The city of Greensboro is hosting a wide range of social distancing-friendly programs and events for all of the winter holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. There are creative programs, special events, performances, giving and shopping opportunities – plus your chance to get a letter from Santa. All activities of the activities are free unless otherwise noted. COVID-19 health and safety guidelines will be followed for all in-person activities.Creative Programs’Tis the Season Holiday Desserts: 5 p.m. Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10A four-week virtual holiday baking program for youth interested in learning how to bake holiday desserts and treats. Feature menu: pumpkin spice cake, sweet potato pie, red or green velvet cake, and cinnamon apple pie cheesecake. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.Attitude of Gratitude Crafts: 2 p.m. Nov. 23 (For children 12 and under, although anyone can participate) It’s been a difficult year, so Parks and Recreation will guide you to making a craft to help us all identify things for which we are grateful. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.Creating Gifts for Holiday Giving: 7-8 p.m. Nov. 23, Nov. 24 and Nov. 25Create handcrafted gifts for yourself or a loved one this holiday season. Three nights of DIY crafting demonstrations include a hand-painted gift, a tree of life pendant, and a wire dream catcher. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Holiday Craft Extravaganza: 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 1 at Greensboro SportsplexThis inclusive program will teach participants of all abilities how to design and make holiday crafts. Modifications and supplies will be provided. Fee is $5. Registration is required. Register by emailing AIR or calling 336-373-2626. Winter Wonderland Scrapbooking: 3 p.m. Dec. 2 Create a winter wonderland scrapbooking page with colorful trees and snowflakes. Visit the library’s Facebook page for more information.Shaker Card Crafting for Kids: 3 p.m. Dec. 7Contact the Benjamin Branch for more information.Holiday Bop ‘n Paint: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 10, Dec. 17 For ages 6-8. Come paint a holiday scene and bop along to some music. Cost is $5, which covers supplies. Contact the Lindley Recreation Center for more information.Gingerbread Wars: 1 p.m. Dec. 14How about some sweet competition? Join Ms. Shelli live on Dec. 14 for some gingerbread baking and decorating tips on the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page. Send your gingerbread designs to [email protected] by Dec. 20. There will be categories for ages 3-6; 7-11; 12-18 and adults. A Sweet Success! Bakery will provide prizes for the winners. Winners will be announced on Dec. 21. Woven CD Ornaments: 3 p.m. Dec. 14 Contact the Hemphill Branch for more information.Holiday Cookies for Teens: 3 p.m. Dec. 15 Contact the Kathleen Clay Branch for more information. Family and Paint: 4 p.m. Dec. 15 A virtual class where families can come together and paint a winter themed piece of art together! Parks and Recreation staff will choose a winter-themed painting for everyone to recreate. Staff will guide you through the process and provide some ideas and art tips along the way. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.Book Baking: Lara Jean’s Holiday Snickerdoodle Mug Cake: 3 p.m. Dec. 22 Learn how to make a snickerdoodle mug cake inspired by Jenny Han’s To All the Boys book series. Contact the McNairy Branch for more information.Kwanzaa Stories and Crafts: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 26Contact the Vance Chavis Branch for more information.EventsShopper’s Day 35th Anniversary Presentation: 10 a.m. Dec. 3 The Greensboro Mayor’s Committee for Person’s with Disabilities will premier a video celebration 35 years of its signature event, Shopper’s Day. Take a look back at this event, which brings together individuals with disabilities for a special day of holiday cheer and shopping. See your old friends and enjoy a carol or two! Visit the City of Greensboro Facebook page for more information.Frost Toss Cornhole Tournament: 2-5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Keeley ParkKeeley Park hosts its first winter cornhole tournament at the park’s new permanent cornhole boards. There is a 20-team cap for this single elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place. Cost is $10 per two-person team. Registration is required and can be completed online.A Virtual Visit to the Greensboro History Museum and their Holiday Mice: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12.Kid’s Countdown Songs for New Year’s Eve: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 30,Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more information.Giving OpportunitiesSanta’s Workshop: Collecting toys at various locations through Dec. 4The Greensboro Youth Council collects new and gently used toys for children 6 months to 13 years old. Drop them off at the Greensboro Cultural Center, Craft Recreation Center, Leonard Recreation Center, Lewis Recreation Center, or Glenwood Library. To make a cash donation, visit the GYC website.Elf for a Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5Children are invited to create two stuffed animals — one to keep and one to donate. The toys will be distributed to local agencies. Contact the Caldcleugh Multicultural Arts Center for more details and to register.Operation Yuletide: Through Dec. 7The Greensboro