PHOENIX - Arizona State Parks and Trails is getting into the holiday spirit with a variety of festive events for visitors to enjoy. From candlelight tours to ugly-sweater parties, there's something for everyone at the parks this holiday season.

For visitors pining after traditional-style decorations perfect for a posed holiday card backdrop, plan a visit to a state historic park. Fort Verde State Historic Park is hosting candlelight tours throughout the month, as well as a historic Victorian-style ornament making workshop on December 2, where visitors can create their own ornament, called a “tussy mussy” to take home and hang on the Christmas tree. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is dressed in turn-of-the-century style wreaths, garlands, and a towering fir tree. Reserve a special holiday tour at AZStateParks.com/Riordan-Mansion, and don’t miss the chance to meet Santa himself on December 20. On December 9, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is offering a Victorian Christmas admission fee-free event, where visitors can experience the holiday season as it was celebrated in the late 1800s.

State parks famed for their camping and recreational opportunities are getting in on the holiday fun, too! Oracle State Park is hosting an "Ugly-Sweater" themed Star Party on December 9. This dark sky park regularly hosts astronomy events but this time the night sky viewing will be accompanied by the ugly sweater theme, a photo contest, and is accepting new toy donations for southern Arizona foster children. Lastly, flip flops and holiday decorations may not be the traditional combination, but you’ll make unforgettable memories from the beaches of Lake Havasu State Park to view the Boat Parade of Lights on December 9 and of Patagonia Lake State Park, where the big man in red will be visiting on December 16.

Details for all of these holiday events can be found online at AZStateParks.com/Holiday-Events. Join in on the festive fun at Arizona State Parks and experience the warmth and spirit of this special holiday season!

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov