Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. The registration period for January classes is Dec. 14-30. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. Having trouble deciding which swim level is appropriate for your child? Our certified Water Safety Instructor will be available 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday, Dec. 21 to provide free swim evaluations. For more information, please call 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest
Homeschool Holiday Art Camp (ages 5-12)
Monday-Friday, Dec. 12-16, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$60; $55 JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Join the holiday fun! You’ll work on a small art or craft project each day. All supplies included. Some items can even be given as holiday gifts! 212200-A
Kid’s Holiday Cookie Decorating (ages 7-12)
Friday, Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m.
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Decorate cookies just in time for the holidays! You’ll learn basic cookie decorating skills using buttercream icing. From stars, to trees, to stockings and wreaths – we’ll garnish them all in holiday colors. Please note any food allergies at the time of registration. All cookies decorated are taken home. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 212101-A
Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop (ages 7-13)
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-noon
$25; $20 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Construct and decorate your own gingerbread houses! Supplies provided. These wonderful treats are perfect as centerpieces for the holidays. Please note any food allergies at the time of registration. All treats made during class are taken home. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 212101-B
Money Management 101 (ages 13+) Free! New
Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. 212210-A
James City County Recreation Center
Don’t spend it all in one place! Come learn the basics of managing finances, savings accounts and more! Registration required. Adults welcome. Instructor: College Ready, LLC. 212210-A
Club 55+ Art Series: Tissue Paper Stained Glass (ages 55+)
Friday, Dec. 16, 1:30-3 p.m.
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Get out and about and create…some art! Arts and crafts perfect for any age. You’ll be proud of your finished products. No experience needed. All supplies included. 212100-A
Before/After School Program
The REC Connect Before/After School program is available to youth ages 5-14 enrolled in grades K-8. The program operates Monday-Friday during the Williamsburg-James City County Public School school year. Before School, held at all WJCC elementary school, is available 7 a.m. until school start time. After School is offered from school dismissal until 6 p.m. All middle schools combine for an After School program at the James City County Recreation Center (transportation from the schools to the Center is provided). For the complete list of fees and registration forms and information, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call the hotline at 757-259-3170. You can reach Recreation Services at 757-259-5351. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for details
Winter Break Programs (elementary school, ages 5-10):
Enjoy winter break fun with exciting trips and hands-on activities. Bring lunch daily. Must be enrolled in kindergarten. Program held at Rawls Byrd Elementary School, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $35/day; $30 for JC/W residents. Registration deadline is Dec. 20, 10 a.m. (register early, space is limited. Activity calendars will be sent to parents before program start date.
Winter Break Bonanza! Dec. 22: Fun activities include crafts, games and sports. 712221-A
It’s a Strike! Dec. 27: AMF Williamsburg Lanes. 712221-B
Skating into the Holidays! Dec. 28: Colonial Williamsburg ice rink. 712221-C
Where a Kid Can Be a Kid! Dec. 29: Chuck E. Cheese! 712221-D
Bringing in the New Year! Dec. 30: New Year’s party! 712221-E
Teens (ages 10-14)
Enjoy winter break with fun trips and activities, each day will begin and end at the James City County Recreation Center. Bring lunch daily. James City County Recreation Center, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. $35; $30 for JC/W residents. Registration deadline is Dec. 20, 10 a.m. (register early, space is limited). Activity calendars will be sent to parents before program start date.
Jump into Winter! Dec. 22: Jumpology in Richmond. 612050-A
Skating into the Holidays! Dec. 27: Hampton Roads Iceplex. 612050-B
Pottery Creations! Dec. 28: Paint on Pottery in Williamsburg. 612050-C
Zap Away the Winter Time Blues! Dec. 29: Laser Rush. 612050-D
Let’s Celebrate–A New Year Is Coming! Dec. 30: New Year’s party! 612050-E
Health/Wellness
Fit Mama – Stroller Fit (all ages)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$13; $8 for JC/W residents (312550-A)
$65 (10 pack); $60 for JC/W residents (312550-B)
James City County Recreation Center
Want to get out of the house, do something fun, active and healthy for yourself and your child AND meet a group of amazing moms in your own town! Get a great 60 minutes of exercise using your own body weight, bands and balls as well as our outdoor walking trail! Class ends at the My Place Playground for your tots to play. Pre and postnatal workout for all levels. Jogging stroller not necessary. Bring water and a yoga mat or towel. Info: 757-259-4176.
