Centuries of holiday traditions to experience. A park that’s only open one season a year. Meteor showers overhead, tracks through the snow, and miles of trails to enjoy in a whole different way.

Winter fun is everywhere at state parks and historic sites! Below are ten activities we suggest you experience this season.

1. Visit Fahnestock Winter Park. Celebrate the spirit of winter at the only park in our system devoted exclusively to the season. At Fahnestock, you’ll discover 20 kilometers of machine-groomed cross-country ski trails, an extensive network of blazed snowshoeing trails, and sledding and tubing. Fuel up at the concession stand and unwind by the fire pit with your fellow winter lovers for the full seasonal experience! No gear? No problem! You can rent equipment for skate and classic skiing, as well as snowshoes, sledding tubes, and tow-behind baby pulks. Check conditions before you go.

2. Go skating. From the vibrant city setting of Riverbank State Park to the bustling atmosphere and panoramic views at Bear Mountain State Park, you’ll feel like the star of a Christmas movie when you go skating. Twelve of our parks offer skating, and most of them offer skate rentals as well. If you’re planning to skate on a pond or lake, call ahead to ensure that conditions are suited to skating. Follow all posted signs. Stay off the ice if you haven’t verified that it’s safe.

3. Take a holiday tour and celebrate the season. Staatsburgh State Historic Site was recently named to USA Today’s 10Best list of Holiday Historic House Tours – the only site in New York State on the list! At Philipse Manor Hall, watch one of the most faithful adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” in cinematic history: the 1992 version starring Michael Caine and the Muppets! Experience Christmas traditions from centuries past at Johnson Hall, Clermont, and Lorenzo. Keep the festivities going through the new year with Twelfth Night at Crailo and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Sites on Jan. 4. Visit our events calendar for details.

4. Bundle up and stargaze! Between the Great American Eclipse and the opportunities to see auroras, 2024 has been a memorable year. It winds down with a pair of meteor showers. Known as “the king of meteor showers,” the Geminids light up the sky from Dec. 7-24 and peak on Dec. 13. The less dramatic Ursid meteor shower ranges from Dec. 13 to 24, peaking on Dec. 22. You can also look forward to:

• the Quatranid meteor shower on Jan .1-5, peaking on Jan. 3 and 4;
• Mars at opposition on Jan. 16;
• a total lunar eclipse on Mar. 14.
  
  But don’t wait for a special astronomical event to stargaze. Pick a dark, open space on a clear night and head out. Use an app or paper star chart to help you learn the night skies. If you want to try stargazing with a telescope, ask if your local library lends them.

5. Watch winter wildlife. Our environmental educators run birding walks and FeederWatch programs all winter long to watch year-round birds. Snow makes it easy to spot the signs of animals who share the woods with you all year. Get to know their tracks and look for them on the trails!

6. Hit the trails. Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or winter hiking. With the leaves off the trees and snow blanketing the ground, you’ll get a completely new perspective on familiar trails. You’ll also support your mental well-being and physical health. Many of our parks offer low-cost snowshoe or cross-country ski rentals. Check conditions and availability on our app. Before you head out, be sure to review these eight winter safety tips.

7. Kick off 2025 with a First Day Hike. This tradition returns for its fourteenth year on January 1. Join thousands of New Yorkers in starting the new year off right with a hike! Choose from more than 90 sites throughout New York, many with a special twist!

• Hike and bird at Rockefeller State Park Preserve with a guide from the Sawmill River Audubon Society.
• Toast the return of the fisher to Genesee Valley Greenway State Park and learn about this fascinating creature and how to spot signs of activity while you hike.
• Blend hiking and history at Crown Point State Historic Site.
• Kick off the 140th anniversary of Niagara Falls State Park.

8. Enjoy winter celebrations. PondFest returns to Chenango Valley State Park for three weekends of hockey (Jan. 17-19, 24-26 and Jan. 31-Feb. 2). On Jan. 18, Grafton Lakes State Park holds its beloved Winter Festival, complete with a Polar Plunge, snow bowling, snowshoeing, wagon rides, and food trucks. Bookmark our events calendar for the latest updates on what’s taking place near you all year long.

9. Never stop learning. Trying new things, changing your environment, and learning about the world around you all contribute to mental well-being. Low-cost and free programs at our parks and historic sites provide this chance. Our environmental educators lead winter programs on coniferous trees, animal tracks, wildlife, and the Lake Erie ice volcanoes. Historic sites that remain open will have exhibits, films, lectures and tours. There are programs geared towards children, families, and adults. When you feel the winter blahs threatening, just go back to that events calendar link!

10. Send winter off and greet the spring with a maple sugaring experience. At Letchworth State Park, experience historic Indigenous and European methods of maple sugaring. Save the date for Maple Weekends in New York, Mar. 22-23 and 29-30 at our parks, historic sites and elsewhere. 

— Written by Kate Jenkins, Digital Specialist, Public Affairs