Hello Woodbury,

December is upon us, and with that brings the opportunity to see family and friends as the holiday season kicks off. For me, December makes me think of traditions and the things I used to do as a kid. Decorating the Christmas tree, making cookies, watching my favorite holiday movies, and taking advantage of the winter weather for some outdoor fun.

This is the time of the year where we reflect on the things we are grateful for and think back on the year that we have had. I have been thankful for everyone in town that has welcomed me and supported my start here in Woodbury. I also look back on how much our department has done this year, and I would like to give kudos to my staff for everything they have done and how much they stepped up as one director left and another stepped in. Every day they work hard to improve our department and our town and I am happy to work alongside them.

As we look forward, I’m excited for everything that we have planned for December. On December 6^th, we will be hosting the Tree Lighting on the North Green. We invite everyone to attend as we sing carols, light the tree, and celebrate the holiday season. As part of the decorating for the tree, we have ornaments available at our office, the library, and the senior center. We are inviting people to come pick up an ornament, decorate it, and then bring it back so we can add it to the tree. I know I’m looking forward to seeing that tree light up in my first year here. We are also hosting a separate ornament making workshop before the Tree Lighting. From 1:30pm-3:30pm on December 6th, stop by the Rec House and decorate your very own ornament to take home and add to your own tree. This is a free workshop and we will also be providing a hot cocoa buffet.

For anyone looking for other things to do with family and friends, I invite you to take a look at the different programs we are offering this month. We have a number of workshops that are meant to get you in the Christmas spirit. Check out the newsletter below for more information on everything we have going on this month.

If you would like to get more involved with Parks and Recreation, we are hosting a volunteer information session for Earth Day on December 9^th from 6:30pm-7:30pm. We are looking for community help to plan these events, and we will also be seeking volunteers to help with operations on the day of the event.

I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. Enjoy the time with friends and family, and stay warm!

Sincerely,

Graham Musson

(203) 263-3113

www.woodburyparksandrec.org

Parks & Recreation Office located at: 7 Mountain Road, Woodbury

Parks and Rec Programs

Cozy Up with Our December Programs!

For more information and to register visit www.woodburyparksandrec.org.

WPR Instructor Highlight - Say Hello to Jasmine Terry-Ankobil

Jasmine Terry-Ankobil is a graduate of the Fashion Industries and the owner of LAIDIECLOTH Fashion House, based in Torrington, Connecticut, where she resides with her husband and two daughters. From her studio, Jasmine creates custom-designed gowns and accessories for special occasions and offers expert alterations and gown redesigns. She has a passion to share her dressmaking knowledge and hopes it will allow this niche craft to be enjoyed by other sewing enthusiasts. 

Beginning January 5th, Jasmine will be teaching Dressmaking 101, a hands-on sewing workshop through Woodbury Parks & Recreation. Students will learn the basic skills for dressmaking, including a brief history of the industry, fashion illustration, design tools, fabric sourcing, and design and construction. At the end, participants will gain the knowledge required to complete a simple technical and elegant trapeze dress from scratch.

Register here for Dress Making 101

https://bit.ly/47NZFZi

Traditions in Every Season

Celebrate December with our "Traditions in Every Season" series! Craft your own paper quilling reindeer and enjoy a creative winter activity.

Did you Know? Paper quilling came to America in the 1700s with European settlers and became a popular colonial craft for decorating boxes, frames, and keepsakes.

Register here for Reindeer Paper Quilling

https://bit.ly/4hzBi5V

December Delights!

Holiday Line Dance ~ Celebrate the season with a fun night of holiday line dancing! We'll mix in some Christmas favorites, a few country classics, and plenty of cheer along the way. No experience needed, just bring your holiday spirit (and maybe a festive sweater) and join in the fun!

Register here for Holiday Line Dance

https://bit.ly/3HrJNP5

Decorate the Town Tree! Return your decorated ornaments by December 3rd so it can be hung on the town tree for everyone to enjoy throughout the holiday season!

Let’s make the Town Tree shine with community spirit and holiday cheer!

Puzzle Palooza ~ Join us for a team puzzle-making race! Each team is provided with the same 500 piece jigsaw puzzle at the start of the contest. Prizes will be awarded to the first team to finish. There can be up to four players on each team. Only one person from each team MUST REGISTER for the event. Each registrant may bring up to 3 additional people to be on their team. The team captain who registers must be at least 18 years old but teams may consist of members 14+. 

Register here for Puzzle Palooza

https://bit.ly/445Cl7g

WPR Annual Holiday Pet Photo Contest! Show off your furry friends all dressed up for the holidays! A fun way to spread cheer and celebrate our community's pets.

Let's see those wagging tails, twinkling lights, and cozy sweaters! 

Entries accepted through 12/5/25.

Huge THANK YOU to Woodbury Pet Commons for sponsoring our Holiday Pet Photo Contest! We appreciate their support in helping us celebrate Woodbury's furry friends.

Winter Cookie Decorating Experience ~ Join us for a sweet time and celebrate the winter season at our delightful Cookie Decorating Experience! This class is the perfect way to celebrate the season and perfect for all skill levels! Bring your friends!

Register here Winter Cookie Experience

https://bit.ly/3WnBbkI

Kids Holiday Ornament Workshop ~ Enjoy a cozy afternoon of holiday crafting! Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:30 PM to make your own handmade ornaments and warm up with our hot cocoa buffet before heading over to the Town Tree Lighting at 4:00 PM. 

Parents must accompany children for this cheerful, FREE family-friendly activity.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ~ Celebrate the holiday season at Woodbury's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at 4:00pm on December 6! Join Woodbury Parks and Rec for an evening of festive cheer, music, and community spirit as we light up the town tree at the North Green. Bring your family and friends to enjoy caroling and a special appearance by Santa Claus!  

Woodbury Ski Nights ~ We are thrilled to once again partner with Mohawk Mountain to bring you Woodbury Ski Nights! Register by December 8!

Register here for Woodbury Ski Nights

https://bit.ly/4oWn958

Gingerbread House Decorating Party ~ Where you can design your own delicious masterpiece and enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus!

Kits are $35 and include supplies for up to three participants. A parent or guardian must be present during the activity.

Register here for our Gingerbread House Decorating Party

https://bit.ly/4igNuIJ

Get Involved

Volunteer Recruitment Evening on Tuesday, December 9 from 6:30 - 7:30pm at the Rec House!

January Sneak Peek!

We're kicking off 2026 with fresh opportunities to learn, create, and stay active! From new activities to returning favorites, January is packed with ways to try something new! Here's a sneak peek at what's ahead (full details and registration is available on our website).

If you have any questions,

or need help with registration,

please call 203-263-3113

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm