The festive season is just around the corner, and Leeds is bursting with exciting things to do. From savouring seasonal food and drink to diving into Christmas shopping, or unwinding with carols and crafts, there’s something for everyone! Cozy and nostalgic, Christmas is the perfect time to head out with your loved ones, and we’ve handpicked some of the best experiences Leeds has to offer this Christmas that you won’t want to miss…

To Leeds, With Love

12th – 22nd December

The beloved “A Magical Night at The Queens” is returning this year with a brand new enchanting animation “To Leeds, With Love”, bringing landmark Leeds building to life and set to captivate audiences for 11 days. Voiced by renowned British actor Richard Armitage, the projection is boasting an enormous 187 showings. The iconic Gingerbread Man is coming back to embark on a new festive adventure. Organised by LeedsBID, the illuminations at The Queens perfectly capture the seasonal spirit and unique character of Leeds, something that you definitely don’t want to miss!

Christmas Shopping

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some Christmas shopping! Beat the last-minute Christmas rush and enjoy the dazzling decorations and lights that Leeds’ shopping scene has to offer. And if you are looking for some more unique gifts, take a look round Leeds’ independent shopping scene to give your gift-giving a more personal touch.

Trinity Leeds

Albion Street, Leeds City Centre: 9am – 8pm

Lighting up the city, Trinity Leeds is boasting a 12 metre Christmas tree in the main atrium. With fabulous Christmas gifts to be found in 120 stores, Trinity has everything you need. You will be able to spend hours shopping, and enjoy a well-earned break at one of the 40 cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Victoria Leeds

Victoria Quarter, Victoria Street, Leeds City Centre: 9am – 6.30pm

Victoria Gate, Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre: 10am – 6pm

The Victoria Arcades are the most beautiful places to do your Christmas shopping. The atmosphere is magical and the festive lights have transformed some of Leeds’ favourite spaces into a Winter Wonderland. Victoria Quarter hosts more than 20 individual stores, with both independent and luxury brands. In Victoria Gate, you can find the colossal 5-storey John Lewis, along with a variety of other shops to ensure you find the perfect gifts.

The Corn Exchange

Call Lane, Leeds: 10am – 6pm

With a stunning domed roof and gorgeous array of vintage and independent shops, the Corn Exchange makes for the perfect place to find a gift with a personal touch. Alongside this, it is also host to the Corn Exchange Market filled with food, drink, music, and games! From 19th November, this unmissable Christmas experience can be found in the basement with DJs and live music every night for your entertainment.

Christmas Markets

A festive favourite, Leeds has plenty of Christmas markets to visit so if you’re looking for tasty treats, artisan goods, or just on the hunt for some mulled wine, you are sure to find it. Transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive music, a Christmas market makes for the perfect outing this season.

Leeds Christmas Markets

22nd November – 22nd December

Back and better than ever, Leeds Christmas Markets are taking over City Square and Millennium Square with a variety of stalls selling gifts, tasty treats, and delicious drinks. The beloved Ice Cube is returning with the ever-popular ice rink and charming stalls. The Penguin Club offers children under 9 the chance to learn to skate with the adorable penguin aids. The Bavarian-style stalls offer mouth-watering delights like Traditional Bratwurst, Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, Poutine, and endless sweet treats like churros and and toasted marshmellows.

Left Bank Leeds

Cardigan Road, Burley: 10am – 4pm

On the 7th & 8th December, you can head to Left Bank Leeds to find a fabulous Christmas market full of independent makers and artists to find the perfect unique gifts. Alongside the shopping, you can enjoy seasonal drinks like mulled ciders and hot chocolates, coupled with tasty festive treats. Come along for free to support talented local makers and bask in the festive atmosphere.

Festive Food and Drink

Apart from a Christmas roast, our favourite thing to explore is the festive food and drink Leeds has to offer. Known for its outstanding hospitality, whether you’re looking for a festive feast or seasonal drinks, Leeds has you covered this Christmas.

Green Room

36 Wellington St, Leeds

The Green Room transforms its terrace into a cosy winter garden – the perfect place to head to with your loved ones if you’re in the mood for some delicious festive bites, steins of beer, or some expertly crafted cocktails. With woollen blankets, fire pits, and heat lamps, the winter garden is the perfect place to snuggle up and get cosy.

Bundobust

6 Mill Hill, Leeds

Looking to spice up your Christmas? From 18th November – 31st December, Bundobust‘s festival feasts are packed with flavour and fun. With dishes made for sharing, the iconic Sprout Bhajis are making a return, and new this year Baingan Baubles (baby aubergine) and a chai Tiramisu (Hell Yes) alongside everyone’s favourite festive cocktails and beers.

Griffin

31 Boar Lane, Leeds

There’s nothing like a proper Christmas dinner, and that’s what they’re serving at the Griffin’s Grotto this holiday season. Whatever decks your halls, they’ve got it. Traditional turkey, stuffing, roasties, and gravy? Tick. Or if you’re looking for a twist on a classic, you can try their Festive Feast Burger, with Merlot beef dripping gravy, raclette cheese, and pickled red onion.

