If Christmas commercialism leaves you feeling “bah-humbug,” plan an outing to one of Georgia’s State Parks or Historic Sites this season. Parks all across Georgia are hosting old-fashioned holiday celebrations that will remind you of yesteryear.  Choose from hayrides, candlelight tours, holiday crafts and even paddling with Santa. State parks will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day for you to enjoy with family and friends, but park offices and historic sites will be closed. To reserve cabins, campsites and yurts, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org/reservations.

This holiday season, when you buy gift cards for those on your list, you’ll get a little something for yourself as well. Buy $50 or more in Georgia State Park Gift Cards, and you can join one of our activity clubs for free. Choose from Canyon Climbers, Park Paddlers, Muddy Spokes and even our Fido-friendly Tails on Trails Club. These heart-pumping challenges will get you exploring Georgia throughout the next year. Gift cards can be purchased online or in park offices. Deal valid through December 24, 2017.

Enjoy a peaceful winter wonderland while saving on your wallet. This December and January, save 50% on campsites (all week long) and 25% on “glamping” yurts (Sunday through Thursday).  Enjoy cozy campfires, great views and even bathhouses with hot showers. Use promo code WNTRPROMO17 when booking online or calling 1-800-864-7275. Valid at most Georgia State Parks. Excludes New Year’s Eve. Find a winter deal for your getaway.

Plan a holly-jolly getaway to Georgia’s state park with the most festive holiday name: Mistletoe. This park sits on Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast. Visitors enjoy lakeside cabins, fishing and boating, plus biking and hiking trails. The campground is situated on a peninsula, offering spectacular views of sunset and sunrise over the water. On December 16, the park welcomes visitors to a campfire, holiday crafts and games, and learning the legend of mistletoe. Call 706-541-0321 for details.

One of Douglas County’s most beloved historic structures underwent a stabilization project and is now open for guided tours. To celebrate, Sweetwater Creek State Park is offering free tours on December 17 between noon and 4 p.m. An additional candlelit hike and tour is set for 6 p.m. (reservations and small fee required for evening program). Trivia tidbit: The New Manchester Mill opened on December 21, 1849. Today, many Georgians recognized the brick ruins in the movie The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. Call 770-732-5871 for details.

All across the country, park rangers are inviting Americans to start the New Year with an energizing First Day Hike on January 1. In Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, dozens of guided treks will encourage friends and families to connect with nature -- and each other. Last year, nearly 28,000 Americans rang in the New Year, collectively hiking 66,000 miles throughout the country! Find a First Day Hike near you on GaStateParks.org/events.