With Christmas just round the corner, city leisure centres and community activity leaders are gearing up for some wonderful activities across the festive season.

There will be plenty to do, including the Yuletide Stride under the Christmas lights, festive ice-skating sessions at Riverside Leisure, and Christmas parties and sessions to keep the children entertained at South Woodham Ferrers and Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre.

Keep reading to find out more …

Yuletide Stride – Thursday 9 December

Couple walking under Christmas lights

This year’s Yuletide Stride will be starting at the Lord Ashcroft Building of Anglia Ruskin University. It will lead through to Chelmsford high street, Moulsham Street, Market Square, and the Cathedral grounds. It will be a 5km walk under Chelmsford’s twinkling lights on Thursday 9 December at 7pm to raise money for the Mayor’s chosen charities. Groups will set off every five minutes from 7pm onwards. A time slot will be given to you when you register. More information can be found on the City Sports website.

Festive ice-skating sessions at Riverside – Saturday 4 December onwards

Skating at Riverside poster

To help you get into the festive spirit, Riverside are creating a Christmas wonderland on their ice rink for everyone to enjoy. The rink will be beautifully decorated and there will be plenty of Christmas songs to sing along to as well. Festive treats are available from the mezzanine café and there may be a surprise entrance from one of Riverside’s favourite mascots, Pops the Penguin! You can find out dates, times, and prices on their website.

Get In! holiday courses are back

Running from 20 to 30 December, these courses offer great activities for kids to try, including pool inflatable, ice skating, spy school, athletics, parkour and more! There is no better way to keep the children entertained during the Christmas break. Find out more on the Get In! website.

There are also Christmas parties for children aged four to 12 at South Woodham Ferrers leisure centre and children aged two to 5 at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre that offer a variety of fun and games. View the full list of activities on the City Sports website.

Get In! Festive Fun poster

Treat your ‘elf this Christmas

All four leisure centres are offering the chance to treat yourself this Christmas to one month completely free when you join between now and 24 December on a wellness adult or family package. You can find more details on their website.

Treat your ‘elf! poster

Keep an eye on the City Sports Facebook page for updates.

By Charlotte Maltby

Charlotte writes stories about recycling and waste, parks, economic development, local democracy and planning.

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