Family Festivities in Leeds this Christmas

It’s that time of year again when Christmas activity bookings become essential to avoid missing out. If you’re feeling the pressure to get a family-friendly activity sorted, but don’t want to spend your evenings Googling nearby Christmas experiences, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve listed all the best family-friendly festive events in and around Leeds. Diary at the ready…

Marvel at a spectacular Christmas Projection at The Queens Hotel

First up, The Queens Hotel will come to life with an enchanting animation, To Leeds with Love, voiced by British actor Richard Armitage. Back by popular demand, Leeds’ beloved Gingerbread Man will embark on a holiday adventure that captures the spirit of the season and the unique character of Leeds.

The popular projection, organised by LeedsBID, was viewed by 200,000 visitors in 2023 and promises an even more enchanting experience this year with vibrant visuals, a compelling narrative and interactive moments. Whatever you plan to do in the city during late December, it’s worth adding a viewing to your agenda.

To Leeds with Love will run from December 12 to 22, every 15 minutes between 4:30pm and 8:30pm. Catch the spectacular FREE attraction on your journey from or to Leeds Train Station (City Square entrance/exit). 

While away an afternoon browsing Leeds Christmas Market

Leeds Christmas Market is back from November 22. This year, following visitor feedback, it’s in two prime city locations: Millennium Square and City Square. You’ll find more stalls closer together, outdoor bars and food outlets. Little Bird, an artisan market celebrating independent producers and makers, will also take place every Saturday and Sunday from the 22nd in Bond Court (off Park Row). It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up gifts, stocking fillers and hot chocolates, with plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Get your skates on at Ice Cube 

Ice Cube, the much-loved outdoor ice-skating rink, returns to Millenium Square from November 22 to December 31 with ice skating, Penguin Club, accessible skating and skating lessons. But it’s not just skating to look forward to. Bavarian-inspired market stalls, a family funfair, and a ski bar featuring a towering illuminated ski bear provide fun for all the family (and non-skaters!) in Millenium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street. 

Getting in on the Ice Cube action, Thors Tipi will also make an appearance in front of Leeds Art Gallery – it’s family and dog-friendly, catering for all your mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate needs. 

Ice Cube is open from noon on weekdays and 11am on Saturdays and Sundays. Bookings are not required for most events but are essential for ice skating and Thors Tipi parties of over 20 people.

See Christmas through the NHS’s eyes at Thackray Medical Museum

The Night Before NHS Christmas at Thackray gives insight into what Christmas is like for NHS staff, who routinely work through the festive season. Between November 30 and January 5, the work of renowned local illustrator and paper artist Andy Singleton will take visitors on an enchanting Christmas journey, bringing to life the voices of hospital staff, from porters to paediatricians.

Each weekend, local award-winning theatre company Wrongsemble will add an extra dose of medical magic to Thackray’s innovative take on The Night Before Christmas with pop-up performances of theatre and song. 

The experience is free with a museum ticket.

Get into the festive spirit at a magical theatre performance

It wouldn’t be a family Christmas without a theatre visit, would it? There are several options in Leeds, but you’ll need to act fast; tickets are running out.

• The Hollywood blockbuster Elf returns for an epic winter adventure at First Direct Arena as Elf The Musical on December 23 and 24. A flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, aerial cirque stars and giant TV screens make this a spectacle not to be missed.

• At The Playhouse from November 18 to January 25, watch Peter, Susan, Lucy, Edmund, and Mr Tumnus journey through Narnia in the C.S Lewis classic,  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Alternatively, opt for Mr Snow, a magical adventure about a young child named BlessYou, for young audiences running between November 30 and January 4.

• Join Belle and The Beast for a tale as old as time at The Carriagework Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast from November 22 to January 5—another one with plenty of audience participation to enchant the entire family.

Catch Jack and the Beanstalk: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall between November 19 and January 12. Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto mixes traditional audience participation elements and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers.

See Santa while you Christmas shop

There are plenty of Christmas experiences outside Leeds City Centre with dedicated Santa’s grottos, but what if you want to combine a visit to Santa with a shopping trip? 

• John Lewis at Victoria Gate will host a Santa’s Storytime event between December 18 and 24. Pried at £17.50, your child will join Santa and his elves for a crafting and story session with a Christmas keepsake and special gift to take home.

• Everyone’s invited aboard the White Rose Express for a magical Santa Experience from November 9 until December 24. The White Rose Express is a one-of-a-kind grotto inside a vintage train carriage. Santa’s a popular man (obviously), so book in advance to avoid disappointment. SEN sessions run every Tuesday morning from 10am to 10:30am if you need a quieter experience. There’s also an ice rink at the White Rose as an alternative to Ice Cube.

• At Santa’s Cabin in the Merrion Centre you can enjoy a visit with Santa, maybe you’ll choose to get a present & definitely take lots of photos in his NEW wintery home. Sunday 1st, Friday 6th, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th, and from Friday 13th – Tuesday 24th (Christmas Eve) with all visits, this must be pre-booked by clicking here!

Top off a sparkling festive season with a Christmas experience

Enjoy one of many festive experiences around Leeds in the run-up to the big day and into the New Year.

• Mischief at the Manion is the much-anticipated sequel to Harewood’s award-winning 2019 ‘Night at the Mansion’. Brought to you by mixed-reality artists Davy and Kristin McGuire of Studio McQuire, Mischief at the Mansion follows a troop of not-so-angelic cherubs and sparkles into life with singing baubles, swirling ceilings and gossiping statues between November 15 and January 5. A timed ticket to the experience gives you access to a full festive day out at Harewood. Tickets cost £24.95 for adults and £12.50 for children. Harewood members and under-fours go free. 

• Visit The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park for illuminations, Santa’s Grotto, ice skating and a giant snowflake maze between November 16 and January 6. The park’s Enchanted Forest comes to life after dusk in some of the most magical illuminations in Yorkshire, transforming Stockeld Park into a dazzling winter wonderland. Wrap up warm and book tickets for one of the country’s largest festive light festivals. Prices start from £29.50 for the full experience.

• Try Temple Newsam’s Christmas at Temple Newsam for an alternative large-scale light trail, Northern Lights Leeds, between November 21 and December 31. It’s a magical, multi-sensory and inclusive event for all ages and abilities. Tickets are £19.50 for adults and £13.95 for children (3-16). Between November 30 and December 21, You can also visit Father Christmas, read with Mrs Claus and take part in a festive trail at Home Farm. Prices to visit the house start from £9.50 for adults and £4.20 for children (1-15), plus £12 per Mr and Mrs Claus visits.

• The Christmas Experience at Lotherton promises twinkling lights and interactive installations – an adventure for all ages between November 23 and January 5. You’ll get to meet Santa and his elves, enjoy a sparkling woodland walk and get involved in crafting activities with Mrs Claus in the elf village. Booking is essential, with flexible options starting at £11 per adult and £6.75 per child (3+). Lotherton members and children under 3 go free.