Parks and Recreation Events

Children and adults are invited to make holiday ornaments using pinecones, milkweed pods and other natural materials. Everything but the creativity will be supplied to make works of art to decorate for the holidays. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Each session holds 15 people.

Adorned in the holiday spirit, view dress forms decorated like Christmas trees!

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY | 12:30 - 4:30 PM. Kids aged 12 and under can shop for family and friends with the aid of helper elves. All gifts are under $15 with items for all ages, including grandparents. Santa’s helpers will assist youngsters in picking out tasteful and unique items from the Museum Shop at Fort Hunter.

Children and adults are invited to make holiday ornaments using pinecones, milkweed pods and other natural materials. Everything but the creativity will be supplied to make works of art to decorate for the holidays. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Each session holds 15 people.

Join us in the Fort Hunter Centennial Barn to find the perfect holiday gift. Stroll around the Centennial Barn, Room 1, which will be filled with handmade crafts from local artisans.

Sample sweet and savory treats as you sip cups of spiced tea and enjoy the Mansion adorned for the holidays with fresh greens and natural trimmings. Guests begin their visit with a self-guided tour of the holiday decorations by the Civic Committee of the Harrisburg Garden Club and conclude with tea in the dining room. View a demonstration of making clear toy candy and enjoy the sound of holiday music with Becky Boone on her flute. Advance ticket purchase is required.

Pop in the Tavern House summer kitchen to see and smell the fire burning in the hearth and chat with the cook, Audrey Trussell, as she prepares holiday treats over the open fire, using recipes (called receipts) from the 1800s.

Join us in the Mansion Summer Kitchen from 12:30 – 4:30 to learn about clear toy candy, see the molds, and meet the makers. One of the great traditions of Christmas in the 1800s was receiving a piece of three-dimensional clear toy candy. A selection of clear toy candy will be available for purchase. Admission to the demonstration is free.

Visit the Olewine Nature Center to view and vote for your favorite photos! Take a tour of beautiful photographs from all of Dauphin County’s parks. Winners will be announced at the Photo Contest Reception on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. The People’s Choice Award winners will be announced in February after the display ends. 

Visit the Olewine Nature Center, where special exhibits and activities will highlight the magic of the winter world. Follow self-guided signs along the Towpath Trail to enhance your winter outdoor experience while learning about the natural history of Wildwood Park and animals in winter.