The magic of the holidays comes to the mountains this month and Asheville Parks & Recreation 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 3-15.
In addition to these warm and cozy indoor events, City parks offer plenty of opportunities for community members to make special memories on their own throughout the month.
Watch “The Polar Express” at December’s Family Friday Night
Friday, December 3, 6-8 p.m. at Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE
Throw on your cheeriest jammies and jump on the train to the North Pole as “The Polar Express” plays on the big screen. Freshly-popped popcorn and drinks provided.
Brunch at the North Pole
Friday, December 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue
FREE
Seniors get a chance to celebrate at a special brunch while wearing pajamas, drinking hot chocolate, and taking pictures with Santa. Door prizes, line dancing, and more add to the festivities!
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 11, seatings at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
$8 per child (no fee for adults with their children), register at avlrec.com
An annual tradition for many mountain families with kids under 10 years-old, Santa makes the rounds as guests enjoy pancakes and decorate their own ornaments to remember 2021. Space is limited and sells out each year.
Holiday Bingo
Monday, December 13, 6-8 p.m. at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road
FREE
Everyone’s a possible winner at family-friendly bingo with drinks and festive treats.
Jingle Bell Toddler Celebration
Wednesday, December 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$5 per child (no fee for adults with their children), register at avlrec.com
Jingle bells, reindeer magic, and a snowball toss are part of the secret ingredients for laughing toddlers in a gym packed with inflatables, toys, activity tables, and holiday refreshments. There might even be a special visit from someone who’s making a list and checking it twice!
Holiday Light Night
UPDATED DATE – Saturday, December 17, 6-8 p.m. at Burton Street Community Center, 131 Burton St.
FREE
Enjoy warm drinks and refreshments in a land of enchantment as the field at Burton Street Community Center is filled with glowing luminaries.
COVID-19 continues to spread at a high rate of transmission in our community. In accordance with current health requirements, face coverings (masks) are required for everyone at least 5 years old in indoor spaces to maximize protection from COVID-19 and its variants. Face coverings can be removed while eating and drinking.
Find Asheville Parks & Recreation’s full program guide on our website at ashevillenc.gov/parks.
Asheville Parks & Recreation is committed to providing quality programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community. For more information about these and all Asheville Parks & Recreation programs, visit our website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.