Police Department delivers gifts to locals who have experienced difficult events this year. Residents are invited to be a part of Operation Yuletide by donating care package items for 160 local seniors to the District 3 Substation at 300 S. Swing Road (register for your contactless drop off time) or mail items to the Office of Community Engagement, 100 E. Police Plaza.Care package items needed: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, tissues, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, lip balm, notebooks, pens, markers, activity books, puzzles, crossword puzzles, paper towels, hand sanitizer, dishcloths, dish soap, toilet paper, and cleaning wipes. Click here to sign up for a drop off time.PerformancesTwo Winter Tales: Dec. 12, Dec. 13Two short plays for audience members of all ages, performed by local youth. The first play, “A Season for Snowflakes,” is about snowflakes who are in the sky and can’t wait to fall and cover the landscape in beautiful white snow. The second play, “The Ants and the Grasshopper,” is an adaptation of the famous Aesop’s Fable. Ants work hard to store food for winter but the Grasshopper is having too much fun to work. Then winter hits. Visit Creative Greensboro’s Facebook page for more information.Santa & StorytimesLetters to Santa: Through Nov. 30Children may drop off their letters to Santa at the Brown, Glenwood, Griffin and Leonard recreation centers or the Greensboro Cultural Center or email the big guy at [email protected]. They will receive a return letter in the mail. Online Storytime Winter and Polar Animals: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more information.Winter Wonderland Flannel Stories: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more information.ShoppingGreensboro Beautiful Holiday Greenery Sale & Festival: 12-5 p.m Dec. 6Purchase wreaths, garland, light balls, or poinsettias for yourself, and donate a wreath with bows to be distributed to Meals on Wheels recipient. Order online now and collect via curbside pickup Dec. 6. Proceeds help the nonprofit Greensboro Beautiful enhance city gardens, plant trees, clean up litter and host community events. Pre-ordering required. Pickup is at Lewis Recreation Center.Made 4 the Holidays at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15This retail marketplace features handcrafted and curated products including jewelry, body care items, pottery, artwork, wood turnings, glass objects, up-cycled bags and clothing, shelf-stable NC food products, and more. All products at MADE 4 the Market are locally made representing 50 emerging and favorite returning unique artisans from around the Piedmont.
The city of Greensboro is hosting a wide range of social distancing-friendly programs and events for all of the winter holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.
There are creative programs, special events, performances, giving and shopping opportunities – plus your chance to get a letter from Santa.
All activities of the activities are free unless otherwise noted.
COVID-19 health and safety guidelines will be followed for all in-person activities.
Creative Programs
‘Tis the Season Holiday Desserts: 5 p.m. Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10
A four-week virtual holiday baking program for youth interested in learning how to bake holiday desserts and treats. Feature menu: pumpkin spice cake, sweet potato pie, red or green velvet cake, and cinnamon apple pie cheesecake. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.
Attitude of Gratitude Crafts: 2 p.m. Nov. 23 (For children 12 and under, although anyone can participate)
It’s been a difficult year, so Parks and Recreation will guide you to making a craft to help us all identify things for which we are grateful. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.
Creating Gifts for Holiday Giving: 7-8 p.m. Nov. 23, Nov. 24 and Nov. 25
Create handcrafted gifts for yourself or a loved one this holiday season. Three nights of DIY crafting demonstrations include a hand-painted gift, a tree of life pendant, and a wire dream catcher. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.
Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Holiday Craft Extravaganza: 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 1 at Greensboro Sportsplex
This inclusive program will teach participants of all abilities how to design and make holiday crafts. Modifications and supplies will be provided. Fee is $5. Registration is required. Register by emailing AIR or calling 336-373-2626.
Winter Wonderland Scrapbooking: 3 p.m. Dec. 2
Create a winter wonderland scrapbooking page with colorful trees and snowflakes. Visit the library’s Facebook page for more information.
Shaker Card Crafting for Kids: 3 p.m. Dec. 7
Contact the Benjamin Branch for more information.
Holiday Bop ‘n Paint: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 10, Dec. 17
For ages 6-8. Come paint a holiday scene and bop along to some music. Cost is $5, which covers supplies. Contact the Lindley Recreation Center for more information.
Gingerbread Wars: 1 p.m. Dec. 14
How about some sweet competition? Join Ms. Shelli live on Dec. 14 for some gingerbread baking and decorating tips on the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page. Send your gingerbread designs to [email protected] by Dec. 20. There will be categories for ages 3-6; 7-11; 12-18 and adults. A Sweet Success! Bakery will provide prizes for the winners. Winners will be announced on Dec. 21.
