiday festivities that families and friends of all ages and abilities can participate in," said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. "We invite visitors to experience state parks this season to celebrate the holidays and learn more about Florida’s natural and cultural resources." Holiday events throughout Florida’s state parks include: Northwest RegionAlfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Maclay Gardens State Park and The Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc. will host a Christmas Greenery Arranging Workshop. All materials will be provided for $15.00. For more information and to register, call (850) 487-4556. Big Lagoon State Park Big Lagoon State Park and the Friends of Big Lagoon/Perdido Key State Park, Inc. will host "Christmas in the Park" to thank the public for their support through the year. Guests can walk through the park to enjoy Christmas lights and decoration displays. Santa Claus will arrive at 6:00 p.m. each night. Park entrance fee will be waived for participants. For more information, call (850) 492-1595. Three Rivers State Park Three Rivers State Park invites visitors on a scenic drive through the park to enjoy the light displays. Park entrance fee will be waived for participants. For more information, call (850) 482-9006. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park The park will host an evening cruise on the Wakulla River and dinner in the historic lodge followed by an old-fashioned sing-a-long in the lobby by the Christmas tree. Tickets are $29.00 for adults and $18.00 for children 12 and under. Reservations are suggested. For more information, call (850) 926-0700. Eden Gardens State Park Eden Gardens State Park and the Friends of Eden invite visitors for a traditional walk through the luminaries to the Historic Wesley House. Inside, visitors will be greeted by Christmas carols and two harpists. After the tour is completed, the Friends of Eden will provide refreshments in the pavilion. Park entrance fee is waived for participants, however donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, call (850) 231-1167. Northeast RegionFort Cooper State Park On Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, there will be free refreshments, live entertainment and Santa will be available for pictures. December 7 through 11, lights and decorations only will be on display. A luminary walking tour will feature lights, luminaries and holiday decorations throughout the park. Admission to the event is a new toy or non-perishable food items to benefit the Citrus United Basket, a local food bank. For more information, call (352) 726-0315. Rainbow Springs State Park The Friends of Rainbow Springs bring Santa Claus to Dunnellon. Guests can walk through the wonderland of lights that decorate the headsprings area of Rainbow Springs State Park, see Mr. and Mrs. Claus come up the Rainbow River on a lighted boat and visit with Santa’s elves while listening to Christmas carols. December 26 and 27 will feature lights only. Admission is $1.00 per person and photos with Santa are $2.00. For more information, call (352) 465-8555. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Breakfast with Santa, craft demonstrations, special concerts and a holiday gift sale are among activities visitors will enjoy during the Festival of Lights. Regular park admission fees are waived for the festivities, but a donation of canned goods or a new toy is requested. For more information and a full schedule of events, call (386) 397-4331. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Sponsored by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, the community is invited to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, decorations and holiday music. A variety of entertainments will be scheduled and refreshments will be available. Admission is a recommended donation of $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 3 through 12. For more information, call (352) 628-5343. Central RegionWashington Oaks Gardens State Park Guests can stroll through the festively decorated gardens while children share their holiday wish list with Santa Claus. Santa’s Playground will include activities for children such as holiday stories, a sing-a-long and a hands-on arts and crafts and game section. Complimentary hot chocolate and peppermint white hot chocolate will be given out. There will also be a Gingerbread house contest for all ages. Instead of regular park entrance fees, donations of toys and non-perishable food items will be collected at the gate. For more information or to register, call (386) 446-6783. Ravine Gardens State Park The staff at Ravine Gardens will host its first Annual Christmas event featuring a wagon ride around the ravines and seasonal carols sung by local church groups, school groups and other organizations. Entertainment will also be provided on stage in the Civic Center and under the pavilion. Local vendors will be selling hand-crafted items. Holiday refreshments will be also available for purchase. Fees for this event include a donation of one non-perishable item per person to donate to the local food banks. For more information, call (386) 329-3718. Southwest RegionWerner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park Enjoy a leisurely walk along a decorated trail with craft vendors, music, food, hayrides, games and more. This event will be held within the park, just behind Sears in the Gulfview Square Mall in Port Richey. There will be no entrance fee, but some minimal fees for activities. For more information, call (727) 816-1890. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will host the annual "Weeki Wachee Springs Winter Waterland 2008." This annual event will include a live nativity scene, Santa’s Express Train for the kids, storytelling and a photo opportunity with the "Mermaid Elves." Admission is $6.00 plus tax for adults and $3.00 plus tax for children ages 6-10. Children age 5 and under are free. For more information, call (352) 596-2062. Highlands Hammock State Park The Paws for the Cause one mile Pet Walk & Parade benefits the animals at the Highlands County Humane Society. Santa Paws will be on hand to pose with pets for photos. Registration forms are available by email at hshcsantapaws5k@live.com or call the Humane Society at (863) 655-1522. Pre-registration for the race is $15.00 or $20.00 the day of race or participants can give a $10.00 donation for the one mile Pet Walk & Parade. Park admission is waived for all participants. For more information, call (863) 386-6094. Gamble Plantation Historic State Park Sponsored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Florida Division, the Gamble Plantation Preservation Alliance and the Florida Park Service, the Gamble Mansion and the Patten House will be decorated in the Christmas spirit of the 19th century. There will be period dress, reenactments, music, crafts and fun for everyone. For more information, call (941) 723-4536. Southeast RegionThe Barnacle Historic State Park Get in the spirit of the season with the Alhambra Orchestra’s holiday concert at The Barnacle. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and music is from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Barnacle Society free concert passes are not valid at this event. Tickets are $10.00 for ages 6 and up and children under 6 are free. For more information, call (305) 442-6866. Savannas Preserve State Park The marsh tour is a great way to work off the holiday pounds and have fun with friends and family. A $10.00 per person donation is suggested. For more information, call (772) 398-2779. For more information about Florida’s state parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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