Article
13 days of festive outings in Leeds 2025
Vicky Zaremba & Chapter 81
Leeds is sparkling this Christmas, and you’re invited to soak up every twinkling light, sip of mulled wine, and sing-along carol. From magical markets and mouth-watering festive menus to creative workshops and live music that’ll have you dancing into the New Year, the city is bursting with reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re shopping, eating, singing, or skating, here’s your festive guide to Christmas in Leeds 2025
1. Christmas shop till you drop
Forget feeling frazzled by the Christmas shopping frenzy—enjoy a trip that leaves you sparkling. Leeds shopping centres are bursting with twinkling lights and festive delights:
Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds
Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds (Quarter and Gate) are undoubtedly two of the prettiest places to do your Christmas shopping in Leeds. Twinkling lights, gentle music and a 12-metre Christmas tree (Trinity) will light your festive spirits as you explore over 140 stores, including huge John Lewis and Zara outlets. Grabbing a quick lunch or lingering over a post-shop dinner is easy, with everything from street food vendors to a-la-carté restaurants on tap.
Leeds Corn Exchange is stunning every day of the year, with its soaring arched roof and curved balustrades, but it’s even more magical at Christmas. Alongside a host of independent retailers like Goods In, Colours May Vary, and Next Chapter, you’ll find the Mindful Lock-In Night Market on 5 December between 5 pm and 9 pm and the Little Fox Charity Craft Fair between 20 and 21 December. Top off your trip with a fondue from The Cheesy Living Co.? Don’t mind if we do.
Get everything from fresh produce for your Christmas lunch to Christmas stocking fillers at Leeds Kirkgate Market. With independent retailers selling goods from across the globe, there’s no need to restrict yourself to a traditional Christmas. There’ll also be dedicated Christmas events through November and December, including the Little Fox Charity Craft Fair. Fancy a bite? There are plenty of street food vendors to choose from, or for something fancy, try The Ivy or The Ivy Asia, just across the road.
2. Leeds Christmas markets
Get wrapped up and prepare to feel Christmassy. Leeds Christmas markets are ready with everything from Gonks to Glüwein:
Leeds Christmas Markets – City Square
City Square comes alive from 21 November to 21 December – a highlight of which is Leeds Christmas Market. Whether you’re on the hunt for artisan gifts, the taste of Bratwurst or a sip of Glüwein, you’ll find what you’re looking for across 60+ chalets. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 am and Sunday from 11 am. You’ll also find Little Bird Artisan Markets over at Bond Court.
Harewood House Christmas Market – Harewood House
Hop over to Harewood House between Saturday, 8 and Tuesday, 11 November for Harewood Christmas Market in partnership with Little Bird Made. Discover over 160 makers, crafters and producers within the stunning Harewood gardens and grounds. Wrap up warm, it’s worth the trip. Pre-booking is recommended to save on entry prices, which start from £5 for non-members.
Leeds Winter Market – Weetwood Hall
Check out a sustainable Christmas shopping experience like no other at Leeds Winter Market, Weetwood Hall. Browse vintage fashion, homeware, artisan crafts, art and more while warming yourself with festive drinks and food. Plus, there’ll be a resident DJ getting the Christmas party started with all your favourite festive tunes.
Bundobust Christmas
Box Christmas Bottomless Brunch
3. Indulge in festive food and drink
Whether it’s a work night out or a family feast, Leeds has lots to indulge in. From traditional to totally new, here’s where Leeds’ locals will be heading:
The Adelphi – Hunslet Road
Looking for all-out traditional fayre? You can’t go wrong with Leeds’ favourite, The Adelphi. From lightly smoked salmon rillettes to hand-carved turkey breast with all the trimmings, they’ve got it with bells on. Book your table today for just a £10 per person deposit.
The Highland Laddie – Cavendish Street
Okay, so you might struggle to get booked; The Highland Laddie was just named Best Pub in the UK by The Good Food Guide, but it’s got to be worth a try. There’s no dedicated Christmas menu, but what could be cosier than going down a great British Boozer for a classic dish prepared by the team behind The Empire Café?
