Stark Parks celebrates season with holiday events, hikes and winter adventures

Stark Parks will offer a variety of programs and activities in the coming weeks. Visit starkparks.com for class information and registration for all events.

Winter photo challenge

Calling all amateur photographers: do you enjoy taking pictures while hiking? Winter is a great time to see the world in a different light. Capture the beauty and magic of the season — landscapes, wildlife and people — during your adventures in Stark Parks from Dec. 1, 2025, through March 13, 2026.

For more details and rules, visit starkparks.com/winterphoto.

December Fest holiday activities

Get in the holiday spirit with December Fest, featuring guided programs such as crafts, yoga, hiking and snowshoeing, historical tours and kids’ activities — all with a holiday or winter theme.

Visit starkparks.com/holidays for a full schedule.

Santa “Claws” for a Cause

Help Santa “Claws” deck the halls of the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park on Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a gift from the center’s wish list (starkparks.com/wishlist) and watch Santa deliver it to the wildlife ambassadors.

Meet the animals, stroll a holiday-lit trail, enjoy outdoor games, warm up by the campfire and let kids care for their stuffed animals at the “Holly Hospital” station. No registration required.

Light Up Magnolia

Visit the Magnolia Flouring Mills from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 during the city’s tree lighting event. Tour the mill, view the gingerbread contest display and visit Santa.

Find a complete schedule of events on the Magnolia Area Historical Society Facebook page.

A Merry Manor House Christmas

Celebrate the season at the Stewart Manor House at Quail Hollow Park Dec. 12-14 from noon to 4 p.m. Rooms will sparkle with holiday lights and garland as visitors hunt for hidden items, enjoy refreshments, make crafts and shop for gifts.

Cost: $10 per person (ages 13+), $7 (ages 4-12), and free for ages 3 and under. Visit QHVA.org to register.

Christmas in the Canalway

The Canalway Center at Sippo Lake Park will host Christmas in the Canalway on Dec. 16 with crafts, stories and holiday fun. Storytime begins at 1 p.m., followed by a scavenger hunt and make-and-take craft. Drop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. No registration required.

Ranger Walks

Join law enforcement rangers for a one-mile guided walk at Tam O’Shanter Park on Dec. 3 from 5 to 6 p.m. to learn about wildlife protection and conservation. Free; registration required at starkparks.com.

Let’s Build a Snowman

Children ages 3-6 can build mini snowmen and watch a snowman movie on Dec. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tam O’Shanter Park. Popcorn provided. Cost: $5 in-county, $7 out-of-county.

Evening Snowshoe Hike 

Experience a winter evening hike at Pike Ridge Park on Dec. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The event will take place with or without snow. Free; call 330-477-3552 to register.

Winter Hike-a-thon 

Welcome winter on Dec. 21 with hikes throughout the day at Quail Hollow Park, Walborn Reservoir, Iron Horse Trail and Middle Branch Trail. Join one or more hikes; free registration at starkparks.com/hikeathon.

Winter Wilderness Camp 

Kids ages 10-13 can explore the outdoors during Winter Wilderness Camp on Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sippo Lake Park’s Exploration Gateway. Activities include archery, snowshoeing and animal tracking. Cost: $10 in-county, $15 out-of-county.

Yoga 

Certified instructor Kim Kohler leads yoga sessions at Sippo Lake Park on Dec. 1, 6, 13, 15, 22 and 29, and a special Namaste for the Holidays class at Tam O’Shanter Park on Dec. 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $8 in-county, $12 out-of-county. Bring a mat and register in advance.