Nothing quite gets you into the holiday spirit like going to a Christmas festival. Walking down a candy cane lane, snapping photos with Santa, riding a holiday train, sipping hot chocolate while enjoying spectacular holiday lights – these are classic holiday moments that you and the entire family will forever cherish.
This year, why not combine your holiday festivities with a camping trip? Below are four outstanding holiday festivals that check all of the boxes for a holly jolly time: Santa, light displays, music, food and drinks, and more. They are also close to great state parks with plenty of campsites, so you can even make a last-minute holiday camping trip.
1. Atlantic, Iowa: “The City of Lights”
Where to Stay: Springbrook State Park, Iowa
Come the holiday season, the town of Atlantic, Iowa transforms into a dazzling “City of Lights.” More than 200,000 LED lights cover historic buildings and trees along a six-block area in the town’s center. Throughout the month there are holiday-themed activities, including carriage rides and an opportunity to drink hot chocolate with Santa.
The park is an hour’s drive from Springbrook State Park. The large park encompasses rolling hills, mature timber, a small lake, and plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities. There are 115 campsites, all of which are first-come-first-serve, except for a multifamily cabin that can be reserved in advance.
2. Cleburne, Texas: “Whistle Stop Christmas”
Where to Stay: Cedar Hill State Park, Texas
Each December the town of Cleburne, Texas is donned in holiday decorations and features a wide assortment of holiday events as part of its Whistle Stop Christmas celebration. Cleburne is festooned with over three million lights over a 12-acre area, including downtown and Hulen Park. Hundreds of thousands of cars cruise Westhill Drive to take in the magical light display. There are also tours of historic homes decorated in holiday cheer, a Christmas House, pancake breakfast with Santa, photos with Santa, children’s train rides, and more! The events commence November 22nd and continue through December 31st.
Just a forty minutes’ drive from Cleburne, Cedar Hill State Park features a lake, an old Texas farm, rugged limestone hills, and rare pockets of prairieland. There are over three hundred campsites so you can likely score even a last-minute reservation.
Recommended: 5 Wilderness Winter Wonderlands to See This Year
3. Wichita, Kansas: “Botanica Illuminations”
Where to Stay: El Dorado State Park, Kansas
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens hosts its annual Illuminations tradition throughout the holiday season. Each of the four garden areas inside Botanica feature a different holiday display theme and uniquely lit botanical setting. Every year the setup is different, so visitors can come year after year for a different experience involving over two million lights and Christmas music. The display is about a mile long, and in addition to the lights, there is a holiday train and candy cane. There are also visits by Santa, a Joyland Carousel to ride, and hot chocolate and snacks for sale. Illuminations is open daily (with the exception of holidays) from November 18 to January 1.
El Dorado State Park is about a 40-minute drive from Botanica and consists of four primary campgrounds which are open to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including a robust multi-use trail system. There are nearly 1,000 campsites total, ranging from primitive to full utility hookups as well as ten cabins.
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4. Jekyll Island, Georgia: “Holly Jolly Jekyll”
Where to Stay: Crooked River State Park, Georgia
Come see an entire island reimagined in holiday cheer! Jekyll Island in southeastern Georgia becomes a regional destination each year, where from late November until January 2, you can enjoy the best of the season. Visitors can take a ride on a jolly trolley and take in a half a million lights strung up around the island while sipping festive beverages and singing along to classic Christmas tunes. The mini-golf course also gets in on the holiday spirit with life-size gumdrops, peppermint sticks, gingerbread characters, and more. You can also have breakfast with Santa, or pick up holiday gifts at shops.
Located at the southern tip of Georgia, Crooked River State Park is an hours’ drive to Jekyll Island. The park is a fantastic spot to enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway and maritime forest. The 63 campsites are surrounded by palmettos and Spanish moss-covered oaks, while the rentable cottage is set near a scenic tidal river.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.