December Fest 2026
Get in the holiday and winter spirit with these unique and fun programs happening at Stark Parks this December! Guided programs include: crafts and painting, yoga, hiking, historical tours, music, birding, youth archery, and kid's activities with a holiday or winter season theme.
Check out the monthly calendar to see all the fun, holiday activities!
Winter Photo Contest
Dec. 1, 2026 to March 20, 2027
Stark Parks Locations
Calling all amateur photographers! Do you enjoy taking pictures when you go for a hike? Winter is a great time to see our world in a different light. Capture the beauty around you and the magic of the season with changing landscapes of places, wildlife, and people. We invite you to capture a photograph of the unique look of a winter season during your adventures in Stark Parks during these months.
Contest Details
Quail Hollow Christmas Tea
Dec. 2 or Dec. 5, Noon to 2 p.m.
Quail Hollow Park
13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, OH 44632
Enjoy a Betty White Christmas at the Stewart Manor House. This event offers an afternoon of holiday delight sipping specialty teas, dining on savory and sweet delicacies, and being enchanted by a Lori Noebe presentation of ‘Betty White’. Festive decorations, a photo booth, and raffle baskets will add charm to the day!
**Both Christmas Tea events are sold out for 2026.
Ranger Walks: Lock 4 Trailhead
Dec. 2, 5 p.m.
Towpath Trail: Lock 4 Trailhead
6575 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Join law-enforcement Park Rangers for a behind the scenes look into their career and daily duties on a one-mile hike. Learn about Stark parks history and natural resources along the way.
Register
Santa Claws for a Cause
Dec. 4, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park
800 Genoa Ave., Massillon, OH 44646
Help Santa Claws deck the halls of the Wildlife Conservation Center and fill the critters' stockings. If you wish, bring a gift from the center's wish list and watch Santa deliver special items to our wildlife ambassadors. Spend time meeting the animals, become a wildlife rehabber at the Holly Hospital station, and enjoy live music while you drink hot cocoa around the fire.
No registration required.
Light Up Magnolia and Mill Open House
Dec. 5, 3 to 6 p.m.
Magnolia Flouring Mills
261 Main St., Magnolia, OH 44643
The Magnolia Flouring Mills will be open for holiday festivities during the annual Light Up Magnolia event organized by the Village of Magnolia.
Namaste Yoga for the Holidays (Ages 21+)
Dec. 7 and Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Tam O'Shanter Park
5055 Hills & Dales Rd., Canton, OH 44708
Join us for this special holiday edition of Namaste for a Drink. Wear your favorite holiday bling to this hour-long yoga session and let’s start the holidays off with a little flair. A special Christmas cocktail will be available for purchase to help kick off the season. Please bring your own yoga mat. $8 per person (Stark County Resident)
Register Now
Manor House Open House
Dec. 12, 1 to 3 p.m.
Quail Hollow Park
13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, OH 44632
Kick off the holiday season with the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association for an afternoon of fun at the Stewart Manor House. The home’s first floor will sparkle with lights and festive holiday decorations. Enjoy music in the living room and join the Stark Parks naturalists for a make and take Christmas craft to remember the day. Bring family and friends. All proceeds go to the Stewart Manor House. Cash only at the door; $5 per person or $20 for a family. Children age 3 and under free.
Pre-registration is not required.
Grinchmas Celebration
Dec. 12, 2 to 4 p.m.
Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park (Perry-Sippo Library)
5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Grow your heart three sizes with some Grinch-y games, crafts, and activities. Be sure not to miss the Fireplace Storytime at 2 p.m. with a meet and greet with our special guest - Old Saint Nick himself! Registration required beginning Nov. 2 through Stark Library.
Register
Wildlife Holiday Cards
Dec. 8, 10 a.m.
Wildlife Conservation Center
800 Genoa Ave., Massillon, OH 44646
We invite you to get creative while celebrating the animals you love. Design a festive holiday card featuring photos of the park’s wildlife ambassadors—whether it’s a charming owl, a curious turtle, or a mischievous mammal. Along with crafting personalized cards, guests learn fun facts about each ambassador and discover how these animals help connect people to conservation. $5 Stark County Resident/$7 non-resident.
Register
Canvas at the Clubhouse (Ages 21+)
Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tam O'Shanter Park
5055 Hills & Dales Rd., Canton, OH 44708
Enjoy a cozy evening painting a wintry scene and sipping on a beverage. All materials provided, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available for purchase. $10 Stark County Resident/$12 non-resident
RegisterBreakfast with the Birds
Dec. 18, 9 a.m.
Wildlife Conservation Center
800 Genoa Ave., Massillon, OH 44646
Start your morning with the sights and sounds of our winter birds. During this program, a naturalist will share tips on attracting birds to your winter feeders. After the presentation, we will settle in by the windows to observe birds visiting our feeders. Binoculars and light treats will be provided.
Canton Federation of Musican's Concert Series: Silver and Strings Trio
Dec. 20, 2 p.m.
Tam O' Shanter Park Clubhouse
5055 Hills & Dales Rd., Canton, OH 44708
Enjoy live music from professional local musicians at cozy indoor locations in Stark Parks this winter and spring. The Silver and Strings Trio (Flute, Cello, and Piano) will perform a variety of holiday selections and other pieces. Each performance is free.
Winter Solstice Hike-a-Thon
Dec. 21, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various Locations
Choose Stark Parks for your first-day-of-winter adventure and hike all day, or pick a trail or two of your choice to get a few miles in. Find the full schedule, including times and locations, below.
Registration is required for each location.
Hike #1: 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Hoover Trail: Hoover High School Tennis Courts (525 7th St NE, North Canton, OH 44720) Mileage: 3 to 4 miles
Hike #2: 10 a.m. to Noon - Middle Branch Trail: Gervasi Station Trailhead (Corner of 55th St. and Johnnycake Ave. NE, Canton) Mileage: 3 to 4 miles
Hike #3: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Iron Horse Trail - First Christian Church Trailhead, (1141 W. Beech St, Alliance, OH 44601) Mileage: 3 to 4 miles
Hike #4: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Nickel Plate Trail: Crowl St. Trailhead (15101 Crowl St. SE, Minerva 44657) Mileage: 2 miles
Santa's Winter Workshop
Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to Noon
Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park
5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Santa Claus is coming to town! Come visit the big guy on his last stop before heading up north. Enjoy a craft, scavenger hunt, play Christmas Bingo and watch a holiday cartoon. And don’t forget your letter for Santa! No registration required.
Youth Archery (Ages 10 to 17)
Dec. 28 or Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to Noon
Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park
5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
This introductory-level archery program is for youth; ages 10-17. This class emphasizes safety, proper shooting form, and recreational target shooting. All equipment will be provided. Closed-toe shoes and registration is required. Meet at the lower level of the Exploration Gateway. $10 Stark County Resident/$15 non-resident
Register
Adventure Kids: Winter Open House (Ages 3 to 9)
Dec. 30, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park
5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Ready to get the kids out of the house for an adventurous escape? Join us for animal encounters, a craft, an obstacle course, and more! Be prepared for an outside scavenger hunt. No registration.