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Nanaimo parks and rec fills holidays with activities

NANAIMO - City has Winter Wonderland, fun family activities and a New Year’s Finale in the works for the holiday season.

It just wouldn’t be winter without plenty of ice time in Whoville.

Nanaimo parks and rec is bringing back its popular Winter Wonderland skating event for the holiday season. Frank Crane Arena will be transformed into a Whoville fantasy theme Dec. 26-30 when families can lace up for $1 skating sessions, some free time on the ice with free helmet and skate rentals, a pancake breakfast Dec. 29 and prize giveaways sponsored by local businesses.

Holiday family fun happens at Nanaimo water and arena complexes, starting with Dunk Santa Sunday (Dec. 18), from 1-3 p.m. at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

Beban Pool hosts Family Pool Parties every Friday from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $3 per person and includes games, large inflatables, water running on mats, prizes and much more.

Nanaimo’s arenas have added extra skating sessions. Two Skates with Santa happen Dec. 21, 6:30-8 p.m., at Frank Crane Arena and at Nanaimo Ice Centre, 6:15-7:45 p.m. on Dec. 22.

While the kids are on winter break, Beban Park is also offering Frosty Frolic camps Dec. 27-30 and Jan. 2-6.

New for this year is parks and rec's Holiday RecSkate Camp and Holiday RecHockey Camp Jan. 2-6.

Nanaimo’s biggest and best family New Year's Eve celebration happens again this year too.

For more information about holiday camps, please visit http://bit.ly/2gfW4r1.

Parks and recreation hosts its 2016 New Year’s Finale in Beban Park Dec. 31 from 5-10 p.m. This year's theme is "Under the Big Top at the Carnival" features an acrobat school, swimming, skating, face painting, crafts, two countdowns, music by the Doctors of Rock 'n Roll, children's entertainment by The Purple Pirate and much more. The Nanaimo Clippers will also be on hand to skate and play hockey with.

An early countdown will be held at 8 p.m. for the younger partiers followed by a second countdown at 10 p.m. as the evening wraps up for big kids who can stay up later.

Tickets are $10 per person, $32 for a family of five with free admission for children two and under. Tickets can be purchased at Beban Park box office.

For more information about parks and recreation community events and public schedules, please call  250-756-5200 or visit the City of Nanaimo website at http://cnan.ca/nl1XSg.