Although both the calendar and the weather may point to the arrival of winter, there is no need to hibernate in December, with a variety of events and programs for the entire family coming up at Montana State Parks in and around Great Falls.

Santa in the Park – Giant Springs State Park

Celebrate Christmas and the holidays on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at Giant Springs State Park. The whole family is welcome to come and meet Santa for a photo opportunity, then enjoy a scavenger hunt and a cup of hot chocolate at this free event. The festivities will take place outdoors in the main area of Giant Springs near the fish hatchery. The event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled in case of inclement weather. For more information contact the park at 406-727-1212.

Trim the Tree with Santa – First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

Come meet Santa at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. Visitors can make a wood or paper ornament for their own tree, and then help decorate the tree in the visitor center at the park while enjoying hot chocolate, cookies, and candy during the free event. Besides trimming the tree, you can do a little Christmas shopping with all items in the gift shop 25 percent off their regular price on Dec. 6, and 15 percent off the rest of the month through Dec. 24.

Open Night Sky and Star Viewing – First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

After the Trim the Tree event has concluded on Friday, Dec. 6, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will hold an Open Night Sky and Star Viewing Party from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Bring your own telescope or binoculars, or you can view the night sky through one of the three telescopes provided by the park. Enjoy the brilliant night sky away from the city lights of Great Falls, with cookies and hot chocolate at this free event, which is weather dependent.

Annual Christmas Bird Count – Giant Springs State Park

The 125th annual Christmas Bird Count will take place at Giant Springs State Park on Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 8 a.m. The Christmas Bird Count is a census when teams of birders set out on the same day to cover the entire area and count all the birds they can find.

The event at Giant Springs State Park will be led by members of the Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon Society, and registered participants will meet at the ranger station before setting off on their count. Participants will learn the basics of bird identification, counting and recording procedures, and can participate for just an hour or the entire morning. The event is entirely outdoors, so birders should dress for the weather conditions, bring their own drinking water, and be prepared to walk around the park. Binoculars are needed, with a limited number available to borrow if needed.

There is no minimum age or fee for this event, but children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required, and can be made here or by calling the ranger station at 406-727-1212.