Get active (or not!) over the festive lull!

We all know that ‘lull’ between Christmas and the New Year, when we don’t know if we’re coming or going, what to do with ourselves or what day it is! Some people love it, some people don’t! Here are some suggestions to energise you or your family’s plans over the holidays. There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, so your nearest and dearest from grandparents to little ones can join in.

SNOWTUBING & SKIING

Strap on your skis or hop into a snowtube for a thrilling glide down the slope at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre! Skiing is a great workout for all ages and skill levels and it’s a great activity to help improve balance, co-ordination and lower body strength. Snowtubing is a high-energy experience for the entire family to enjoy! The activities at the Golf and Ski Centre have been extremely popular this month and there’s only very limited availability on some ski courses and individual tubing. Check out what’s on at Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre.

WINTER WANDER

Beat the Christmas slump with a winter wander around your local woodlands, towpaths, treks, trails, roads or streets! Walking, jogging, running and cycling trigger the release of endorphins (AKA the ‘happy hormones’) and help combat the winter blues. If you do head out, wrap up well, be safe and be seen. Parks and open spaces remain open throughout the festive period. Click here for inspiration.

SWIMMING

Christmas and New Year dips are popular traditions, but they’re certainly not for everyone! If you don’t fancy the thought of dipping your toes into icy-cold water, leave winter’s chill at the door and visit our indoor pools at Banbridge, Orchard and South Lake Leisure Centres. Click here for centre opening hours over the holidays.  

TANNAGHMORE ANIMAL FARM

Check out the live manger at Tannaghmore Animal Farm! Featuring rare breeds including Galway sheep, Irish Moiled cows and pygmy goats, you will find this heart-warming nativity display in a converted outhouse on the farm. The farm is open daily 10am-4pm (closed on Christmas Day only) and admission is free! As well as visiting the nativity scene don’t forget to check out the rest of the rare breed’s farm, play park, maze and beautiful gardens.

DO NOTHING!

Yes, you read that right! In a world where it’s all go go go, Christmas can also be a nice time to relax and unwind! After a few days of cooking and entertaining, it’s ok to take a break from being ‘always on’ to doing very little. Do what feels right for you!

Whatever you get up to over the holidays, we wish you and yours a very happy and safe Christmas!