Bundobust – Mill Hill
Always one to subvert seasonal classics super well, Bundobust is on hand to spice up your group Christmas booking. Celebrate with a Too Much Spicy festive menu available from 17 November to 31 December. Bundo’s iconic Sprout Bahjis will make a comeback, alongside festive favourites like Mince Pie Paratha and Festive Dahl.
4. Lift your spirits with a bottomless brunch
Sip, savour the moment and sparkle your way through the festive season by getting together with your besties over one of Leeds’ many bottomless brunch options:
Manahatta – Greek Street
‘Tis the season to ‘sleigh’, says Manahatta, and that means bottomless Christmas brunch. Get together with your besties and sip unlimited prosecco, cocktails and more for two hours over a festive brunch dish. Open Wednesday to Saturday for bookings. Prices start from £43.95.
BOX – Infirmary Street
Get your game on this Christmas as BOX Leeds hosts a bottomless brunch with a difference. Indulge in hearty burgers, pizzas and shawarmas while sipping on prosecco, cocktails, Coors and more for 90 minutes. Prices start from £41.95.
Man’s Market – Wellington Street
So good, we’re recommending it again for 2025. Enjoy 2 hours of bottomless booze and Man’s signature sharing platter with your choice of mains and sides to share. Choose from three drinks packages from £45 per person, with options available for larger groups, or try out the Festive Feast (£28 per person) throughout December.
5. Book in for a festive theatre showing
Don’t miss out on the Christmas rite of passage, the festive theatre trip. There are loads of festive favourites to choose from. Here are some of the best family-friendly options:
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Leeds Grand Theatre
Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they adventure through an enchanting winter wonderland in this classic Christmas tale. Be dazzled by dancing snowflakes and meet the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King. Running from 18 December to 4 January with tickets from £23.
Aladdin The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – City Varieties Music Hall
This is not your average Christmas pantomime. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll pantomime. Experience side-splitting jokes, hilarious audience participation and a high-energy jukebox bursting with rock anthems. You’re sure to be entertained! Recommended for over 4s. Tickets from £20.50. Running between 28 November and 11 January.
Stick Man – Leeds Playhouse
Follow Stick Man on his tree-mendously fun journey back home in this beloved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler tale. This award-winning production from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog and Zog and The Flying Doctors) is packed with puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Tickets start from £16.50. Stick Man runs between 6 December and 4th January.
A Christmas Carol – Leeds Playhouse
Step into the festive world of A Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse, where this beloved Charles Dickens classic is reinvented for the season in the sumptuous Quarry Theatre. Running from 20 November to 17 January, this richly staged production invites you to join Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting journey from miser to magnanimous, amid shimmering sets, stirring performances and plenty of yuletide sparkle. Tickets start at just £16.50, perfect for a heartwarming night out in Leeds this Christmas
Harewood's Magical Christmas
6. Explore Leeds’ historic houses
If it’s a day out with the kids you’re after. Leeds’ historic houses deliver and then some. With wondrous sights, open space and fresh air, it’s the perfect combo of awe and exercise for little ones who need to let off steam:
A Glittering Invitation: Christmas at Harewood
A cherished tradition for many, this year’s Harewood Christmas takes guests on a journey from ballroom to below stairs and everything in between. Don’t miss your chance to see Christmas through the eyes of the past, and create festive memories that last a lifetime. Expect grandeur and decadence, and a dazzling finale. A Glittering Invitation runs from Saturday, 8 November to Sunday, 4 January, with family tickets from £65.
It’s all going on at Temple Newsam this Christmas! Plan ahead for a magical time, featuring the Christmas Tree Trail, Leeds Philharmonic Chorus Christmas Concert, Christmas craft workshops, craft markets and of course your chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Activities start from 6 December. Book now to avoid disappointment.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton
Explore the festive wonder of Lotherton’s beautifully decorated Hall and enchanting grounds and gardens. Wander through twinkling light displays and discover interactive installations in an adventure for all ages. One where you might even see Santa… Running between 22 November and 4 January, it’s advisable to pre-book to avoid missing out.
