December Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample of December 2018 events at Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For more programs, visit www.GaStateParks.org/events and the parks’ web pages. More information on accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.
Christmas Lights at A.H. Stephens
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 6 PM – 10 PM – Dec 1, 2018 until Dec 23, 2018
A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville, GA
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas, tour our 10-acre event field (located behind the office) and office area which has been beautifully decorated Christmas light displays by a host of site partners, volunteers and local businesses. Free treats will be available and holiday themed movies will be shown nightly. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Holiday Crafts at the Amphitheater
Saturday, Dec 1, 2018 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA
Spread the holiday spirit with us by creating a holiday craft! We will meet at the Campground Amphitheater, and begin promptly at 11:00 am. $5 per participant. Appropriate for ages 6 and up. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Sweaty Saturday Fitness
Saturday, Dec 1, 2018 9 AM to 10 AM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Get your heart pumping with Panola’s newest program, Sweaty Saturdays. Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a different fitness program that will encourage you to stay fit all throughout 2018. Call 770-389-7801 to register, space is limited. $0-$15 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
History and Mystery Hike and Tour
Wednesday, Dec 5, 2018 2 PM to 3 PM
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
Join a Ranger on the West Overlook Trail to hike to the historic CCC fire tower and mysterious stone wall. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the story of the heart in the tower, and the theories of who built the stone wall. The tower will also be opened to tour. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
The Honor Tree: A photographic Tribute to our Nation’s Soldiers
9 AM – 5 PM from Dec 8, 2018 until Dec 30, 2018
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs, GA
Guest are invited to adorn our three trees with photographs of those who have served, or are serving, our nation’s armed forces. These honor trees will be placed in the museum through Christmas. $7-$12. 706-655-5870.
Campfire Building 101
Friday, Dec 14, 2018 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan, GA
Join our naturalist in learning everything you need to know about campfire building right in time for winter! We will have s’mores afterwards for $1 each. Meet at picnic shelter #1 $1 plus $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
Wooden Ornament Craft
Saturday, Dec 15, 2018 1 PM to 2 PM
Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan, GA
Join our naturalist to create your very own wooden ornament to take home and put on the tree! All supplies will be provided. Meet at visitor center porch. $4 plus $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
Winter Festival (2nd Evening with Santa)
Saturday, Dec 15, 2018 2 PM to 6 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
Get into the holiday spirit by joining us for a variety of festive activities – including a visit from Santa. He and the Mrs. Santa will be at the park for photos. Got gingerbread skills? Enter your decorated gingerbread house in our contest. Tour the park on a hay ride or play a round of mini golf. Enjoy games, crafts, food, hot cocoa, and more! $2 hay rides; $3 mini golf $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Parents & Tots
Tuesday, Dec 18, 2018 10 AM to 11 AM
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
Does your little one love nature? Foster your child’s sense of curiosity and wonder through this Pre-K readiness program. Each month children will be introduced to a different topic about nature through interactive play, story time, song/movement, crafts, and science. Recommended for ages 2-4. Cost is $5/child. Call 770-389-7801 to register. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Holiday Lanterns
Saturday, Dec 22, 2018 1 PM to 2 PM
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
Use a recycled tin can, hammer, nails, and paint to create a lantern. A battery powered votive will be given to light up your creation. Takes place in the Nature Nook, under the Group Shelter. Registration is required. Register in the Visitor Center 8am-5pm, or by calling the park. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
Sunset Boat Cruise
Friday, Dec 28, 2018 4:30 PM to 6 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along Crooked River while watching the sunset, taking breathtaking photographs, and viewing various coastal birds and marine life. Binoculars provided. Space limited. Ages 6 and older. Preregistration required by 4:30 PM the day before cruise. $30 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.