Angelica & Crafthouse

Trinity, Leeds

Located on the sixth floor of the Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre, with a wraparound planted terrace and panoramic city, Angelica & Crafthouse is the ultimate destination for a Christmas outing with your loved ones. At the rooftop winter wonderland, you can enjoy festive drinks alongside some seasonal Yorkshire dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients, sure to delight with every bite.

Theatre

Leeds’ theatres have something for everyone this Christmas. From plays to pantos, it is the perfect way to relax and get into the festive spirit this winter. Plus, everyone loves a panto… Oh yes they do!

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

18th November – 25th January

The big Christmas show of the year! Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia, where mystical adventures await in a faraway land. With captivating storytelling, stunning stagecraft, and awe-inspiring puppetry, this production promises to enchant audiences of all ages. Presented by Leeds Playhouse in association with Chris Harper Productions & Catherine Schreiber

Jack and the Beanstalk

29th November – 12th January

This year’s Rock ’n’ Roll Pantomime is sure you have you laughing your socks off. Get down to the Varieties for some singing, dancing, and raucous jokes! Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos mix traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians.

Beauty and The Beast

22nd November – 5th January

When a magical sorceress transforms the handsome Count into a frightening Beast, only true love will break the spell. Hosted at the Carriageworks Theatre, this tale as old of time is sure to get you and your loved ones in the festive spirit this Christmas.

To discover a number of other amazing shows in Leeds this time of year, take a look at our November 2024: Best shows to see in Leeds!

Christmas outside of the city centre

Lose yourself in the magical scenery of Leeds’ historic houses, estates, and parks. Perhaps you’d like to admire the decorations of local stately homes, or walk through a winter wonderland in one of Leeds’ incredible parks. Either way, the Christmas magic can be found in all corners of the city, and it is waiting to be explored…

Temple Newsam

From the 21st November – 21st December you can see Northern Lights Leeds and take a stroll through an enchanted wonderland of illumination. Uniquely crafted by world leading lighting designers, visitors are sure to be dazzled by the picture perfect landscape of Temple Newsam.

Also at the park, from the 30th November – 23rd December, you can take a step into the magnificent mansion that will be beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and traditional garlands. Transporting you back in time to the festive period 500 years ago, its the perfect way to get cosy whilst embarking on a unique Christmas adventure.

Harewood House

Prepare for Mischief at the Mansion between the 15th November – 5th January! Where history and imagination meet, a troop of cheeky cherubs are waiting to give you an unforgettable experience and tell you festive tales of bygone times. Brought to Harewood by Studio McGuire; Davy and Kristin McGuire are multi-award winning, Yorkshire-based, mixed reality artists, internationally renowned for their innovative explorations in immersive art, storytelling and digital projections.

A Christmas Carol(s)

‘O Little Town of Leeds, there are plenty of opportunities to attend carol services, sermons, and readings to enjoy. With the beautiful scenery of Leeds Minster and Leeds Cathedral, it is the perfect way to feel the warmth of community this Christmas.

Leeds Minster

Lord Mayor’s Carols – 19th December

Celebrate Christmas with the annual carol concert with Leeds International Concert Season where you can sing along with a live orchestra.

Christmas Carols and Readings – 22nd December

Enjoy a traditional Christmas carol concert and Bible readings in the beautiful setting of Leeds Minster.

Midnight Mass – 24th December

On the night before Christmas, begin your celebrations with a traditional Midnight Mass service led by Rev’d Canon Paul Maybury.

Leeds Cathedral

Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols – 16th December

The Choir of Leeds Cathedral are giving their annual performance of carols featuring wonderful young soloists and the enchanting organ. The festive favourites celebrate an old tradition of spreading joy to the world, and you are sure to feel the community spirit that captures the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas.

Holy Trinity Church

Boar Lane Carols – 3rd – 19th December

7 nights of magical carols to enjoy alongside some of Leeds’ favourite bars and restaurants like Friends of Ham, The Alchemist, Northern Monk, and many more…

Festive Bottomless Brunch

The big day is nearing, and it is the perfect time to gather with friends and family to celebrate. A continuous flow of fizz is sure to get you feeling merry and have lots of fun! The perfect winter indulgence …

Neighbourhood

5 Greek Street, Leeds

The Christmas edition of Neighbourhood‘s popular drag brunch – you can expect to hear all of your favourite Christmas bangers, with drag queens, competitions, dancing, and lip-syncing battles! One brunch dish and all the drinks you can fit into 90 minutes.

Electric Shuffle

123 The Headrow, Leeds

You can expect a puckin’ good time at Electric Shuffle‘s festive brunch. Warm up around the shuffleboard table with your loved ones for a fun outing to remember! An incredible 2 hours of bottomless pizza and 1 hour of shuffleboard accompanied with either a bottle of prosecco or 4 beers for every guest with a live DJ every Saturday.

Man’s Market

Wellington St, Leeds

Known for its modernised Chinese cuisine and spectacular cocktails, Man’s Market is hosting a 2 hour festive brunch where you can feast on their delicious food, cocktails, and endless fizz.

