December 2025: Best shows to see in Leeds

December is here and so, of course, are the Christmas Shows.

But first Leeds Grand Theatre, takes us on a trip to the Far East from 2nd to 13th December, where we encounter Miss Saigon. It is set in the final days of the Vietnam War when Kim, a 17 year-old local girl, who has been forced to work in a Saigon bar, falls in love with a GI. They are separated by his being shipped back to the USA, but Kim, unknown to GI Chris, has borne his son, so spends three years trying to find him. I would like to think it is because of her romantic feelings rather than pursuing the maintenance arrears.

When we return to Leeds it is time to really get into the festive spirit with Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker, which runs from 18th December to 4th January, 2026. It is choreographed by David Nixon CBE and tells the tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince who leads her into a winter wonderland. It is danced to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky, but I think I will be watching this one with my legs crossed, just in case I have misunderstood. 

Meanwhile, over at Leeds City Varieties, Aladdin continues its run until 11th January, 2026, but be quick with your booking as it is already limited availability.For all three shows, along with everything else from Heritage Theatres please check out their website, where there is also news of a special offer on the Northern Ballet Winter Season as well as a collaboration between the Grand Theatre restaurant, Kino, and the Leeds favourite Tattu.

At Leeds Playhouse, A Christmas Carol continues its run throughout the month – see my November article for details – as well as adding more sparkle with Stick Man from 6th December until 4th January, 2026. It follows the adventures of Stickman – obvs – who, whilst out on a jog, gets run off with by a dog, incorporated into a swan’s nest and even catches fire. Will he get back to the family tree, who knows? Well, I do because I saw it when it was here last time and, guess what, it was so good I am going again this year. If you want to say hello, I’ll be the old boy with the biggest ice cream and bag of sweeties. They will be humbugs so don’t bother to ask.

On 17th and 18th December, there is the sequel to Emporium Curioso, imaginatively titled Emporium Curioso 2, well, it worked for Rocky so why not. It is presented by Bright Sparks Theatre Company, based in Leeds, who give people with learning disabilities the opportunity to tread the boards. It centres around an old shop in which all of the items on display have their own story, some happy, some sad and some hilarious, so, are you sitting comfortably? Check their website for more details.

I covered a couple of Carriageworks presentations, Sleeping Beauty and A Hit and Miss Christmas, last month so, while you are checking out A Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse, you can brush up on those as well. They are joined, on 10th to 13th December by another rendition of A Christmas Carol, although I am led to believe that this version from The Book of Darkness and Light will be rather more sinister.  So, should you need a break from the peace and goodwill vibe, this is the one for you.

If you don’t, and you, or your loved ones are aged 2-7 years then pop along to join in with Christopher’s Christmas, from Topsy Turvy Theatre. Having said that, there is a feeling of doom in the air as Santa’s sat nav has broken and, despite turning it off and back on again, it is still US. The guinea pigs try to sort things out, but you know what they are like and the whole thing turns into chaos. Can Christopher Nibble save the day. If he can, please send him round to mine as I will probably be in a similar state. Head here for more details and to book.

Finally, from 12th to 21st December, Opera North presents a sort-of opera called Pass The Spoon. The action takes place on the set of a daytime television cookery show, but don’t worry Gregg Wallace will be nowhere to be seen. The two presenters are June Spoon and Phillip Fork, with the assistance of a manic-depressive egg, and I’m not yolking, along with the more a-peeling highly-strung banana. The object of the show is to prepare a meal for the ever hungry Mr Granules, who I am sure will get his just desserts. That’s all the puns out of the way for another year. Head to the appropriate page for this and all other Opera North productions.

Whatever you choose to do over the Christmas holidays, have a Cool Yule and a Gear New Year, as we used to say back I n the Swinging Sixties. Far out, man.