Family fun events at the Nigra Arts Center this weekend

The weekend of December 10 and 11 will be full of holiday fun for families with children of all ages at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.

The arts center will host its Polar Express Celebration for the second consecutive year on Saturday, December 10, from noon to 3 p.m. Children and their families are welcome to join the celebration as the center transforms into the North Pole. Attendees will enjoy crafts, live entertainment and all kinds of family fun inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book “The Polar Express.” Concessions will be available for purchase and Santa Claus, the guest of honor, will be available for photos. Admission is $5 to benefit the Nigra Arts Center or a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots.

The arts center will also host a Sensory Santa event on Sunday, December 11, 2-4 p.m. Sensory Santa is ideal for children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders who may be overwhelmed by large crowds, bright lights and loud music. Children will meet with Sensory Santa alone in a quiet, soothing atmosphere, where they will receive individualized attention. Sensory Santa’s suit will be extra soft for a comforting sensory experience and there will be no nearby distractions such as elves, colorful decorations or blinking lights. While they wait to meet with Sensory Santa, children will be provided with coloring books and crayons. Attendees may register in advance by calling (518) 661-9932 or visiting www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information about these events or the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.