Festive Fun: Cultural and Creative Fit and Fed Activities This Christmas

School’s out, the nights are drawing in and the Christmas holidays are looming… but if you’re worrying about keeping young people busy (and inspired!) this Winter, Plymouth’s Fit and Fed programme has your back.

Funded through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Fit and Fed offers free holiday clubs with a hot meal for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals, plus some other eligible groups.plymouth.gov.uk

Alongside all the football, swimming and multi-sports, there’s a brilliant range of cultural and creative opportunities – from circus skills and ballet to science clubs and cinema trips. Here’s a round-up of the most creative options on the Fit and Fed Christmas 2025 programme, with links so you can explore and book.plymouth.gov.uk

Creative movement and performance

Aerial Allsorts – try the circus!

Learn a mix of aerial hoop, sling and trapeze “just like you are at the circus”, with sessions for 5 to 16 year olds at Christian Mill Business Park. It’s a fun way to build strength and confidence while trying something completely different.

• Where & when: Christian Mill Business Park, PL6 5DS – 27 & 29 December, 10am–2pm

• More info & booking: via the Fit and Fed Aerial Allsorts listing (search “Aerial Allsorts”) or go direct to the Aerial Allsorts website. plymouth.gov.uk

Plymouth Ballet School – winter tales in dance

Plymouth Ballet School’s holiday club dances through winter themes inspired by Christmas films, musicals and ballets like The Nutcracker, finishing with a short festive performance for relatives to enjoy. It’s perfect for younger dancers aged 6 to 9 who love to perform.

• Where & when: Marine Academy Plymouth, PL5 2AF – 22 & 23 December, 10am–3pm

• More info & booking: details and email link on the Fit and Fed listing (search “Plymouth Ballet School”). plymouth.gov.uk

Plymouth Dance – primary and secondary

Plymouth Dance are running free creative days that blend dance, drama, team-building, festive-themed arts, crafts and games – all designed to lift wellbeing and help young people connect.

• Primary (5–11s): Oxford House Creative Hub, PL1 1TW – Saturday 20 December, 9am–1pm

• Secondary (11–16s): Oxford House Creative Hub, PL1 1TW – Monday 22 December, 10am–2pm

• More info & booking: email the team via the Fit and Fed listing (search “Plymouth Dance”). plymouth.gov.uk

Worlds of imagination and storytelling

Character Creation – Dungeons & Dragons adventures

For young people who love fantasy, storytelling or gaming, Character Creation is a Dungeons & Dragons-based holiday club where participants embark on a shared fantasy adventure, build characters and learn social and problem-solving skills along the way. Sessions are SEND-friendly and run by experienced facilitators.plymouth.gov.uk+1

• 11–13 years: 22, 23, 29 & 30 December, 9am–1pm

• 13–16 years: 22, 23, 29 & 30 December, 1.30pm–5.30pm

• Venue: Unit 80, City Business Park, PL3 4BB

• More info & booking:

  • Character Creation 11–13 years – Fit and Fed page

  • Character Creation 13–16 years – Fit and Fed page (search “Character Creation 13–16 years”)

Crafty Christmas makers

EM-MAgination Craft – big on making

A dedicated creative arts and craft holiday club with plenty of making and some outdoor team games, aimed at 4 to 11 year olds. Ideal for kids who are happiest with glue sticks, paint and plenty of imagination.

• Where & when: Rees Youth Centre, Plympton – Friday 2 January, 9am–1pm

• More info & booking: via the EM-MAgination Craft Fit and Fed listing. plymouth.gov.uk+1

Little Stars Coaching and Craft – mix of sport and creativity

Little Stars gives children the freedom to choose between sports, crafts and chilled activities in a large outdoor space – great if you’ve got siblings with different interests.

