One of Savannah’s most photographed historic sites will unveil a new visitor center in January. Colonial Wormsloe preserves the estate of one of the first Georgia settlers from England, and its tabby ruin is the oldest standing structure in Savannah. The new building offers a shaded porch, gift shop and exhibits. Visitors can even rent bikes to pedal down Wormsloe’s iconic mile-long Avenue of Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss. Camping, yurts and camper cabins can be reserved nearby at Skidaway Island State Park.

In December 1864, General Sherman’s troops ended their “March to the Sea” at Fort McAllister, just south of Savannah. Today, visitors come to see earthworks and a museum, fish on the Ogeechee River, camp under Live Oaks, and enjoy morning coffee on their cottage porch. This Friday and Saturday, the park’s Winter Muster marks this Civil War battle. December programs also include campfire s’mores, yoga, archery, a sleighride hayride and cannonball crater hike.

Feeding goats and chickens is just one reason kids love General Coffee State Park’s Heritage Farm. They can also explore a corn crib, cane mill, log cabin and wetland boardwalk where carnivorous pitcher plants grow. This Saturday, park rangers invite you to Christmas on the Farm with storytelling and music, and Sunday includes a reptile program. Later in December, join them for 19th-century Christmas traditions, wreath making and farm tours. Stay a few days in the campground, cottages or historic Burnham House with fireplace.

Holiday Celebrations
If commercialized holidays leave you feeling bah-humbug, join our park rangers for more traditional celebrations. Fort King George in Darien welcomes kids to learn calligraphy while writing letters to Santa. Tallulah Gorge in northeast Georgia will host a sunset candy cane hunt, holiday movie and s’mores. Find more ways to celebrate on GaStateParks.org.

First Day Hikes on New Year's Day
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 encourage friends and families to connect with nature and each other. Walk up an ancient earthen mound at Kolomoki Mounds, take in river views from the observation tower at Chattahoochee Bend, or explore nature trails at Jack Hill. Find the perfect hike for you.

Georgia's State Parks Are Open on Christmas, New Year's Day
Georgia’s State Parks are open on Christmas and New Year’s Day, while State Historic Sites are closed. Park offices may also be closed so that our rangers can enjoy the holidays with their families, but trails, lakes, playgrounds and other amenities will be open. If your dog doesn't like loud noises, state parks are a great place to ring in the new year because fireworks are not allowed. Find a state park near you on GaStateParks.org.

Need outdoorsy gift ideas? Visitor Centers are filled with goodies for your favorite campers. Georgia State Park & Historic Site gift cards can be used for cabins, boat rental, golf, books, toys, historic site admission and dozens of other treats. Passes include a full year of parking and admission fees, and they can be purchased online or in park offices.