A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

During the Festival of Trees, local organizations are asked to decorate a holiday tree to represent themselves in the community.

Make the most of the shortest day of the year and ring in the winter season with a series of ranger-led hikes.

Come join our volunteers for a day of birdwatching to collect data for the Audubon's Christmas Bird Count.

Join False Cape staff and volunteers in helping keep our beaches pristine by picking up shoreline debris.

Start your weekend with fresh air, beautiful scenery, comradery, and a feeling of accomplishment.

What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of coffee.

Make the most of the shortest day of the year and ring in the winter season with a series of ranger-led hikes.

Step into a world where science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) converge with the magic of winter at our snow-themed STEAM event.

Practice your detective skills by uncovering snakes hidden in images of their habitat, and discover how best to avoid those with venom.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snake that lives here in our Visitor Center.

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Enjoy a winter birding adventure to discover duck species and habitats.  In less than a mile we will look for waterfowl from a shallow pond, tidal creek, and the river.  Bald eagles are also frequently found in the area.

Slither on down and join the Park Ranger for an in depth look into the fascinating lives of some local reptiles.

The Visitor Center is home to two freshwater Red-Eared Slider turtles, Jennika and Venus, and it is time for them to eat.

Winter reveals hidden secrets as animals leave tracks in the snow.

Join Rangers on a guided bird-watching experience!

It's feeding time for two of our ambassador reptiles, Stevie the King Snake and Reba the Corn Snake, and we welcome you to attend this demonstration and learn about these snakes as they prepare to feed on a frozen mouse! .

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Join us for a special holiday program that explores how soldiers during the Civil War experienced Christmas on the front lines and in camp.

Make the most of the shortest day of the year and ring in the winter season with a series of ranger-led hikes.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own 'fairy stone'.

Step back in time as we uncover the mysteries of those at rest in the park's historic cemetery.

Embrace the beauty of winter and get crafty with natural materials. Join us at the Camp Store to create unique, nature-inspired crafts.

Explore the park's expansive wetlands with us as we search for and identify the plants and animals that call this unique habitat their home.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

This special craft program involves making fun edible ornaments that will serve winter birds as a dependable food source during the cold winter months.  Participants will make a natural bird feeder using pine cones, peanut butter, string, and birdseed.  While creating your bird feeder, learn about some of our common Virginia backyard winter birds.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the trail around High Bridge with interesting historical items from the park.

Join a ranger on this one-mile trek and discover the different flora and fauna that can be found in the winter. Be sure to wear warm, comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a water bottle if possible.

The shortest day of the year is upon us, and that means it’s time to create our own light for the dark months ahead.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect 'fairy stone' that everyone is looking for.

Make the most of the shortest day of the year and ring in the winter season with a series of ranger-led hikes.

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

Experience Natural Bridge State Park like never before, with festive lighting and roaring fires; the park is awash in the holiday spirit this December.

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is pleased to present “The Festival of Trees: An Evening Aglow” on November 23 and December 21 from 5-8 p.m. For these two evenings only, visitors will be offered an opportunity to view the museum in a different light.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

Westmoreland State Park welcomes you to attend our first Wreath Making Workshop.  Enjoy baked goods, hot cocoa, coffee, or tea whilst creating your very own festive decor for your home.  Holiday wreaths are beautiful, diverse, extravagant or quaint, and often handmade classic decorations that have come to represent that good old holiday cheer.   Gathering and harvesting of evergreens for the home during the winter was a practice of early Europeans.  Evergreens were a species that most looked at in awe and wonder as it was resilient to winter and quickly became a symbol of the season.  Try your hand at traditional wreathmaking.   All supplies provided.  Register and pay in-advance for your spot by visiting or calling the Visitor Center at 804-493-8821.

As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

Please Note: This is an entirely indoor astronomy program.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

Craft a keepsake for the upcoming holiday season.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Ready, set, crawl, to join General Raphael, our non-releasable rescue eastern box turtle, as we explore more about her and the animal friends she shares her habitat with.

Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore the oldest dwelling on the grounds.

First Landing is home to many creatures both large and small.

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own 'fairy stone'.

Come to Widewater and help our Rangers fill our windows with Holiday cheer!

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

In the spirit of the holidays, enjoy a traditional and delicious in-season activity.  Decorate your very own gingerbread house.  All supplies are provided to include icing, sprinkles, candy canes, candy, and more!  Adventure to the Discovery Center to travel to the North Pole.  Bring your family or friends and get ready for fun.  There are 10 available spots for this program.  Please register and pay in-advance at the Visitor Center.

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect 'fairy stone' that everyone is looking for.

Invaders are taking over Fairy Stone State Park and your own backyard.

Experience Natural Bridge State Park like never before, with festive lighting and roaring fires; the park is awash in the holiday spirit this December.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

Carol your way through the winter woods on a wagon decorated with holiday lights.

Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

Join us for "Tree Topia" as we uncover the magical realm of trees and their incredible role as habitats!

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

Join a ranger, enjoy Big Meadow Trail, and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park.

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Become a steward of nature while building your local community and connecting with the people near you that share a passion for the outdoors. Meet with rangers at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center for a short talk about conservation and to get supplies to clean up the trash that washes onto the shoreline or is left and scattered along the trails and recreational areas. Clean-Up days are self-paced, so come clean our shoreline for as much time as you can spare to make a difference at the park.

Look back on the year and plan for the next on this hike around Big Poplar Trail.

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.  Parks are for everyone.

Join a park ranger on a hike to the waterfall and back.

Enjoy a winter birding adventure to discover duck species and habitats.  In less than a mile we will look for waterfowl from a shallow pond, tidal creek, and the river.  Bald eagles are also frequently found in the area.

The Visitor Center is home to two freshwater Red-Eared Slider turtles, Jennika and Venus, and it is time for them to eat.

Winter reveals hidden secrets as animals leave tracks in the snow.

It's feeding time for two of our ambassador reptiles, Stevie the King Snake and Reba the Corn Snake, and we welcome you to attend this demonstration and learn about these snakes as they prepare to feed on a frozen mouse! .

Winter will be here before you know it, so join us to discover more about Hibernation, Adaptations, and Migrations or, what animals do to survive the colder, winter months.

Did you know owls get "hairballs?" About once a day, an owl spits up a ball of hair and bones--leftovers from their most recent meals--called an owl pellet.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own 'fairy stone'.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Embrace the beauty of winter and get crafty with natural materials. Join us at the Camp Store to create unique, nature-inspired crafts.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Rope making is a skill that has been practiced throughout time.

Did you know Virginia used to be underwater?

Dive into an ancient craft with a ranger, known as Gyotaku fish printing.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect 'fairy stone' that everyone is looking for.

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky.  They will have the equipment.  Just bring your curiosity.  This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year.

Craft a keepsake for the upcoming holiday season.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.