Holiday Events at Virginia State Parks

This year, we have 13 of our State Parks offering special programs to celebrate the holiday season. Many of the programs fall into our history and cultural programming, but some are nature events and a few are special events.

There will be individual blogs on many of the programs, but this post gives you the big picture of what is available. Be sure to check out our events database for specific details and applicable fees on these events!

Caledon Natural Area offers holiday hayrides on "black Friday," November 27, from 2-4, 4-6 and 7-9. They are also offering The Night Before Christmas Hayride and Story multiple times on December 11, 12, 18 and 19.

"Christmas at Claytor Lake" State Park is on December 12 and features holiday music by the fire, a holiday craft and pictures with Santa.

Douthat State Park features its annual ornament making contest from December 1 through 14th.

On December 5th James River offers an adults only opportunity to make crafts and gifts out of natural materials, and "Trim the Tree for Wildlife" for all ages to learn to make edible ornaments for birds and other wildlife.

Help Leesylvania State Park trim their tree and make 19th Century decorations at Civil War Santa on December 19 and 20.

December 5 (rain date December 12) is New River Trail State Park's Festival of Lights.

Make ornaments to keep or give as gifts from natural materials at Pocahontas on December 13.

Visit an 1860s Santa Claus at Sailors Creek Battlefield on December 5.

From November 27 to 29, experience a Country Christmas and Holiday Open House at Sky Meadows State Park.

Watch boats decorated for the holidays parade by and bring a toy or warm clothing at Smith Mountain Lake's Flotilla for Toys on December 5.

Staunton River Battlefield State Park offers a 19th Century Plantation House Christmas at Mulberry Hill on December 5 and 6.

Wilderness Road State Park offers a Frontier Christmas on December 4 and 5 with an open house at Karlan Mansion on December 6.

Last but not least is our famous Festival of Trees at Southwest Virginia Museum from now through December 31. There are a number of special events happening throughout December including Breakfast with the Grinch, Photos with Santa, Sweet Treats and Tea with Mrs. Claus.