Need to burn off some of that turkey and those candy canes?
There are plenty of ways to stay active over the holidays in and around Hope. The only days the Hope Recreation Centre will be closed are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and they have a full line up of open swims, open gyms and times to strap on the skates.
For example, try Family Casual Hockey on Friday, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3, from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the Hope Arena. There is also a teen gym time (for 13-15 year olds) on Mondays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For a full schedule, see the Winter and Spring program guide at www.fvrd.ca.
And if you really want to stretch your legs, get up to Manning Park. There are several events to take in over the holidays there, including a chance to hit the slopes with Santa Claus.
There is a lantern making workshop on Dec. 23 (tickets required), and the Torchlight Parade in the Alpine ski area on Christmas Eve. That’s when you’re invited to bring that lantern you made to put on display, and enjoy some caroling and free hot chocolate. Santa will be in his snow throne at the end of the parade.
And be sure to hit the slopes on Christmas Day, when Santa will be around skiing after his big night. On Boxing Day, Manning has a Moonlight Guided Snowshoe Tour planned, too. The two-hour event begins at 7 p.m. and prices run from $20 to $30.
Finally, New Year’s Eve at Manning includes an ice skating carnival, hay rides, another guided snowshoe tour, and fireworks at midnight.