BPRYCS holiday programs begin this weekend

Kris Salls holiday light display at Page Park is again, this year one of the highlights of the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Dept. seasonal programs. | Photo BPRYCS

Posted By: Staff November 15, 2023

The City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) Department announced its schedule of events and programs for the holiday season.

Holiday Gift Giving Program — The Holiday Gift Giving program provides gift assistance to eligible Bristol youth and families during the holiday season. Income eligible families must apply to receive holiday assistance by Friday, Dec. 8. Assistance applications are available online at www.bristolrec.com. Community donations are accepted to help support this program and you may also sponsor a child or family by contacting Community Services Coordinator Aubrey Minkler at aubreyminkler@bristolct.gov.

Stuff-A-Cruiser — BPRYCS is partnering with the Bristol Police Department to “Stuff-A-Cruiser” full of new and unwrapped toys for Bristol youth up to 18 years of age. All donations benefit local families in need of assistance this holiday season. Staff from BPD and BPRYCS will be outside of Bristol Walmart on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting toys to benefit the Holiday Gift Giving program. Participating donors and community members are invited to stop by to mail a letter to the North Pole and help spread holiday cheer.

Holiday Lights at Page Pool (nightly starting Nov. 24) — Once again Bristol resident Kristopher Salls has donated his time and displays to spread holiday cheer at Page Park Pool. Displays are anticipated to begin following Thanksgiving and run through the holiday season.

“Underwater Photos with Santa” (Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.) Families — book a 15-minute session underwater photo with Scuba Santa. Time slots can be reserved at www.bristolrec.com. The event is free with the donation of one, unwrapped gift per family to benefit the Holiday Gift Giving program. Please contact the Dennis Malone Aquatics Center for any questions 860-584-3837.

Kids’ Night Out (Dec. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.) — Register ahead to get some holiday shopping done while the children participate in fun activities supervised by the recreation staff. Activities include pizza dinner, arts and crafts, sports, board games and more. Fee is $20 (residents) and $25 (non-residents).

2nd Annual Night of Lights (Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with rain day on Sunday, Dec. 17) — The Night of Lights replaces Santa Lan Village as the new premier holiday event. This year’s event will be held on the open field on Veterans Memorial Boulevard on the front lawn of the Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School. The event features a community tree lighting at 6 p.m., interfaith carols, meet and greet with Santa Claus, luminary display, and hot chocolate for sale to benefit the BPRYCS Holiday Gift Giving program.

“Christmas with the Nashville King,” starring John Beardsley at Downtown Live at Rockwell Theater (Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. Bristol’s own, John Beardsley, returns home to celebrate Elvis’ Christmas music at Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater, the first stage Beardsley ever performed on. A limited number of tickets are available for Saturday Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. while the matinee show on Sunday Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. has a more varied selection of seats. Tickets are available at www.bristolrec.com while supplies last.

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