Off the Beaten Path Insider

Six tons of snow will be part of Homosassa Springs State Parks' Xmas Celebration. Credit: courtesy William Garvin

Ken Burns did a fantastic series on our national parks and called them ‘America’s best idea’.

On a more local level, I think the same thing could be said of Florida state parks. They’re a great idea and the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park proves it. It’s a quiet, soothing sanctuary and this month they’re upping their game, creating the Celebration of Lights at Wildlife Park, a seven-night event from Dec. 19 – Dec. 24 and again on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park are working with park personnel to create a synchronized light and sound display in the Garden of the Springs and adding entertainers and events including the Hearts to Hands Deaf Choir (Dec. 19); Citrus Community Concert Choir (Dec. 20); 12,000 pounds of snow and tobogganing (Dec. 21); Cajun Night (Dec. 22); Santa and Mrs. Claus make a guest appearance (Dec. 23); The Nature Coast Community Church will present a non-denominational candlelight service in the Garden of the Springs (Dec. 24); and an After-Christmas Doo-Wop Party (Dec. 27).

Every night there’ll be holiday lights, decorations, music, and the ‘Miss-L-Toe Café’ will be set up in the Garden of the Springs with a selection of holiday refreshments.

You can’t do much better than Florida’s state parks, but you CAN get more information by calling 352/628-5343 or visiting the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park website.

FYI: Homosassa Springs is about ten minutes south of Crystal River and 90 minutes north of Tampa near the Gulf Coast.