With Thanksgiving over and the new year quickly approaching, December is among us. Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites offer tons of events for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday season.
Here are a few events that you can start planning for this month:
Coastal Georgia
- Luminary Night with Santa – Savannah, GA
This event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Skidaway Island State Park, and it is fun for the whole family, including pets. Enjoy a walk along the enchanted luminary trail, and take a hayride around the park. There will also be hot chocolate, cookie decorating, holiday crafts and pictures with Santa. Parking is $5, hayrides are $2 and pictures are $5. For more information, call 912-598-2300.
- A Colonial Christmas at Form Morris – Midway, GA
This event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fort Morris Historic Site. There will be colonial refreshments, a Yule log, bonfire, 18th century music, caroling, dance and firing of the Christmas guns. Admission is free, so come out to celebrate. For more information, call 912-884-5999.
Metro Atlanta
- Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb – Stockbridge, GA
Head to Panola Mountain State Park on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. for an adventure exploring the canopy above. You will use ropes and harnesses for this moderately strenuous, very unique activity. This adventure is for ages eight and up. It is $15-plus to participate and $5 for parking. Registering in advance is encouraged. For more information, call 770-389-7801.
- Christmas at the Cabin – Acworth, GA
Red Top Mountain State Park is taking you back in time to Christmas at the Vaughn Cabin on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Yuletide celebration of the 1800s will be recreated, and Santa will be available for photos and Christmas wishes. Parking is $5. For more information, call 770-975-0055.
Middle & South Georgia
- The North Pole Express Train – Cordele, GA
The SAM Shortline Train will be making a special trip to the North Pole on Friday, Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This special nighttime ride will start at Georgia Veterans State Park and travel to Downtown Cordele Depot where Santa Claus will be waiting. Tickets are required. For more information, call 229-276-0755.
- Christmas on the Pond – Nicholls, GA
Come to General Coffee State Park on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a night of storytelling, hayrides and homemade refreshments to celebrate the holiday season. There will also be a marshmallow roast and a visit from Santa. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Parking is $5. For more information, call 912-384-7082.
Northern Georgia
- Christmas at the Gorge – Tallulah Falls, GA
Santa will be making an appearance at the Tallulah Gorge State Park on Saturday, Dec. 5 form 1 to 3:30 p.m. Come enjoy Christmas music, snacks and holiday crafts. Parking is $5. For more information, call 706-754-7981.
- 12th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Blairsville, GA
On Saturday, Dec. 12 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Vogel State Parke will be lighting their 35-foot live Blue Spruce tree. There will be caroling, hayrides, Santa Claus visit, bonfires and refreshments. There is no admission, but please bring an unwrapped gift for a child 0-12 years of age (no toy guns or knives) to go towards the Union County Sheriff’s toy drive. Parking is $5. For more information, call 706-745-2628.
These are just a few of the events that are going on at Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. To see a full list of events and for more information, visit www.GaStateParks.org.