Woven CD Ornaments: 3 p.m. Dec. 14
Contact the Hemphill Branch for more information.
Holiday Cookies for Teens: 3 p.m. Dec. 15
Contact the Kathleen Clay Branch for more information.
Family and Paint: 4 p.m. Dec. 15
A virtual class where families can come together and paint a winter themed piece of art together! Parks and Recreation staff will choose a winter-themed painting for everyone to recreate. Staff will guide you through the process and provide some ideas and art tips along the way. Visit the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for more information.
Book Baking: Lara Jean’s Holiday Snickerdoodle Mug Cake: 3 p.m. Dec. 22
Learn how to make a snickerdoodle mug cake inspired by Jenny Han’s To All the Boys book series. Contact the McNairy Branch for more information.
Kwanzaa Stories and Crafts: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 26
Contact the Vance Chavis Branch for more information.
Events
Shopper’s Day 35th Anniversary Presentation: 10 a.m. Dec. 3
The Greensboro Mayor’s Committee for Person’s with Disabilities will premier a video celebration 35 years of its signature event, Shopper’s Day. Take a look back at this event, which brings together individuals with disabilities for a special day of holiday cheer and shopping. See your old friends and enjoy a carol or two! Visit the City of Greensboro Facebook page for more information.
Frost Toss Cornhole Tournament: 2-5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Keeley Park
Keeley Park hosts its first winter cornhole tournament at the park’s new permanent cornhole boards. There is a 20-team cap for this single elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place. Cost is $10 per two-person team. Registration is required and can be completed online.
A Virtual Visit to the Greensboro History Museum and their Holiday Mice: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12.
Kid’s Countdown Songs for New Year’s Eve: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 30,
Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more information.
Giving Opportunities
Santa’s Workshop: Collecting toys at various locations through Dec. 4
The Greensboro Youth Council collects new and gently used toys for children 6 months to 13 years old. Drop them off at the Greensboro Cultural Center, Craft Recreation Center, Leonard Recreation Center, Lewis Recreation Center, or Glenwood Library. To make a cash donation, visit the GYC website.
Elf for a Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5
Children are invited to create two stuffed animals — one to keep and one to donate. The toys will be distributed to local agencies. Contact the Caldcleugh Multicultural Arts Center for more details and to register.
Operation Yuletide: Through Dec. 7
The Greensboro Police Department delivers gifts to locals who have experienced difficult events this year. Residents are invited to be a part of Operation Yuletide by donating care package items for 160 local seniors to the District 3 Substation at 300 S. Swing Road (register for your contactless drop off time) or mail items to the Office of Community Engagement, 100 E. Police Plaza.
Care package items needed: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, tissues, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, lip balm, notebooks, pens, markers, activity books, puzzles, crossword puzzles, paper towels, hand sanitizer, dishcloths, dish soap, toilet paper, and cleaning wipes. Click here to sign up for a drop off time.
Performances
Two Winter Tales: Dec. 12, Dec. 13
Two short plays for audience members of all ages, performed by local youth. The first play, “A Season for Snowflakes,” is about snowflakes who are in the sky and can’t wait to fall and cover the landscape in beautiful white snow. The second play, “The Ants and the Grasshopper,” is an adaptation of the famous Aesop’s Fable. Ants work hard to store food for winter but the Grasshopper is having too much fun to work. Then winter hits. Visit Creative Greensboro’s Facebook page for more information.
Santa & Storytimes
Letters to Santa: Through Nov. 30
Children may drop off their letters to Santa at the Brown, Glenwood, Griffin and Leonard recreation centers or the Greensboro Cultural Center or email the big guy at [email protected]. They will receive a return letter in the mail.
Online Storytime Winter and Polar Animals: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more information.
Winter Wonderland Flannel Stories: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23
Visit the Library’s Facebook page for more information.
Shopping
Greensboro Beautiful Holiday Greenery Sale & Festival: 12-5 p.m Dec. 6
Purchase wreaths, garland, light balls, or poinsettias for yourself, and donate a wreath with bows to be distributed to Meals on Wheels recipient. Order online now and collect via curbside pickup Dec. 6. Proceeds help the nonprofit Greensboro Beautiful enhance city gardens, plant trees, clean up litter and host community events. Pre-ordering required. Pickup is at Lewis Recreation Center.
Made 4 the Holidays at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15
This retail marketplace features handcrafted and curated products including jewelry, body care items, pottery, artwork, wood turnings, glass objects, up-cycled bags and clothing, shelf-stable NC food products, and more. All products at MADE 4 the Market are locally made representing 50 emerging and favorite returning unique artisans from around the Piedmont.
