I encourage you to take a moment from the excitement of the Holidays and enjoy the peace that parks offer this time of year. There is something special about the warm sunshine on a crisp winter day and all the sounds that winter brings. Listen for a scurrying squirrel or the chirps of a cardinal. Its times like these that melt away stress and allow you to take on whatever challenges the rest of the day may bring.

Mordecai Historic Park continues to host Santa's Trolley again this weekend. Help Holly the Elf find Santa by jumping on board this special trolley tour. Families will tour Raleigh with Holly as their guide, and make a special stop to get a taste of Santa's favorite treat. Make sure to get reservations ahead of time because this event always sells out.

The Natural Science Center of Greensboro has put a Holiday twist on their laser shows. Laser Holidays shows daily through the 24th and features sights and sounds from your favorite Holiday classices.

The lobby of the Strickland Building at the American Tobacco Campus is hosting a Gingerbread Homes Display. Come enjoy elaborate model gingerbread homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity of Durham.

The NC State Fairgrounds is the place to go if you are still searching for that unique holiday gift. The Holiday Food & Craft Show boasts unique crafts, handmade products from across the globe and right next door - many local artists, homemade foods and wines from NC, VA and PA. Local talents will be on stage instructing "how to" workshops on quilting, flower arranging, and many other hobbies.

As a special addition to their Friday night Art in the Evening, the North Carolina Museum of Art invites you to bring your kids in their pajamas, and let them stay up late for Holiday Family Friday-including a visit with Santa! In addition to Santa, they will be showing How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mickey's Christmas Carol, and Shrek the Halls; telling the story Twas the Night Before Christmas and enjoying live holiday music.

Celebrate the holidays with this new partnership between Marbles Kids Museum and the North Carolina Symphony. Music Makers will give a kids an opportunity to listen, play, and create things that jingle and jangle! Tuesday night is also Target $2 Tuesday Night at Marbles.

The North Carolina Museum of Art welcomes you to join them for Family Fun Saturdays and Weekend Family Tours of the galleries.

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds will be hosting a Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia Show.

Both Historic Yates Mill Pond County Park and Anderson Point Park invite you to participate in the Annual Audubon Society Bird Count.

Come, learn about Occoneechee Mountain"s geologic wonders and explore the pyrophyllite quarry with a real geologist on a guided Geology Hike. You can also join a ranger for a Trail Workday.

Learn how Umstead State Park has transitioned from forest to farm to park at a presentation called From Farm to Park at the Visitors Center.

Usher in the winter solstice with a grilling good time at Crowder District Park Tuesday night for Crowder by Night.

Raleigh's Winterfest Ice Rink is open for some holiday fun. Click through for the times and fees. Bunle up Sunday and head Downtown for a Sledding Sunday. We may get a dose of the real thing on Saturday, but if not, Snowmyyard.com will create a winter wonderland with sledding ramps to enjoy.