Enjoy holiday, winter festivities at Ponca State Park

LINCOLN – Celebrate the season with winter and holiday fun at Ponca State Park (SP). Now through the last day of winter, the park offers a variety of seasonal events for the whole family.

Christmas in the Woods features crafts, educational programs, free family portraits and lighted hayrack rides. The event is held each Saturday now through Dec. 17.

Show off your handiwork during the 3rd Annual Snowman Building Contest, open now through March 19. The first place prize is a one-night stay in a Ponca SP minilodge.

Birdwatchers of all ages and levels of expertise are invited to participate in the Annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 23. The Loess Hills Audubon Society will compile the results and submit them to the National Audubon Society. A free chili feed will be held at noon.

A day full of family fun is set for New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. During the 5th Annual Winterfest, visitors will take part in crafts, the National Fruitcake Fling, a 3k Yule Log Quest and lighted hayrack rides.

For additional information on these events, call 402-755-2284 or email ngpc.ponca@nebraska.gov. A park entry permit is required.