Plan a holly-jolly getaway to the state park with the most festive Christmas name. Mistletoe State Park sits on sparkling 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. Their annual Christmas Festival is December 15, with hayrides, making ornaments, a hot chocolate bar and more. Call 706-541-0321 or visit GaStateParks.org/Mistletoe for details.

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 celebrations that will remind you of yesteryear. Choose from hayrides, candlelight tours, holiday crafts and even pictures 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 may be closed. To reserve cabins, campsites and yurts, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org/reservations. Below is just a sample of what you’ll find on GaStateParks.org.
* Breakfast with Santa at Florence Marina State Park, Omaha – December 8
* Candlelit Tours at Chief Vann House, Chatsworth – December 7 & 8
* Holiday Scavenger Hunt at Reed Bingham State Park, Adel – December 7 & 14
* Christmas at Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen – December 15
* Chestnuts on an Open Fire at Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton – Fridays in December
* Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm, Sautee Nacoochee – Fridays and Saturdays in December
* Holiday Lights at A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville – Weekends in December
* Lakeside Light Show at James H. Floyd State Park, Summerville – Weekends in December

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, more than 33,000 people in all 50 states joined in on the fun. (To plunge or not to plunge? Fort Mountain State Park even has a “Black Bear Plunge” as part of their lakeside event.) Find a First Day Hike near you on GaStateParks.org.

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 hot showers. Use promo code WNTR18 when booking online or calling 1-800-864-7275. Valid at most Georgia State Parks from December 1 to January 31. Check GaStateParks.org/Specials for participating parks and blackout dates.

We’ll help you fit mountains and lakes into one tiny stocking. Georgia State Park gift cards can be used for camping, cabins, boat rental, golf, picnic shelters, books, toys, historic site admission and dozens of other treats. They can be purchased at park offices or on GaStateParks.org.