Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

December 05, 2018

Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

New York State Parks Invites New Yorkers and Visitors to State Parks to Celebrate the Holidays

Over 40 Holiday-Themed Events Planned Across the State

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites residents and visitors to celebrate the season at more than 40 holiday-themed events taking place at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. Events include a number of hands-on activities, outdoor recreation, historic tours, and holiday celebrations for visitors of all ages.

"I encourage families and friends to start a new tradition by visiting a state park or historic site this holiday season and participate in one of our many holiday-themed activities," said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "These events across the state have something for everyone to enjoy."

Highlights of the holiday-themed events include candlelight tours of Old Fort Niagara overlooking Lake Ontario in Western New York, the Holiday Light Spectacular at Jones Beach State Park and trees lightings at Planting Fields Arboretum, Bayard Cutting Arboretum and Orient Beach on Long Island, and tours of the decorated historic homes of Clermont and Staatsburg in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

For a complete listing of holiday events taking place near you, visit NYS Parks calendar of events for more information. Events may require pre-registration and/or an admission fee.

Central

• Lorenzo's Christmas Celebration- Lorenzo State Historic Site, December 6-9
• Guided Christmas Tours- Lorenzo State Historic Site, December 12-15
• Christmas Town Express Model Train Display- Fort Ontario State Historic Site, December 8,9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 27-30.

Long Island

• Holiday Tree Lighting- Orient Beach, Planting Fields, Bayard Cutting, December 7
• Fire & Ice Candles- Caleb Smith State Park, December 8
• Holiday Wreath- Caleb Smith State Park, December 15
• Holiday Wreath- Jones Beach State Park, December 16

Western NY

• Jingle Falls: Holiday Happenings- Niagara Falls State Park, December 8,15
• Castle by Candlelight- Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site, December 8 & 15
• 44th Annual Letchworth/Silver Lake Bird Count- Letchworth State Park, December 15
• Winter Solstice Night Hike- Knox Farm State Park, December 21

Palisades

• Warm Up at the Washington's- Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, December 9
• Christmas with the Ellisons- Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, December 15

Capital District

• Holiday Open House- Thacher State Park, December 15

Taconic

• Candlelight Tours- Clermont State Historic Site, December 16
• Gingerbread Spectacular- Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, December 15
• Candlelight Tours- John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, December 20-22
• A Gilded Age Christmas- Staatsburg State Historic Site, December 1-31

Thousand Islands

• Holiday Bonanza- Wellesley Island State Park, December 8
• Winter Solstice Walk- Point Au Roche State Park, December 21

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.