December Events
Aquatics
We're Hiring, Lifeguards! • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Lifeguards are needed to staff the James City County Recreation Center indoor pool. Applicants must be at least 16 years or older, have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification with First Aid, CRP and AED training and complete a swim test. Appointments are not needed; drop-in between 5-7 p.m. For details including salary, benefits and swim test requirements, visit Lifeguards Wanted! For more information, please call 757-259-4185.
Splash on Friday: Happy Holidays Night • All Ages FREE!
Friday, Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Once a month, come in and enjoy family time with us in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course are available! Games and prizes included. Pick up your event flyer at the James City County Recreation Center. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which are provided. Registration required.
Arts & Special Interest Classes
Preschool Holiday Chocolate Making · Ages 3-5 with parent/guardian
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10-11:30 a.m., $20
James City County Recreation Center
Have fun in this winter-themed chocolate making workshop. Students are introduced to basic chocolate making techniques. We’ll dip pretzels and marshmallows and make chocolate clusters and other fun treats! Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron and airtight container. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
PeeWee Painting At-Home Kit • Ages 3-8
Ongoing. $10/kit
Let your kids get creative with this at-home kit they’re sure to enjoy. We’ll provide all the supplies – you provide the space! Kit includes 9” x 12” canvas (with pre-taped elements), paints, brushes, disposable apron and instruction sheet. Please select desired painting at the time of registration including “geometric shapes,” “first initial art” or “house and yard.” You’ll be contacted via email for scheduling your kit pick-up.
Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop · Ages 6-13
Saturday, Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m., $25
James City County Recreation Center
Construct and decorate your own gingerbread houses! These wonderful treats are perfect as centerpieces for the holidays. Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Holiday Cookie Decorating · Ages 7-13
Friday, Dec. 17, 5-7 p.m., $25
James City County Recreation Center
Decorate homemade holiday cookies using buttercream icing in holiday colors. Fun holiday-themed shapes such as bells, presents, mittens and more! Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron and two airtight containers.
At-Home Paint Night Kit • Ages 16+ NEW!
Ongoing. $15/kit
Do you love painting but would prefer to do it in the comfort of your own home? We have the solution for you! Purchase this at-home paint kit and be proud of your masterpiece. All supplies included – 9’ x 12” canvas, paints, brushes, disposable apron, tips on painting and pre-selected painting printout (Note: if needed, some pieces may be pre-sketched on your canvas for you). Please select desired painting at the time of registration including “fall leaves,” “boo spider” or “snowman. ” You’ll be contacted via email for scheduling your kit pick-up.
Before/After School Program
REC Connect/Teens On Point (T.O.P)
Sign up for the Winter Break program, offered Dec. 20-30 on selected days for ages 5-10 (Matthew Whaley Elementary School) and 10-14. (James City County Recreation Center). Please check out our activity brochure for details!
We’re currently not operating a Middle School Teens On Point (T.O.P) after school program at this time due to low enrollments and lack of transportation resources. Clara Byrd Baker, J. Blaine Blayton, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley, Norge and Stonehouse REC Connect locations are currently full for the school year. Please submit a completed registration packet to be added to the waitlist. Registration packets are available for download at REC Connect website or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center or any payment site location.
Health & Wellness
Forest Friends Yoga • Ages 5-8
Thursday, Dec. 2, 5-6 p.m., $8
Freedom Park
Now more than ever, guiding youth in learning how to quiet their minds and bring mindfulness during moments of difficulty is invaluable. Mindfulness can help minimize anxiety and increase happiness – we all want that!
Bonding Beats • Ages 6+ NEW!
Friday, Dec. 10, 5-6 p.m.
$10; each additional child in same family is $5
James City County Recreation Center
This parent and child workshop includes guided practices in rhythm and mindfulness. Communicate and connect with each other - through drumming! Learn rhythms, games and exercises that you can use to strengthen the bonds between you and your child(ren) for a lifetime. No musical experience needed! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Eating for your Best Life • Ages 12+ FREE! NEW!
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Join Registered Dietitian Stephanie May, MS, RD, CSSD and learn about the specific foods that support a joyful, healthy long life. The power of a healthy lifestyle cannot be ignored. Develop your own personalized plan to begin yours.
Intentional Living Workshop - for Teens • Ages 13-18 NEW!