New Year Yoga Mala Practice–108 Sun Salutations (ages 14+)
Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Sun Salutations or Surya Namaskara is a dynamic asana sequence of 12 postures representing the 12 hours of daylight, performed as on continuous flow for 108 repetitions. Classically practiced on the summer and winter solstices, it is also a perfect way to begin the New Year. Regardless of the meaning of 108, it is important to remember that yoga mala is a form of meditation and full attention. Participants are encouraged to participate in as much as they are able and to sit and observe as they need rest. The practice takes several hours and if schedules do not allow, any amount of participation is welcomed. Although it is a demanding physical practice, all levels are encouraged to come and modifications will be made. Call 757-259-4176 to register.
Meditation Practice (ages 16+)
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
$5/participant
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 aide 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. Info: 757-259-4176. 311620-A
Inclusion & Therapeutic Recreation Services
Holiday Dinner Dance (ages 13+), Free!
Saturday, Dec. 10, 5:30-8:30 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+ with disabilities), Free!
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
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 Arc events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Day Support Program
Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
Offers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to receive educational, life skills and vocational training, as well as engage in social and recreational activities with their peers, instructors and the community. Info: call The Arc at 757-229-3535.
Outdoor Adventure Classes
Women’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+), Free!
Saturday, Dec. 3, 9-11 a.m.
Freedom Park
Ladies, join the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association’s Dirt Divas on a women’s-only mountain bike ride! Come learn the trail system at Freedom Park, meet fellow female riders in the community and learn the ins-and-outs of mountain biking. The ride will be at a moderate pace and will take about two hours. Participants are welcome to stay after the ride and attend the monthly EVMA meeting and luncheon. Bike and helmet required. Water bottles and/or hydration packs encouraged. Riders meet at the Interpretive Center. For more information, email the EVMA at president@evma.org.
Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+), Free!
Saturday, Dec. 3, 9-11 a.m.
Freedom Park
Are you new to mountain biking and looking to ride with a group? Join the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association on this beginner’s ride! The two-hour ride will be specially designed for novice riders and led by volunteers from the EVMA. Participants are welcome to stay after the ride and attend the monthly EVMA meeting and luncheon. Bike and helmet required. Water bottles and/or hydration packs encouraged. Riders meet at the Interpretive Center. For more information, email the EVMA at
president@evma.org.
Forest Explorers Walk (all ages), Free! New!
Saturday, Dec. 3, 9-11* a.m.
Meet at the Freedom Park playground
Join us on the first Saturday of every month this fall for a guided walk on the new Freedom Park nature trail! One of our expert nature guides will lead children and their parents on a trip through the forest to learn about plants, wildlife, insects and anything else we may encounter! *New walks begin every 30 minutes. Weather permitting.
Special Events
Santa Calling, Free!
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:45-8 p.m.
Register by Tuesday, Nov. 29. Santa and/or Mrs. Claus wants to call all children ages 9 and younger living in James City County and Williamsburg. Arrangements have been made with the North Pole for them to personally call each child who returns their completed form by Tuesday, Nov. 29. They’ll attempt to call between 5:45-8 p.m.; however, specific call times cannot be guaranteed due to their holiday schedules. Registration forms available online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or picked up at the James City County Recreation Center, Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Freedom Park or the Satellite Services Office in Toano.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 10, 9-11 a.m.
$12/person; ages 2 years and younger are Free!
Please register everyone who is attending to ensure their seat!
James City County Recreation Center
Register by Friday, Dec. 2. You and your family are invited to our annual pancake breakfast buffet and a morning of “holly-day” cheer with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo opportunities available. 100 people max. Ages 3+, 412000-A; ages 2 years and younger, 412000-B.
Sports & Athletics
Teen Tournaments (boys and girls ages 12-19), Free!
Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly Xbox game tournaments and competitive active game tournaments. These safe, free and fun nights challenge you to play in competitive tournaments against other competitors in your age group. For information, call 757-887-5810.
For the complete list of Parks and Recreation programs and events or registration information for all activities, please visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200 (unless otherwise noted). For outdoor events, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 if inclement weather is in the forecast. JC/W = James City County/Williamsburg resident.