The holidays in the Amherst area will soon arrive in some creative guises – a few new events, and a few familiar ones – as the Amherst Recreation Department prepares a host of activities for the upcoming season.

On Dec. 7, the ARD will host a “Dance Around the World,” with classes for adults and seniors, and for kids, age 3-12 (parents are welcome to join in). No partner needed.

The class for adults/seniors will run for 1-2:30 p.m., at the Peabody Mill Environmental Center, 66 Brook Rd., Amherst and the fee is $12 residents/$15 non-residents. (There is a class minimum of six people.)

The kids class will take place from 11-12:30 p.m. at the Peabody Mill as well; the fees are the same as for adults.

According to ARD program coordinator Rachel O’Sullivan, guests will have the chance to learn dances from around the world.

“There will be an instructor, Dorina Nimigean (who’s traveled the world in various dance ensembles), and people can learn basic steps,” she said. “We’re looking into bringing some food in and there will be sample costumes.”

“This will be a trial run, with a hope of creating this as a continuing program in the future,” O’Sullivan added.

Over the past few years, the ARD began a popular local brewery tour, where guests are invited to sample some regional fare, and don an ugly holiday sweater to boot. The event will commence at Barley & Hops, 614 Nashua St., Milford at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. (Pre-registration is required as this event will sell out fast.)

“I drive the bus for that one,” noted O’Sullivan, referring to the minibus that is provided for transporting folks (the max capacity for this event in 13 people) from different local pubs. “We partner with Barley & Hops and the ugly sweater theme is a fun thing to add to the mix.”

O’Connell said samples are provided and either a tour or a brief explanation of how to brew beers – from ales to lagers -is offered.

The event is 21-plus and the fee is $30 for residents, and $40 for non-residents. The tour will take guests to four breweries in total, with other names to be announced. Included in the “pub crawl,” is round trip transportation, water and snacks on the shuttle, a cooler to keep your purchases cold, beer samples and a tour offering information about beer, and the brewing culture in Southern New Hampshire.

O’Sullivan also mentioned skiing at Crotched Mountain, noting that chaperones are needed for this part of the programs.

Students will be picked up from Wilkins Elementary School or AMS and driven to Crotched Mountain in Bennington, where they’ll have the opportunity to rent equipment and have some free skiing time before heading back to Wilkins School by 8:10 p.m. Season passes are available for purchase.

There also will be an “Elf Workshop,” for kids on Dec. 15, from 2-4 p.m.

The holiday craft party will take place at the Peabody Mill; $15 residents, $20 for non-residents.

“The workshop will allow kids to come in and do crafts to take home or make presents,” said O’Sullivan. “All the materials will be included and there will be helpers there. We’ll be dressed as elves so it should be pretty cute.”

For info on these events and others, visit amherstrec.org.

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