Whether you have family and friends visiting over the holidays, or just want to make the most of the extra few days off, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about on the Island during Christmas week.

After the indulgence of Christmas Day, you can let off steam at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Mince Pie Specials (26th-28 December). Settle back in one of their comfortable, vintage carriages as you travel through some of the Island’s winter landscape www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk.

Alternatively, wrap up in your newest Christmas knitwear, slip on your boots and explore the Island’s spectacular winter scenery on foot.

2009 marks 150 years since the publication of ‘Origin of Species’ and a five-mile walk, between the hotel and the villa where Charles Darwin wrote the first chapter of the book, is planned on 27th December. Origin of the Origin, starts at 1pm at the Ocean Hotel in Sandown (meet at the seaside entrance). This three-hour, council-organised walk is free (donations to Friends of the Botanic Garden requested) and booking is advised – call walk leader, Rowan Adams, on 01983 298098.

Or blow away the cobwebs on the Mince Pie Cycle Ride, also on 27th December. This two-hour bike ride is a gentle but jolly tour of the lanes and tracks around Alverstone. The ride pushes off from Alverstone Village Hall at 11am and is completely free, although donations for the mince pies and mulled wine that follow the ride are welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; book a place by calling cycle leader, Tim Thorne, on 01983 520529. For more IW Council-organised walks and cycle rides, visit www.iwight.com/walks

Don’t have a bike? Wight Cycle Hire is offering four days for the price of two on cycles hired over the Christmas and the New Year period. This special offer runs from 24-27 December and 31 December-3 January and costs £25 for four days cycle hire (normal two day weekend rate £25) including delivery and collection of bikes to and from your home address. For more information, telephone Wight Cycle Hire on 01983 761800, or visit www.wightcyclehire.co.uk

The popular Southern Vectis Christmas Lights Bus Tour will be running until Wednesday 30 December and is a great way to spend a fun evening with friends and family, not to mention the choreographed fairy lights, giant inflatable santas and animatronic reindeers. And just to make sure you stay in the Christmas spirit, the tour includes a complimentary mince pie and hot drink at the Old World Tea Rooms in Godshill. The round-trip takes around two hours and leaves Newport bus station at 1830 and Ryde bus station at 1900 and must be pre-booked by calling 01983 827000, or by visiting the Southern Vectis travel shop in Newport Bus station – note there are no tours between 24-26 December.

Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday home, Osborne House, will once again be decked out with Victorian festive decorations for visitors to enjoy and is open for pre-booked, one-hour tours from 27-30 December. Tel. 01983 200022 to book, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for admission prices.

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a visit to a traditional pantomime and here on the Island, there are plenty to choose from, including Jack and the Beanstalk at Shanklin Theatre (20-31 December) and Cinderella at Medina Theatre (22-30 December).