BOX

15 Infirmary St, Leeds

Elevate your festive season with a festive bottomless brunch at BOX this Christmas where you can indulge in hearty dishes like the Ultimate BOX Christmas Burger and the Deck the Halls Pizza. With unlimited drinks for 90 minutes, BOX is the ultimate destination to watch, play, and party.

Christmas Crafting

No matter how homemade your crafts look, they will always find a place on the tree. A wholesome, unique day out and the perfect present, Christmas craft workshops are guaranteed to bring some cheer in the most wonderful time of the year.

Thackray Museum of Medicine

Wreath-making with Andy Singleton – 7th December

Renowned artist Andy Singleton has been celebrated for producing large-scale, intricate sculptures, crafted entirely out of paper. At this workshop you will craft your own festive wreath sculpture and create something beautifully unique this Christmas.

Screenprinting Christmas Cards – 30th November

Hosted by local artist Jenny Wright, you’ll design and print your own Christmas cards to share with your loved ones. All materials are provided, but make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little messy!

Harewood House

Bauble Painting Workshop – 16th December

Visit the stately home for a fun and cosy craft session where you and your loved ones can design and paint your own baubles – either a perfect addition to your own tree or a gift with a personal touch!

Chunky Knitted Christmas Pudding Workshop – 14th December

A satisfying seasonal finger knitting workshop with Snuggle & Squish where you can take home your very own chunky knit Christmas pudding. No need to be an expert knitter as this workshop is perfect for beginners!

Left Bank Leeds

Christmas Wreath Workshop – 4th December

Hosted by Hyde Park Flower Club, this workshop will teach you how to make a traditional moss based wreath with mixed foliage and berries. With a hot drink of your choice, Left Bank is bringing the cosy and relaxing vibes this holiday season.

Lino Printing Festive Special – 11th December

For one day only, illustrator Megan Dobbyn is hosting this lino printing workshop where you can create unique prints for festive cards or gifts to get ready for the big day. The cafe will be open for food, drinks, and snacks all evening, making it a great way to unwind and escape the festive bustle of the city.

Festive Parties

In the mood for a party? Leeds has you covered with plenty of live music and celebrations this Christmas.

Brudenell Social Club

Slade UK – 27th December

Slade UK are one of the top tribute acts to the original, capturing their look and raw power from when Slade were at their best. Head down to Brudenell to hear all the classic 70’s hits and 80’s chart toppers that Slade were never able to play live themselves.

First Direct Arena

Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra – 20th December

Join musical maestro Jools Holland and his revered Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for a night of boogie woogie classics sure to get you up on your feet!

Candlelight Concerts

Leeds City Museum and Leeds Minster

From intimate venues to the city’s most iconic concert halls, Leeds’ Candlelight Concerts are the perfect setting to hear Christmas classics or movie soundtracks in a perfect and peaceful glowy candlelight atmosphere.

Watching Sport Over Christmas

If you can’t get to the heart of the action, Leeds has plenty of venues across the city where you’ll be able to catch every game. Get out of the house and into the festive atmosphere with your friends and loved ones to support your favourite teams. Here are our top picks for venues …

Beck & Call

Chapel Allerton, Leeds

Beck & Call is offering delicious food as part of their Christmas menu and a festive buffet for larger bookings. Head to The Tap Room where they show  live football, cricket, rugby, golf, snooker and more that are available on Sky Sports and BT Sports. Get involved yourself with their pool table and darts board!

O’Neill’s

Boar Land, Leeds

No need to miss a moment at O’Neill’s where you can watch all major sporting events and fixtures; with live sport from BT Sport and Sky Sports, you can watch all televised Premier League matches and the top European action from UEFA Champions League football, the Europa League and more. Enjoy alongside a tasty 3 course festive set menu – we recommend their Guinness Brownie for dessert!

The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes

New Briggate, Leeds

A place for both the naughty and nice, The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes is treating you to drinks, food, games, a photobooth, and private hire spaces this Christmas. With a jam-packed calendar of sports showings, you can secure the most sought-after tables by booking early!

Food on Christmas Day

The day has arrived, and perhaps you’d rather relax and enjoy the festive cheer instead of the stress of cooking and hosting! There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars open in Leeds with a special holiday menu full of delicious feasts. Whether you are interested in a relaxed roast or looking to be spoiled with a three-course-meal, Leeds has it all, and you won’t have to lift a finger…

The Adelphi

Hunslet Road, Leeds

The Adelphi is hosting their biggest and best celebration of the year with a magical 5-course Christmas Day Menu and drinks to match. Unmatched in it’s cosy Christmas Day vibes, friends and family will be unable to resist this one last gift.

The Roundhay Fox

Roundhay, Leeds

Spoil yourself with the Roundhay Fox‘s Christmas Set Menu bursting with flavour and the merriest of celebrations. Make sure to save room for dessert as we’ve heard their Chocolate Orange & Grand Marnier Bomb is magically delicious.

Malmaison

Swinegate, Leeds

Crank up the festive spirit at Malmaison – from bar parties with your besties to festive family gatherings, Malmaison is supplying the electrifying vibes, festive cocktails, and beats that jingle all the way. Gather your nearest and dearest and tuck into their delicious Christmas Day feast.