• Where & when: College Road Primary School, PL2 1NS – 22, 23, 29 & 30 December, 9am–3pm

• More info & booking: contact details are on the Fit and Fed listing (search “Little Stars Coaching and Craft”). plymouth.gov.uk

Plymouth Life Centre “Drop and Shop”

Need to blitz the Christmas shopping? The Life Centre’s “drop and shop” sessions combine inflatable fun with arts and crafts, giving children an active, creative day while adults get a few precious hours back.

• Where & when: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG – Saturday 20 December, morning and afternoon sessions

• More info & booking: see “Plymouth Life Centre drop and shop” on the Fit and Fed page. plymouth.gov.uk

YMCA Plymouth – crafts, baking and more

YMCA Plymouth’s club for 8–16 year olds includes pumpkin arts and crafts, carving, baking, sport, street surfing and team games – a properly mixed creative and physical day in a supportive setting.

• Where & when: Kitto Centre, PL5 3NG – 22, 23, 29 & 30 December, 9.30am–3.30pm

• More info & booking: via the YMCA Plymouth website or the Fit and Fed listing (search “YMCA Plymouth”).plymouth.gov.uk

Science, nature and hands-on discovery

Plymouth Science – experiments, robots and slime

This science holiday club is packed with forest school, robotics, electronics, experiments, slime and nature walks – ideal for curious minds who like to make, test and tinker.plymouth.gov.uk+1

• Where & when: St Budeaux CE Primary Academy, PL5 2DW – 20–23 December, 9am–3pm

• More info & booking: via the Plymouth Science website or “Plymouth Science” on the Fit and Fed page.

Hamoaze House – creativity and community

Hamoaze House offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, with a focus on healthy eating, creativity and building positive friendships in a safe environment – a good choice if you’re looking for a nurturing, community-based club.plymouth.gov.uk

• Where & when: George Street, PL1 4JQ – 22–24 December, 10am–3pm

• More info & booking: contact details are on the Fit and Fed listing (search “Hamoaze House”).

Multi-activity clubs with strong creative elements

Several Fit and Fed providers blend sport with arts, crafts and imaginative workshops, so they’re great all-rounders if your child likes to try a bit of everything:

• Premier Education – Boringdon & Pilgrim
  Multi-activity days that include creative arts, magicians, drumming workshops and even reptile visits, alongside sports and play-based challenges.plymouth.gov.uk

  • Info & booking: search “Premier Education – Boringdon” or “Premier Education – Pilgrim” on the Fit and Fed page.

• Proactive – Riverside, Stuart Road, Tothill
  Holiday clubs combining arts, crafts, games and external activities with sports – all in a supportive, skills-building environment for 7–11 year olds.plymouth.gov.uk

  • Info & booking: search “Proactive” on the Fit and Fed page.

• Procoaching – Widewell
  A “Multi-Activity and Arts” course that gives children the chance to enjoy both sports and creative games or activities, while making friends and developing skills.plymouth.gov.uk

  • Info & booking: search “Procoaching – Widewell” on the Fit and Fed page.

Festive days out and film

Zebra – cinema, Mount Edgcumbe and The Hoe

Zebra’s Christmas sessions mix days out and film: a trip to Mount Edgcumbe (weather permitting), plus a cinema trip with a walk on the Hoe, or a film at the centre with active games if the weather turns. It’s a lovely way for 8–14 year olds to experience culture and the city’s landscape together.plymouth.gov.uk

• Where & when: Mount Wise Neighbourhood Centre, PL1 4LQ – 23 December & 2 January, 10am–2pm

• More info & booking: search “Zebra” on the Fit and Fed Christmas 2025 listing.

How to find out more and check eligibility

These are just some of the most creative and cultural offers in this year’s programme – there are 47 clubs in total across the city. You’ll find full details, eligibility criteria and booking information on the Fit and Fed Christmas 2025 page.plymouth.gov.uk

If you’re a parent, carer or young person in Plymouth, it’s a brilliant chance to explore new art forms, hobbies and cultural experiences this Christmas – and to make sure nobody misses out on festive fun.