FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 15, 2011
CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN FLORIDA
STATE PARKS
~From glowing lights to caroling choirs, enjoy the holidays in Florida's state parks~
Holiday lights decorate the museum at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.
TALLAHASSEE - The Department
of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service invites Floridians and
visitors to celebrate the holiday season in one of Florida’s 160 award-winning state parks.
“Many state parks host holiday events with an array of lights,
decorations and activities throughout December,” said DEP’s Florida Park
Service Director Donald Forgione. “Take a moment to relax away from the hustle
and bustle of the holidays by bringing your family to spend time in nature and
enjoy the festivities in Florida’s
state parks.”
Featuring millions of bright lights draped across beautiful
landscapes, staff and volunteers have dedicated their time and holiday spirit
to fill …the Real Florida with cheer. From visits with Santa to holiday carols and movies, these state park exhibits are the perfect
venue to celebrate the holiday season.
Here is a sample of holiday events in Florida State Parks:
Stephen
Foster Folk
Culture State
Park, White Springs
Dec. 2-31, each evening until 9 p.m. (excluding Christmas
Night)
Drive through the park to see more
than 4 million lights highlighting majestic oak trees, the antebellum museum
and the gingerbread house village. The centerpiece of the park’s light display
is the Carillon Tower, illuminating the night sky as
holiday music rings from its bells. This month-long celebration will include
refreshments, live holiday music, horse drawn wagon and carriage rides and a
visit with Santa on Dec. 24. Admission is $2 per person. Call (386)
397-4331 for more information.
Big Lagoon State
Park, Pensacola
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 &
17, 4 - 8 p.m.
See a vibrant light display and
complete children’s crafts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos
and gifts. Free admission. Call (850) 492-1595 for more information.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell
Saturday,
Dec. 17, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Step back to a simpler time of celebrating
Christmas on the Florida Frontier. Join us as we make and play with home-made
toys, create corn husk dolls, dip candles, listen to old-time music, sing
carols, decorate a Christmas tree, make Christmas crafts, and participate in an
old-fashioned taffy pull. Participants will get to sample taffy and other
frontier holiday treats. Admission is $3 per vehicle of up to eight people.
Call (352) 793-4781 for more information.
The
Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut
Grove
Monday,
Dec. 19, Gates open at 6 p.m.; Movie starts at 7 p.m.; No admission after 7:15 p.m.
Bring the whole family to The
Barnacle for the holiday movie “The Polar Express” starring Tom Hanks. Chairs,
blankets and coolers welcome. Flashlights recommended. Pajamas encouraged. $5
age 6 and up; $3 age 2 to 5; free under 2. Call (305) 442-6866 for more
information.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka
Thursday,
Dec. 22, 7 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate holiday songs in the
park with the Lake Brantley High
School Chorus. The Patriot Singers and the Voices of Freedom, the school’s two
most advanced choirs, will sing holiday carols at the spring. Flashlights,
blankets, chairs are recommended. Free admission. Call (407) 884-2008 for more information.
Visit the
website for a complete list of special events in Florida’s
state parks.
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