Let Florida State Parks Light Up Your Holiday Season

 

Holiday cheer and spirit are filling the air and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians to step out of their Florida villas and into the Florida State Park and enjoy the festive magic and splendor of a holiday light display. Featuring millions of bright lights draped across beautiful landscapes, these state park exhibits are the perfect venue to celebrate the holiday season.

“From intricate and dazzling to simple and elegant state park light displays are a result of dedication and hard work from volunteers and employees sharing their holiday spirit,” said DEP Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “I encourage everyone to take a break from the busy holiday schedule and to come soak up the spirit with their family and friends.”

Activities at Florida’s state parks are plentiful. Up and down the state, there are ample things to do throughout the month that entertain the young, young-at-heart and even the four-legged ones. On Saturday, December 11 alone, some of the scheduled events include:

• The Santa Paws 5K Run & Pet Parade – Held at Highlands Hammock State Park, it’s an event the whole family can enjoy. Afterwards, Santa Paws will be available for canine photo ops. In the evening, guests can pack their baskets of goodies and enjoy The Tammerlin Christmas Concert in the picnic area.

• At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park magical performances by former mermaids representing the 1940s to the 1970s will take you back to the attraction’s early years.

• If you like games, you’ll enjoy the Wildlife Jeopardy Program about turtles at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. From noon to 12:30, information Jeopardy-style will educate and entertain attendees of all ages.

• Grab those fishing poles and head out to Colt Creek State Park for ‘Fishing with Santa’. Join the big guy in a little friendly competition to see who catches what from Mac Lake. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will provide poles, bait and tackle free of charge; children ages 15 and under do not need a fishing license.

• Put on your running shoes for Jack’s 50K and 25K Trail Race on the Joe Kenner Trail in Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. All entrants will receive shirts and finisher awards and Overall Male and Female winners will receive special handcrafted trophies.

• The annual Winterfest Boat Parade at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park features more than 100 boats decorated with holiday lights. Local personalities, Indian arts and crafts, the Lucky Lottery tent, and prizes and games galore will be going on throughout the day, and Santa and Billy the Marlin will make special appearances.

• Celebrate John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s 50th anniversary. Park entrance will be waived so all can join in the celebration which includes guest speaker, world-renowned oceanographer and underwater explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Learn about the park’s history from John D. Pennekamp’s descendants along with former park staffers.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs
December 4-31, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Experience the ultimate high voltage holiday of more than four million lights on display including the majestic oak trees adorned with thousands of lights, an antebellum museum dressed in full holiday splendor, Santa’s runway and more. Admission is $2 per person and includes complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. For more information, call (386) 397-4331.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW
Three Rivers State Park, Sneads
December 10 and 17, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Three Rivers State Park invites visitors to a scenic drive through the park to enjoy all the beautiful light displays. Admission is waived for the event. For more information, call (850) 482-9006

To learn more about these events, click on the park link, then click ‘Things to do’, events. To learn about all December events, go to http://www.floridastateparks.org.