Our city’s holiday season heats up with Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s annual Holly Jolly Holidays series of festive events that bring neighbors together to enjoy dazzling displays, heartwarming traditions, and the mountain spirit that shines brightly in our community all year. Discover the season of hope and explore APR’s full slate of events when you browse the current program guide, check out weekly and monthly clubs and classes, or search programs online.
December 2-8 | December 9-15 | December 16-22 | December 23-30
Week of December 2
Rookie Readers: Holidays, Winter &, Snow – December 2, 10-11:30am
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE | Ages 2-5 with adult
Combine the joy of storytelling with themed crafts for toddlers focused on interactive learning and socialization. December sessions focus on holidays, winter, and snow.
Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt – December 4, 5:30-7:30pm
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (749 Fairview Rd.)
FREE | All ages
Search for candy canes and merry treasures – in the dark! Bring your own flashlight or headlamp.
Youth Glow Climbing – December 6, 6-7:30pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
$5 | Ages 6-17
No experience required! Wear white or neon colors to bask in the winter glow (blacklight) on the indoor rock climbing wall.
Holiday Lights & Cozy Movie Night – December 6, 6-8pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
FREE | All ages
Take a stroll under festive lights and enjoy a movie on the big screen with popcorn and holiday refreshments.
Puzzle Palooza: Holiday Edition – December 7, 1-4pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
$5 | Ages 10+
Grab a friend as teams of two complete 300-piece holiday jigsaw puzzles. Winners receive an amazing prize (and bragging rights) while all teams get to keep their puzzles. Teams and spectators enjoy complimentary refreshments.
Week of December 9
Calls from Santa – December 9, 10-11:30am and 5-6:30pm
FREE | Ages 3-6
Ensure all good little children in your life receive a personal call from the North Pole. Sign up and one of Santa’s helpers will schedule a call.
White & Silver Bells Brunch – December 13, 10am-2pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE | Ages 50+
Snow is falling and the big day is near, so Santa’s bubbly elves are serving brunch. Dress in white and silver bells to join a party with door prizes, photobooth, and more.
Therapeutic Recreation Holiday Sip & Paint – December 13, 6-8pm
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (749 Fairview Rd.)
$5 | Ages 14 and older, designed for individuals with disabilities
Sip seasonal favorites, unleash creativity, and spread joy with a fun and inclusive painting party. Please review eligibility criteria prior to registration.
Holiday Skate Jam – December 13, 6-9pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (87 Haywood St.)
FREE | All ages
Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville transforms into a massive skate rink for one night only! Join for holiday music, festive decor, and an unforgettable night on the floor. Please bring your own inline or roller skates; limited availability of skates for rent.
Breakfast with Santa – December 14, 9-10:30 a.m. and 10:30am-12pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$10 | Ages 2-9 with adult, advance registration required
A holiday tradition for local families, Mrs. Claus hosts a special breakfast with games, crafts, and a visit from her jolly husband.
Holiday Bingo & Festive Fun – December 14, 12-2pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
FREE | All ages, advance registration required
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at festive Holiday Bingo.
Week of December 16
Rookie Readers: Holidays, Winter &, Snow – December 16, 10-11:30am
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE | Ages 2-5 with adult
Combine the joy of storytelling with themed crafts for toddlers focused on interactive learning and socialization. December sessions focus on holidays, winter, and snow.
Jingle Bell Toddler Party – December 18, 10am-12pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$5 | Ages 4 and under with adult
Jingle bells, reindeer magic, and a snowball toss are just part of the fun as the gym is packed with inflatables, toys, activity stations, and refreshments. There may even be a special visitor!
Elf on a Shelf Party – December 20, 5-7pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
$5 | Ages 4-12 with adult
Your little elves have the important job of being Santa’s eyes and ears during the holiday season. Let them enjoy a day of fun with naughty and nice hot cocoa stations, elf games, an elf photobooth, elf scavenger hunts, and more elf fun.
Holiday Cookie Exchange – December 20, 2-4pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
FREE | All ages
It’s a cookie swap party. Bring your favorite homemade cookies to share and enjoy hot cocoa and apple cider.
Week of December 23
APR Holiday Camp – December 23, 27, and 30-31 and January 2-3, 8:30am-6pm
$40 for first child, $30 for each additional child | Advance registration required
Spend holiday break at APR Holiday Camp featuring games, crafts, sports, arts, and every kind of holiday fun!
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center: Ages 5-11 and Ages 12-17
- Tempie Avery Montford Community Center: Ages 5-11 and Ages 12-17
- Therapeutic Recreation: Ages 6-21, please review eligibility criteria prior to registration
Rookie Readers: Holidays, Winter &, Snow – December 30, 10-11:30am
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE | Ages 2-5 with adult
Combine the joy of storytelling with themed crafts for toddlers focused on interactive learning and socialization. December sessions focus on holidays, winter, and snow.
Explore, Connect, Discover
These events are just a sample of the APR action! Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- Search Asheville Parks & Recreation programs online
- Subscribe to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter
- Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook
- List of open parks and greenways available on ashevillenc.gov/parks