Put down the mince pies, get off the sofa and keep active this Christmas.
It’s that time of year where it’s near impossible to avoid overindulging and the January fitness regime seems a long way away.
But why not use that Christmas spirit to make sure you stay active over the festive period?
We have pulled together a few events and activities you can do across the capital to stay active over the festive period without having to commit to a 10-mile run in the icy temperatures.
1.Grab your best Santa suit and take part in the Hogarth Santa Run
Tomorrow’s event will see thousands gather dressed as the man himself to walk, skip or run a 4.5 mile lap of the River Thames. Suits are provided as part of the entry cost and there’s a mulled wine and mince pie at the finish line. All the money raised will be donated to the homeless charity Shelter.
When: Saturday 15 December
Where: Hogarth
Cost: £12.50
Take a look
2. Grab your bike and join the Festive Lights ride
Back again for 2018 the Festive Lights ride will take you on a tour of some of London’s best Christmas lights as well as featuring live performances and theatre animations. It’s a ride designed to be family friendly to take in some of the sights of Lambeth and includes some of our best quiet cycle routes – which can then be used all year round.
When: Sunday 16 December
Where: Clapham
Cost: £3
Sign up now
3.Visit one of London’s iconic ice rinks
Whether it’s Hyde Park or Tower Bridge, grab your gloves, hats and scarves and take a trip to one of the capital’s many picturesque ice rinks. You’ll be too busy singing along to the music or falling over to realise you’re exercising.
When: Most rinks are open until January
Where: All across the capital
Cost: £5-£15
Choose your favourite
4.Take part in The Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park
Before you tuck into your turkey, join other brave outdoor swimmers by diving into the waters of the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park on Christmas Day. This incredible tradition, a 100-yard race, dates back to 1864 when H Coulter took the gold medal. Spectators (and swimmers) are encouraged to wrap up warm.
When: 25 December (Christmas Day)
Where: Hyde Park
Cost: Free
Get involved
5. Learn to dance 1920s style with The Great Gatsby Christmas Party.
Bring some glamour to your Christmas activities and attend one of Gatsby’s famous birthdays. St James’ Court Hotel is the place to be to learn some new moves as you learn how to dance 1920s style with your closest friends.
When: Various dates in December
Where: Westminster
Cost: Varied
Find out more
