With December in full swing, we begin to look forward to such things as spending time with family and friends, ice sports and braving the crowds to find the perfect gift. As we draw near the official holiday season and some well deserved time off, the City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Environment department has plenty of Winter Break activities and day camps to keep you and your kids busy.

Along with Winter Break day camps, the City is hosting Winter Wonderland, a five day skating event where Frank Crane Arena in Beban Park will be transformed into a Winter Carnival theme. Activities during Winter Wonderland include loonie skates (as well as some sponsored free skates), a pancake breakfast, caroling, ice carving, sno cones, toffee on a stick and daily raffle prizes.

On New Year's Eve, take the family to Beban Park for Finale 2014. This fun celebration features a tropical theme along with live entertainment, swimming, skating, face painting, crafts and food vendors. 

Finally, on Saturday, January 3 bring your super heros to Beban Park Pool for some Super Hero Fun from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Are you looking for a unique gift? How about giving the gift of health and fitness this year with a City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Environment gift card. It can be used at any of the City's recreation facilities for swimming, skating, drop in activities, or any fitness or leisure class in the Activity Guide (class sizes are limited). And, if you purchase a $20 or more gift card by December 24, you can be entered to win a $50 gift card!