Newton, NC – The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce a series of events and contests that are sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit. 

12 Days of Christmas Kid Crafts – Through Dec. 31Newton Offers Activities To Ring

Christmas craft ideas with step-by-step instructions are available at www.newtonnc.gov/parksandrec or for pick-up at the Newton Recreation Center, 23 South Brady Ave. Transform items you can likely find around your home—like pinecones, aluminum foil, and socks—into dazzling Christmas creations. 

Gingerbread Man Contest – Through Dec. 17

Visit www.newtonnc.gov/parksandrec or stop by the Newton Recreation Center, 23 South Brady Ave.,  to obtain your gingerbread man template and see where your creativity takes you. The contest will be divided into the following categories: 5-12 years old, 13-18 years old, 19-59 years old, 60 years old and older, and groups (families, organizations, schools, clubs, etc.). Completed gingerbread men must be accompanied by  a contest entry form and returned to the Recreation Center by 5 p.m. Dec. 17 for consideration in the contest. Please note that gingerbread men will not be returned to participants. 

Ugly Sweater Contest – Through Dec. 22

Who doesn’t love an ugly Christmas sweater? Join the fun by sending a picture of you wearing your ugliest holiday sweater to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Dec. 22. Participants will have the chance to win great prizes from local businesses and eateries. 

Lotería at Home – Through Dec. 25

Lotería at Home is a great way to have fun using common items you can find in or around your home. Just like bingo, you can play to fill all the boxes or you can play a quick game to see who can finish a row first. Play indoors or outdoors while having safe fun. Print your lotería cards from home by visiting www.newtonnc.gov/parksandrec or claim them at the Newton Recreation Center, 23 South Brady Ave. 

Seniors Game on Daze – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 15

On the third Wednesday of each month, seniors are invited to enjoy the fun of playing the games they love and learn how to play new games at the Newton Recreation Center, 23 South Brady Ave. Snacks and games are provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own favorite games to share. Space is limited. Reservations are required by calling 828-695-4317. 

Seniors Jingle Bell Express – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Dec. 16

This drive-through holiday event is designed to provide seniors with  a sleigh full of Christmas cheer. Santa and his elves will hand out a tasty lunch and special treat bags in the lower parking lot of the Newton Recreation Center while participants remain comfortably seated in their vehicles (parking lot entrance is to the rear of the Recreation Center on East A Street). Space is limited. Reservations are required by calling 828-695-4317. 

Virtual Christmas Pajama Party – Dec. 24

You’re invited to join Newton Parks and Recreation’s pajama party from the comfort of your own home. Celebrate the season with family and friends in your most festive PJs and perhaps play a few rounds of your favorite board games, sing karaoke, or have a white elephant gift exchange. There’s no need to register; simply submit your favorite pajama party photos to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Dec. 24 for the chance to win great prizes.

If you have questions about any of the Newton Parks and Recreation Department’s holiday events or contests, please call the Recreation Center at 828-695-4317.