JAMES CITY COUNTY — James City County Parks and Recreation has filled the month of December with special holiday events and activities for families and children.
Arts
Preschool Holiday Chocolate Making (Ages 3-5 with parent/guardian)
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
The winter-themed chocolate making workshop will introduce children to basic chocolate-making techniques, including dipping pretzels and marshmallows, making chocolate clusters and other treats.
The class will be instructed by The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. and costs $20. Families are asked to note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair and bring an apron and airtight container.
Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop (Ages 6-13)
Saturday, Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. will instruct a gingerbread house workshop, in which kids can build and decorate their own gingerbread houses for the holidays.
Families are asked to note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair and bring an apron.
The class is $25.
Holiday Cookie Decorating (Ages 7-13)
Friday, Dec. 17, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Children will decorate homemade holiday cookies using buttercream icing in holiday colors and holiday-themed shapes, including bells, presents, mittens and more.
Families are asked to note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron and two airtight containers.
<p style=”font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600;”>Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation</p>
Teensational Socials: Christmas Craft Party (Ages 12-21 with disabilities)
Saturday, Dec. 4, 3-6 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
This event will feature music, games and crafts. Attendees can socialize and excel social skills through recreational activities. In collaboration with Capernaum, the event is free and does not require registration. For more information and a complete event schedule, contact Caitie Maloney at 757-784-6226 or Caitie.Maloney@yahoo.com.
Holiday Dinner Dance (Ages 13+ with disabilities)
Saturday, Dec. 11, 5:30-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Attendees can enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with an evening of dancing and dinner.
Santa Claus might even make an appearance at the free event.
Outdoor Events
Holiday Ornaments from Nature (All Ages)
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Rd.
Transform acorns, sweetgum balls and pine cones into tree ornaments. Attendees can bring billfold size school photos if they would like to make a gift or a remembrance ornament for their tree.
The event is free and families can drop by, spend an hour or so, and leave with their new ornament.
All materials will be provided while supplies last.
Aquatics
Splash On Friday: Happy Holidays Night (All ages)
Friday, Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Families can come in once a month and enjoy time together in the pool as part of the recreation center’s once a month free swim event. Wibit inflatable obstacle courses will be available, and games and prizes will be included.
Non-swimmers are required to wear life-jackets, which are provided.
Registration is required for this event.
To register for all programs, visit here or call (757) 259-4200 for more details and registration information. For a complete list of December Parks & Recreation events and activities, visit here.