7. Join voices with Leeds’ Christmas carolers
If it’s not Christmas until you’ve heard the sound of angelic voices coming together under one roof, don’t worry, there are lots of options to listen (and sing along) live:
Attend the awe-inspiring Leeds Minster’s Yorkshire Evening Post Carol Service on Thursday 4 December (7-8:30 pm), Nine Lessons and Carols on Sun 14 December (5:30-6:30 pm), Joy to the World Service with the Joy Choie on Saturday 20 December (5-6 pm) and Carols and Readings on Sunday 21 December (5:30 pm-6:30 pm). A minimum £5 donation is suggested; booking is required.
Join the annual performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, plus festive music and carols for all to sing, on Monday, 15 December at 1:15 pm. Hear outstanding young soloists from the choir, harp, and the cathedral’s magnificent organ—free admission with no booking required.
Get involved in five nights of carol sing-alongs of Christmas faves as Holy Trinity, Boar Lane, teams up with some of Leeds’ best bars, breweries and street food vendors. Celebrate the light and joy of Christmas from Mon, 15 December to Friday, 19 December, with names like The Alchemist, Doh’hut, Friends of Ham, and Kirkstall Brewery. Get full listings and book here.
8. Craft a homemade Christmas
The only thing nier than hanging Christmas decorations is knowing you’ve made them yourself. Create a handmade Christmas mood by attending one of Leeds’ many creative workshops:
Festive Card Printing – Sunny Bank Mills
Design and print your own Christmas cards using a super simple safeprint lino technique. The activity is suitable for all ages (3+) and adults are welcome, too. No need to prebook, sessions open from 2 pm to 8 pm on Friday, 28 November and 10 am and 5 pm on Saturday, 29 and Sunday, 30 November.
Willow Star Wreath Workshop – Temple Newsam
Done wreath-making a few years in a row? Well, it’s not dead and done just yet. Try out this eco-friendly craft workshop at Temple Newsam on Wednesday 19 November between 10 am and 12 pm and create something different from the norm – a timeless, natural willow star wreath. £15 and booking is essential.
Festive Felt Christmas Decorations – Abbey House Museum
Kick off Christmas festivities in a fun and festive way by creating your very own felt decorations on Monday, 1 December, from 2 pm to 4 pm. No sewing experience needed, all materials and instructions provided in the ticket price of £12.50. You will need to pre-book.
Children’s Festive Craft Workshop: Stick Santas
9. Attend a festive party
Heading out as a group? These festive party venues put the happy into holidays. From classics to new kids on the block, there’s something for everyone to enjoy…
Yurt Bar – Harewood House
Back for its 9th year, Harewood’s Yurt Bar’s legendary aprés ski Christmas party experience is bringing the charm of the Alps to North Yorkshire. Enjoy steins, mulled wine, a delicious three-course alpine feast and then dance the night away to live music and late-night cocktails. Ski gear optional…
Rita’s Christmas Party Bar – Woodhouse Lane
For an atmosphere that sleighs, head to Rita’s. The self-proclaimed ‘best margs in Leeds’ has the jingle bell bangers to get the party started, and you’re invited. ‘Tis the season to sip, with six classic margs from £35 and festive feast on pizza slices and a drink for £10 per person. If you’re heading out in a group for work or play, Rita’s is the place to head.
Gameshow Allstars – Central Arcade
For an interactive gameshow experience, Gameshow Allstars has you covered with Christmas-themed mini-games, including holiday trivia and challenges. Pit your wits against your friends or colleagues in TV classic-inspired games like Winter’s Wheel and Santa’s Scramble. Drink and eat while you play….anyone could be a winner at this year’s Christmas Gameshow Allstars.
10. Get merry listening to live music
Want a piece of the live action this Christmas? Choose from a wide range of Leeds live musical events right up to the big day:
A Celebration of Christmas – Leeds Conservatoire
Step into Christmas with an enchanting evening of music, song and spoken word in an evening led by the incredible Musical Theatre Choir. At just £10 per ticket, you’ll enjoy a blend of classic and contemporary seasonal favourites with mulled wine and mince pies to kick off your festive season in style.
