From Breakfast with Santa to community center holiday parties, Asheville Parks & Recreation offers opportunities for communities to come together for seasonal events. Here’s a roundup.
A Winter’s Tail
When/where: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville.
Program: Come and join the holiday fun at the Nature Center with crafts, garland creations, wildlife art, face painting, a holiday hay maze, animal encounters and educational programs. And, of course, Santa will be there from noon to 4 p.m.
How much: Regular admission rates apply; members of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center enter free.
To sign up: No registration is necessary. For more information, call the WNC Nature Center at 828-259-8080.
Holiday Gift Making
When/where: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Stephens–Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville.
Program: For children in grades K-5. Join us and make three holiday gifts for family and friends. Pre-registration is required.
How much: $10 per child.
To sign up: Call 828-350-2058.
Breakfast with Santa (sold out)
When/where: Two breakfast seatings are offered, one at 9 a.m. and the other at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Stephens–Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville.
Program: Have breakfast with Santa and celebrate the holidays with a morning full of fun. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a holiday-themed dance workshop in the auditorium, and make your very own ornament. This program is designed for children ages 2-9 and their parents.
How much: Sold out. ($8 per person, reservations are required. Space is limited to 50 people per seating.)
To sign up: Register online at ashevillenc.gov/parks. For more information contact, Candy Hensley Shaw, 828-259-5826.
Grant Southside Holiday Movie Night
When/where: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville.
Program: Parents are invited to bring their kids out for a night of holiday fun. Kids will have an opportunity to work on a holiday craft from 5:30 to 6 p.m., then watch a holiday movie classic. Parent or guardian should remain with children throughout the evening.
How much: Free.
To sign up: No registration required. For more information call 828-259-5483.
Holiday Parents Day Out
When/where: 12:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Tempie Avery Montford Center, 34 Pearson Drive, Asheville
Program: Holiday shopping is in full swing! So be sure to make a list, check it twice and then bring your kids to the Montford Center for our special Holiday Parents Day Out. You’ll be free to put the final touches on your gift shopping while your kids are with us, having a great time with our fantastic staff. Kids will have fun playing in the gym and doing holiday crafts. Designed for children 5 to 12.
How much: $10 per child.
To sign up: Register online at ashevillenc.gov/parks. Or call the Tempie Avery Montford Center at 828-253-3714.
Gift Making
When/where: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove St., Asheville.
Program: This monthly program offers a chance to learn crafts that make nice gifts when completed. Participants will receive materials to complete one project each month of this program.
How much: $5/person/class; registration is required.
To sign up: Call the Senior Opportunity Center at 828-350-2062.
Holiday Camp for elementary-age children
When/where: 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 20-22, Dec. 27-29 and Jan. 2 at the Montford Recreation Center, 34 Pearson Drive, and Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
Program: Youths will enjoy games, activities, crafts, field trips, exercise and all kinds of holiday fun! Children will enjoy games, activities, crafts, field trips, exercise and all kinds of holiday fun! Enjoy games, activities, crafts, exercise and all kinds of fun! Grab your friends and join in the fun. Parents should provide each child a lunch and a drink daily.
How much: $50 first child, City of Asheville residents receive a $10 discount
Child on school reduced lunch plan: $30 for first child, $20 for each additional sibling
Child on school free lunch program: $10 per child.
To sign up: Call 828-253-3714 (Montford) or 828-350-2058 (Stephens-Lee) or visit ashevillenc.gov/parks to register. Space is limited and all participants must pre-register and pay. There will be no refunds.
Holiday Camp for middle-schoolers
When/where: 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 20-22, Dec. 27-29 and Jan. 2 at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
Program: Middle-schoolers will enjoy games, activities, crafts, field trips, exercise and all kinds of holiday fun! Enjoy games, activities, crafts, exercise and all kinds of fun! Grab your friends and join in the fun. Parents should provide each child a lunch and a drink daily.
How much: $50 first child, City of Asheville residents receive a $10 discount
Child on school reduced lunch plan: $30 for first child, $20 for each additional sibling
Child on school free lunch program: $10 per child.
To sign up: Call 828-350-2058 (Stephens-Lee) or visit ashevillenc.gov/parks to register. Space is limited and all participants must pre-register and pay. There will be no refunds.