Monday, Dec. 6, 6-7:45 p.m., $15
James City County Recreation Center
This workshop is a dream for those who wish to live their lives on purpose! Journal, play games, learn meditations, practice yoga and create a vision board, all while examining your “why!” During this class, you’ll be immersed in discussions and reflections about your values, goals and dreams. You’ll have your very own personal mission statement to help guide your choices!
Intro to Yoga & Mindfulness • Ages 14+
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., $15
James City County Recreation Center
If you’ve always wanted to step into a group yoga class, but haven’t, this workshop is for you! We'll break down the poses, and you can ask as many questions as you need!
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10-10:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call “one of the most efficient forms of exercise? ” Have you ever wanted to learn the proper technique of rowing? Now is your chance! Join us for a free Introduction to Indoor Rowing using our indoor rowing machines (ergs). Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates the use of your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise.
Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Indoor cycling classes can be overwhelming to jump into – music, seat settings, resistance level and to clip or not to clip. We’re here to help! Proper bike set-up can make or break your class experience and keep you injury-free. This intro class teaches all you need to know to enter the “spin” world. Put things in full gear with our awesome tunes, control over resistance and speed, and overall intensity. No bike experience necessary.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE! NEW!
Saturday, Dec.11, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Warhill Sports Complex Trailhead
Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coaches guide you through the trails of James City County. Whether you bring a friend, family or meet a new neighbor, you’ll have a blast while having a positive impact on your health.
Intermediate Meditation Techniques • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcomed to this open community meditation practice. We’ll explore different styles of meditation techniques as well as tools that aid the meditative process. You’ll be guided in and out of each session. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 5:30-7 p.m., $10
Freedom Park
This workshop uses the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. Students learn basic drumming and meditation techniques, and participate in drum circles and sound immersions to experience the use of drums and sound in ritual, ceremony and recreation. No musical experience needed! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Functional Fitness! Chair Exercise and Balance • Ages 18+ FREE!
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 4-4:45 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Everyone should feel good at any stage of their life. Learn specific exercises to help improve strength, range of motion, balance, cardio fitness and mood! Get your blood flowing and your heart pumping all while engaged in a safe and effective seated exercise. All fitness levels welcome.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for winter! From Ageless Yoga to Zumba, you’ll find a class just for you at the James City County Recreation Center. Check out our full group fitness schedule for a complete list of the more than 60 classes offered weekly. Fees apply. Info: 757-259-4176.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Got Goo?- Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., $5/family
James City County Recreation Center
Do you like to play with slime? Have you ever painted with spaghetti? Join us for fun evenings full of yucky, messy activities. Snacks and materials provided. Bring a messy shirt. Social distancing guidelines are followed and individual sensory bins provided for each family who registers. Registration required. Registration deadline is Dec. 8.
Teensational Socials: Christmas Craft Party • Ages 13-21 w/disabilities FREE!
Saturday, Dec. 4, 3-6 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Bring your Holiday Spirit and enjoy music, games, crafts and time with friends. Explore, Engage, Excel... your ability to socialize with peers and excel social skills through fun recreational activities and field trips in the community. No need to register…just come. In collaboration with Capernaum. 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+ w/disabilities FREE!
Saturday, Dec. 11, 5:30-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday season with dancing and dinner with friends. You might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.
Yoga • Ages 13+ w/disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7-9 p.m.
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road
Move through a series of postures to allow the body to become flexible and healthy in a state of deep relaxation. Offered in partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information on yoga, any upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org. or call 757-229-3535 for location.
Outdoor Programs
Holiday Ornaments from Nature • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Freedom Park
Stop by Freedom Park and transform acorns, sweetgum balls and pine cones into adorable ornaments! Bring billfold size school photos if you would like to make a surprise for Grandma or a remembrance ornament for your tree. Drop in for free anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., spend an hour or so, and head home with some new tree ornaments! All materials provided, while supplies last.
Special Events
Santa Calling, Dec. 7: registration closed Nov. 30.
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 11: Full; event capacity reached.
To Register for all programs:
Unless otherwise noted, please visit us online or call 757-259-4200 for more details and registration information. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation activities, programs and events, check out our seasonal brochure!
Inclement Weather
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Program Sites
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Matthew Whaley Elementary School, 301 Scotland Street
Warhill Sports Complex, 4900 Stadium Road
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov