FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 12, 2019
Celebrate the Holidays at Florida State Parks
~Spend time with family and friends at one of Florida's 175 state parks~
 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Happy Holidays from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Park Service! To celebrate the holiday season, Florida State Parks are hosting special programs and holiday-themed events at many of our 175 parks throughout the month of December. Additionally, state parks are open on Christmas Day giving visitors the opportunity to spend some time outdoors.
Below are some of our featured events. To view our full listing of statewide holiday events, please visit FloridaStateParks.org.
Northwest Florida
Christmas Candlelight Tour at Eden Gardens State Park
Saturday, Dec.14 - 5 to 8 p.m. CST
For this free event, the park will be illuminated with over 2,000 luminaries. Take a stroll through the candlelight to the historic Wesley House.
Evening Dinner Cruise at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Gardens State Park
Saturday, Dec. 21 - 4:30 to 8 p.m. EST
Enjoy this particularly picturesque evening cruise during the holiday season on the scenic Wakulla River followed by the culinary delights of a dinner buffet in the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs.
Northeast Florida
Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Now through Dec. 24, 2019 - 5 to 9 p.m. EST
The 2019 Festival of Lights flipped the switch, and will remain ablaze throughout the holiday season until Dec. 24. Enjoy hot cocoa, marshmallow roasting by the bonfire, crafts, snow flurries, a train display, music in the Carillon Tower and visits with Santa.
Christmas at Ravine Gardens State Park
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 - 6 to 9 p.m. EST
The garden and court of states will be glowing with holiday lights. The Court of States Musical Light Show will return, featuring hundreds of twinkling lights all jumping to holiday classics. Rangers will host a variety of "reindeer games," and costumed characters will mingle with park guests.
Central Florida
Santa Over the Rainbow at Rainbow Springs State Park
Friday, Dec. 13, 14, 15, 26 & 27 - 6 to 8:30 p.m. EST
Bring the family to see Christmas lights illuminate the park, and welcome Santa as he floats down the river on his pontoon sleigh boat.
Holiday Open House at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Saturday, Dec. 14 - 5 to 7:30 p.m. EST
Enjoy holiday charm and a twilight tour of the historic farmhouse, decorated with a tree, mistletoe, and fruit and pine boughs. The event will also include live seasonal music and refreshments.
South Florida
"Dr. Seuss' The Grinch" at The Barnacle Historic State Park
Friday, Dec. 27 - 7:30 to 9 p.m. EST
Bring your picnic, blankets and folding chairs for an evening of movie-watching under the stars. This event is free to attend.
Learn more about holiday events in your area. Additionally, Florida State Parks Annual Passes and Deluxe Real Florida Passports, which make for great holiday gifts, are available for purchase online and in-person at select parks.
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