Check out these fun holiday events

Ring in the holidays with one of these fun events at a Nebraska state park! These family-friendly events have something for everyone:

• Classic Christmas (Dec. 10, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park): Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities like holiday crafts and cookie decorating. Don't forget the free portrait with Santa! Learn more.
• Tree Decorating Contest (Through Dec. 26, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area): Show off your creativity and decorate a tree at the park for the chance to win a two-night cabin stay. See details.
• Christmas at the Codys' (Dec. 16-20, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park): Tour the mansion's 18 rooms decorated for the holidays, walk the grounds to see beautiful lights, and enjoy visits with Santa and live caroling. Learn more.
• Yule Log Festival (Dec. 17, Platte River State Park): The day includes kid-friendly crafts, camp games, a cookie decorating contest, pictures with Santa and the yule log quest. See more.
• A 1940s Christmas in the Hollow (Dec. 17, Ash Hollow State Historical Park): Enjoy roasted chestnuts, popcorn, caroling, a bonfire and hayrack rides, along with Christmas stories and music of the 1940s. Learn more.?
• Winterfest (Dec. 31, Ponca State Park): Take part in outdoor education programs, a fruitcake fling, yule log quest and lighted hayrack rides. See more.

Find more events on our calendar, and don't forget to get a park permit ahead of your visit for a smoother trip.

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Celebrate the new year with a guided hike

Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors by participating in First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2023, at Nebraska?s state parks.

Nebraska?s annual First Day Hikes are a chance to explore trails, watch wildlife, snap photos and create a lifetime of memories. Go on a guided hike at select state parks, or choose a park near you and go on a hike of your own! Learn more at our website.

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