Candlelight Concerts – Leeds City Museum
Listen to Christmas classics by candlelight on 18 and 19 December and music from favourite Christmas movies on 19 December at Leeds City Museum. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to Leeds, featuring bangers like Feliz Navidad, All I Want for Christmas Is You, and Believe (from The Polar Express).
Leeds Punk Rock Christmas – Brudenell Social Club
Rock up to Leeds Punk Rock Xmas featuring Hard Skin, Dirtbox Disco, Geoffrey Oi!Cott and more. This one’s in aid of a good cause – Batley Food Bank. You’re encouraged to bring food, toiletries, donations, and, most importantly, a smile. If that’s not your thing, try Slade UK, one of the country’s top tribute acts, also at the Brudenell on 30 December.
Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra – First Direct
Get your New Year’s Eve fix early with Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues orchestra, featuring special guests Imelda May, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka. On at First Direct Bank Arena on 18 December. Book now and get your boogie woogie on.
11. Watch a sporting event over Christmas
Is there a sporting event you can’t miss this Christmas? Prebook your spot in one of Leeds many sports bars, all serving food and drinks alongside premium viewing:
Pinnacle Sports and Games – Bond Street
Voted the Best Pub to Watch Sport at the Great British Pub Awards 2025 by TNT Sports, Pinnacle is THE destination to get your festive sports fix in Leeds. Tuck into one of Pinnacle’s food and drink offers, or book an exclusive area if you’re a party of 12 or more. You can also add pool tables or interactive darts to your reservation to bring some friendly competition into your festive fun.
The Brotherhood of Pusuits and Pastimes – New Briggate
There’s not a single spot in this bar that doesn’t have a direct line of sight to dozens of 4K TV screens. Reserve your place for the Brotherhood’s Thanksgiving Party, showing all three NFL Thanksgiving games on 27 November with NFL offers all night. Kitchen open until midnight.
BOX – Infirmary Street
Want somewhere straight off the train? Watch, play and party at BOX. With all the top sporting action on HD screens, you’ll have front-row seats to every moment. You won’t go hungry or thirsty either, with festive and boozy feasts on tap. Book a table to watch festive Sky, TNT and Box Office fixtures.
12. Have yourself a merry little Christmas
What’s a Christmas without merriment? Look no further than Leeds’ comedy scene for your festive comedy fix:
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny – First Direct Bank Arena
Jimmy Carr is back on tour with his brand new show, Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny. You’ve seen him on some of the best panel shows on TV, he has his own series of shows on Netflix, and now he’s coming to first direct bank arena, Leeds, on 13 December 2025, for what will be a memorable and hilarious show.
Christmas Comedy Club – HiFi Club
Visit the HiFi Club for Christmas Comedy specials every Saturday throughout December. With Nick Doody, Scott Bennett, Finlay Christie and guests, you’re sure to hear a few Christmas crackers.
Aurie Styla’s Christmas Crack Up – The Glee Club
Join the Glee Club for its comedy special series, running from December 4 to December 30, including Aurie Styla’s Christmas Crack Up. Catch the funniest in comedy, the best DJs, the wildest crowd games – there’s £100s worth of prizes to be won!
13. Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner
Not cooking this year? We don’t blame you. There are a ridiculous number of Christmas dinner deals to choose from in Leeds. Here are three to get you started:
The Adelphi – Hunslet Road
Celebrate the most magical day of the year with a five-course Adelphi feast. Gorge on luxurious dishes like Blade of Beef and Pan Roasted Sea Trout. Bookings open now, secured for a £25pp deposit. If you can’t get in for Christmas Day, The Adelphi has lots of other festive options available.
Gaucho – Park Row
An expanding waistband is a must for Gaucho, which is also serving up a 5-course Christmas Day menu that includes delights like Fried Christmas Empanadas, Beef Wellington and Dulce De Leche Yule Log—prices from £95 per person.
The Mustard Pot – Chapel Allerton
For a classic roast with all the trimmings, you can’t go wrong with The Mustard Pot in Chapel Allerton. With three courses for £79.99, you’ll enjoy classics like prawn cocktail, roast turkey and Christmas Pudding – and no washing up in sight.