Florida State Parks Newsletter, December 2015

A Newsletter of Florida State Parks  |  #FLStateParks

Holiday Light Displays and Festivals at Florida State Parks December in Florida is a special time of the year. The atmosphere and sights at our 174 award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites are no exception. Throughout December, Florida’s state parks offer a variety of exciting holiday-themed events for the family to enjoy. In December, cooler temperatures make outdoor activities very enjoyable. Whether you partake in the sight of manatees migrating to a freshwater spring or enjoy the light shows at various Florida state parks, we’ve thought of everyone on your holiday list. While many places across the state will be closed for the holiday, most of Florida's 174state parks, trails and historic sites will be open 8 a.m. to sunset on Friday, Dec. 25.  Here are just a few events being offered at Florida's state parks:  Fri. Dec. 4 to Dec. 31 – Festival of Lights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs Fri. Dec. 4 – 26th Annual Camellia Christmas from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee Sat. Dec. 5 – Christmas on the Florida Frontier from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell Fri. Dec. 11 & Sat. Dec. 12 – The Candlelight Experience from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fort Foster State Historic Site in Thonotosassa Sat. Dec. 19 to Sat. Dec. 26 – Celebration of Lights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa Click here to see a full listing of seasonal events happening this month at Florida State Parks.

This month at State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites

Shop our 25 Gifts Under $25 Nothing says the holidays better than great gifts at great prices. Florida State Parks’ online store carries a variety of apparel, supplies and environment-friendly gifts appropriate for any nature or outdoor enthusiast. To help you find the perfect gift, we have compiled our most popular items under $25 for your shopping pleasure. Click here to view our gift suggestions! Capital Museum Honors Florida Parks On Dec. 3, the Florida Historic Capitol Museumopens The Best that Nature has to Offer: The History of Florida State Parks. This new exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to view a historically significant collection showcasing the ways Florida’s state parks have preserved natural and cultural resources and benefited residents and tourists for the past 80 years. The exhibit is free and will be open Dec. 3, 2015 to May 1, 2016. Sleep Under The Stars As you plan your next vacation, choose to experience nature bycamping at a Florida State Park. Sleep under the stars at one of 56 parks and trails that offer camping. While you enjoy nature,  share your star-studded moments with us onFacebook, Twitter andInstagram by using the tag #sleepunderthestars. We’d love to see your photos!

Events in December

Festival of Lights Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs Dec. 4 to Dec. 31, 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors can delight in this annual event, which includes light displays, a gingerbread village, a candy cane forest and a winter wonderland with snow flurries. The Gift Shop is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. and will have craft demonstrations and caroling. The event is open each night until 9 p.m., excluding Christmas night. Christmas Eve will be a drive through only. View Event. 5K/10K Reindeer Race & Fun Run St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 to 11 a.m. The 6th Annual 5K, 10K and half-mile Reindeer Race, hosted by the Junior League of Panama City will follow a winding path through the state park, passing Alligator Lake and the campground, which border St. Andrews Bay. Winding curves and the December date ensure cooler weather. This course is certified by the USTF and will be timed by Runners Edge Race Timing. View Event. Winter Solstice Sunrise Celebration Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast Dec. 22, 7 to 8 a.m. Join us at Washington Oaks Gardens to enjoy solstice stories from around the world while watching the first winter sunrise of the year on our beautiful coquina beach. Park Services Specialist Joe Woodbury will share his knowledge of the myths and legends centered on the winter solstice and help you track the movement of the sun all year. View Event.

Other Important News

We're Open for the Holidays Florida’s state parks and state trails are open this Christmas and New Years Day. While many places across the state will be closed for the holidays, most of the 174 state parks, trails and historic sites will be open normal hours of 8 a.m. to sunset on Friday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Jan. 1. Mobile App for Smartphones Plan your state park adventures using the new Pocket Ranger® app for your smartphone. The FREE Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app is available now on iTunes, Android Market and PocketRanger.com Get You Annual Pass Today Our online store at Shop.StateParks.org will help you purchase annual entrance passes, shirts, water bottles, backpacks and more.

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