Asheville Parks & Recreation warms up December with celebrations for kids, families, and older adults

children gather around santa

As the magic of the holidays comes to the mountains, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has plenty of fun, festive celebrations to make the season merry and bright for the young and young-at-heart during Holly Jolly Holidays from December 2-16. Space is limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended even if an event is free.


Friday, December 2 at 6-8 p.m.

Holidays Around the World

Stephens-Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

$5 per child (kindergarten to eighth grade), must pre-register by November 28

If parents need a night out, let the kids join APR for a night in with games, crafts, and special activities that explore holidays around the world. Light dinner is included.


Tuesday, December 6 at 10-11 a.m.

gingerbread cookies in snow

Where Did the Gingerbread Man Go?

Stephens-Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

$5 per child (ages 3-5) with parent or guardian

The gingerbread man has run away. Can you help find him? Play games to find clues, make gingerbread cookies, and enjoy festive surprises.


Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bubbly Elves’ Holiday Brunch

Tempie Avery Montford Community Center – 34 Pearson Dr.

Free (ages 50+)

Are you an older adult who loves celebrating the holidays? Join us for this special brunch served by Santa and his bubbly elves! Wear your pajamas, drink hot chocolate, and take pictures with Santa Claus. Enjoy door prizes, line dancing, and more.


Saturday, December 10 at 9-10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon

Breakfast with Santa

Stephens-Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

$8 per person (ages 2-9, parents, and other guests)

This event always sells out, so get your tickets early. Enjoy breakfast with Santa and celebrate the holidays with a morning full of fun.


Saturday, December 10 at 6-9 p.m.

lights along a path

Holiday Lights at Burton Street

Burton Street Community Center – 134 Burton St.

Free (all ages)

Burton Street Park is decked for the holidays. Take an evening walk around the field lit by luminaries with hot chocolate and other festive treats.


Monday, December 12-Friday, January 6 at 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Grove Street Community Center (formerly Senior Opportunity Center) – 36 Grove St.

Free (all ages)

The Grove Street crafting club has been busy building a winter wonderland showcase to celebrate the holidays and bring joy to the community. Stop in to take a peek! Community center is closed December 23-27 and January 2.


Monday, December 12 at 6-8 p.m.

Holiday Bingo

Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center – 121 Shiloh Rd.

$1 per card (all ages)

Join friends and neighbors for holiday-themed bingo where everyone is possibly a winner. Light refreshments and drinks provided.


Wednesday, December 14 at 10 a.m.-noon

toddlers dressed in holiday clothes

Jingle Bell Toddler Party

Stephens-Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

$5 per child (ages 3-5) with parent or guardian

Jingle bells, reindeer magic, and a snowball toss are part of the celebration. Stephens-Lee’s gym is packed with inflatables, toys, activity stations, and light refreshments. There might even be a special visitor for those who need to double check their lists.


Thursday, December 15 at 2-4 p.m.

Christmas cookies cool on a rack

Holiday Cookie Exchange

Grove Street Community Center (formerly Senior Opportunity Center) – 36 Grove St.

Free (all ages)

Bring your homemade holiday cookies to share with others and enjoy hot cocoa.


Friday, December 16 at 6-8 p.m.

Holiday Bingo

Burton Street Community Center – 134 Burton St.

Free (all ages)

Join friends and neighbors for holiday-themed bingo with plenty of festive prizes. Light refreshments and drinks provided.


Already thinking about new year’s resolutions? Search APR’s programs at ashevillenc.gov/parks or sign up for a free fitness center membership at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers.

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation

Established in 1956, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 10 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.

 

Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For the latest updates, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation or visit  www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

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