SANTA'S WORKSHOP WELCOMES FAMILIES FOR FREE HOLIDAY CHEER
FRIDAY, DEC. 11, LIBATIONS AND LANTERNS WORKSHOP SET FOR FRIDAY, DEC 18.

Photos With Santa, crafts and gift making from 3 to 6 p.m. at Vail Rec District's Community Programming in Lionshead Welcome Center, then lantern-making workshop the following week   
(Vail, Colo.) - Children of all ages can kick off the holiday season during the Vail Recreation District's annual Santa's Workshop, scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at Community Programming on the second level of the Lionshead Welcome Center. Santa's Workshop is free for children of all ages and will include pictures with Santa, decorating photo frames and children's gifts, plus ornament and holiday treat making.

According to VRD Community Programming Director Chad Young, Santa's Workshop is a tradition for many visiting and local families, offering an opportunity for children to engage in holiday activities that are fun and interactive. "Meeting Santa has been a holiday highlight for kids for generations," said VRD Community Programming Director Chad Young. "Santa's Workshop is one of our favorite events of the year, and an opportunity to watch our local and visiting youth enjoy the spirit of the holidays with their friends and families. Children create their own gifts, make holiday treats and tell Santa their holiday wishes."

Also located on the second floor of the Lionshead Welcome Center, the Imagination Station - a play space for children ages two through 12 - will have limited activities during Santa's Workshop. The Imagination Station features a Thoughts Flow water table that encourages experimentation and problem solving, a play wall that integrates physical and cognitive learning and other activities that inspire creativity and thoughtful play. The Imagination Station is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the holiday season, with the exception of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Cost is $5 per child, while parents and children under two are free.

In addition to Santa's Workshop, Community Programming will be hosting a Libations and Lanterns Workshop on Friday, Dec. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Alpine Arts Center will instruct participants on painting your own paper lantern. This lively evening will include complimentary light snacks, holiday music, and wine and beer available for purchase while creating your unique lantern to bring to the Vail Tree Lighting. Cost is $10 for materials and instruction, and children must be accompanied by an adult. To register, email meppard@vailgov.com or call 970-479-2344. Space is limited.

Community Programming and Imagination Station are located on the second level of the Lionshead Welcome Center on the south side of the Lionshead parking structure and on the Town of Vail's free in-town shuttle system. Community Programming offers year-round opportunities including children's art programs and adult fitness offerings such as TRX, Yoga and Zumba.

For more information, call VRD Community Programming at 970-479-2292. For information on all other VRD activities, visit www.vailrec.com.
About the Vail Recreation District
The Vail Recreation District's mission is to offer diverse and exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being of all its residents and guests. The VRD aims to help Vail Valley residents and visitors pursue their recreational passions by providing the following outlets for competition in summer and winter via a running and a mountain bike race series, numerous tournaments and/or leagues for hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, golf, tennis, soccer, flag football, broomball, figure skating and rugby; venues like Dobson Ice Arena, Vail Golf Club, Vail Nordic Center, Vail Gymnastics Center, Vail Nature Center, Vail Skatepark, Vail Tennis Center, Community Programming, Vail's Imagination Station and use of additional gyms, playing fields and the surrounding White River National Forest via collaboration with local entities; sports classes and camps for youth, adults and families; and opportunities to learn about and appreciate our Rocky Mountain environment through guided activities, classes and camps. 
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