🗞️ Why Visit Leeds this December

It well and truly is the most wonderful time of the year, as Leeds puts up its festive lights and invites you to enjoy its spectacular December celebrations. Whether it’s embracing the warmth of a classic Christmas market, or catching up with friends over festive cocktails, the city does have it all. 

With the festive season right around the corner, we’ll share with you our top choices for why you should visit Leeds this Christmas.

Be transported to a Christmas market… 

As sleigh bells ring, so do the calls of stall workers across the country, as Christmas markets brush off their snow and open their doors once again. A staple of festive celebrations, Christmas markets are adored for the festive fuzziness they make you feel, as you wrap up warm and browse through pop-up shops, bars and restaurants. 

Leeds Christmas Market and Ice Cube

24 November – 22 December | City Wide 

The Leeds Christmas market is set to be the biggest one yet, as districts across Leeds are joining forces to put on a city-wide market for the very first time. Across 11 of the city’s key areas, including The Headrow and Briggate, you can expect to see a traditional timber market dazzle shoppers in true festive fashion. Traders from around the world will be popping up stalls amidst a gleaming array of festive lights, brand-new bars, and themed attractions for everyone to enjoy. Between 24 November and 22 December, you can truly enjoy the magic of Christmas throughout the whole city. 

Market Goers can also enjoy Leeds’ very own ‘Ice Cube’ event. For those who have celebrated Christmas in Leeds before, you’ll know all about Millennium Square’s magical Christmas takeover – a longstanding tradition that comes back bigger every single year. This year, ‘Ice Cube’ will be opening on 24 November, unveiling everyone’s favourite ice skating rink to the public, along with a myriad of international and local Bavarian-style market stalls. From crafts to food, you can pick from it all, and top it off with a nice cold drink in the Ski Bar. For the more adventurous of you, you can also choose from a selection of funfair rides on offer, including a carousel and Starflyer. 

Left Bank Christmas Market 

3rd December | Left Bank

Nothing beats a cold December evening, filled with warm drinks, cosy clothes and twinkling decorations. To truly embrace the beauty of festive nights, Left Bank is putting on a very exciting nighttime market. The events venue will be hosting business owners and artists to offer a range of stalls for you to browse through, with great food and drink offerings to make your shopping even better. With homemade pizzas from ‘Slice Is Right’, mulled wine and seasonal cocktails, you’ll get to marvel at the festive wonderland Left Bank is set to become.

Watch Something New…

Magical Night At The Queens

15 December – December 23 | Queen’s Hotel 

The Queen’s Hotel is illuminating its walls this Christmas, set to put on a stunning light show extravaganza. Partnering with LeedsBID, this projection will showcase a Christmas at The Queens, taking spectators on a magical journey around their many festive rooms. Using state-of-the-art projection mapping to create this unique ten-minute film, brought to the UK for the first time by Spanish artistry team Onionlab. The projection will illuminate awe-striking visuals that play a festive story for all ages to enjoy, and will also feature the narration of British actress Ceila Imrie CBE. For more information on this, read our article HERE. 

Oliver!

24 November – 27 January | Leeds Playhouse 

Throughout the entire holiday season and beyond, Leeds Playhouse presents Lionel Bart’s award-winning musical, Oliver! – a heart-warming story familiar to many. Based on Charles Dickens’s novel ‘ Oliver Twist’, it follows the adventure of a small boy with a big heart as he journeys from a desolate workhouse to the paved streets of Victorian London in search of love and a place to call home. To add a touch of magic to your visit, the Quarry stage will be transformed into a theatre ‘in the round’.

For an exclusive preview, listen to our conversation with Director James Brining, Associate Director Eleanor Manners, a young Oliver himself plus The Artful Dodger, Bill Sikes and Mrs Sowerberry. You can find the discussion HERE before indulging in the play. 

Christmas Carol 

8-10 December | Carriageworks Theatre 

Yet another acclaimed Charles-Dickens-inspired festive play with a little hint of a not-that-long-gone-since-Halloween good ghost story. Brought to life by outstanding Dyad Productions, who have toured their sell-out festive show Christmas Gothic since 2015. Enjoy an evening filled with mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig, Cratchit and others to dive into the true essence of Christmas: a reflection on the past, resilience in the present, and optimism for the future. While realising that Ebenezer lives in us all, this glorious tale reminds us how not to give in to the Scrooge within.

Enhancing the festive experience is the perfect location of the Carriageworks Theatre in the City Square. Take advantage of the ideal pairing of a Christmas market and the play – begin your evening at the ‘Ice Cube’ and then transition indoors to warm up and further immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Find tickets HERE

Home Alone In Concert

16 December | First Direct Arena 

Elevate your yearly tradition of revisiting the classic Home Alone with an immersive cinematic experience on a colossal HD screen, large enough to fill a sports arena accommodating up to 13,700 visitors. This unique event promises more than just a movie night – it’s a grand affair.

Adding to the charm, The Heritage Orchestra will provide live accompaniment, breathing life into the enchanting music of the renowned composer John Williams. Imagine the collective laughter and gasps from the audience as you watch this eight-year-old troublemaker defending his home against two bungling thieves, all on the big screen, surrounded by a lively crowd. It’s a festive experience that stands out.

To enhance your experience, the First Direct Arena offers special packages for a complete indulgence. Go for the all-inclusive ticket with a food and drinks package, or choose a more intimate setting with your own suite accommodating up to 16 people. For a touch of luxury, consider the VIP experience, complete with a private entrance, welcome drink, Tapas selection menu, and a private bar.

Find tickets HERE

Enjoy Some Festive Drinks with Friends…

YurtBar

YurtBar is a Christmas party like no other, and it’s returning to Leeds this December. The unforgettable Après Ski Christmas Party is popping up in Leeds for a limited time only, and is set to bring with it fine food, great music and plenty of booze. The temporary yurt will be popping up on the grounds of Moor Allerton Golf Club, and is designed to transport you to the snow-covered Alps, complemented by roaring fires, sheep skin rugs and pine trees. This unforgettable party is a true festive treat for friends and family to come together, offering cosy surroundings alongside live DJ’s, saxophonists, and a three-course meal served with traditional alpine fondue. 

Angelica Winter Terrace 

Leeds Trinity is home to the stunning Angelica, a rooftop bar with picturesque views and gorgeous decor.  This December, the Leeds City Centre bar has an exclusive winter offering with a twist, as they have partnered with rum brand ‘Havana’. With seasonal drinks designed to make every sip taste like Christmas, this specially curated seasonal cocktail menu oozes glamour and sparkle. What’s more, you can drink alongside the brand new festive food menu, which has been specially designed by head chef Simon Jewitt to meet all of your Christmas cravings. You can enjoy this exclusive festive selection on the Angelica terrace snuggled up in a blanket below a heater, letting you sip in comfort with the best views Leeds has to offer.

Banyan Winter Tipi

Banyan stands proud in the heart of Leeds city centre, and you can be sure that it’s winter tipi will be a truly unmissable attraction this December. Overlooking City Square, the cosy Christmas haven will feature an outdoor bar and fire pit, perfect for bringing you together with your loved ones. To complement the tipi, Banyan will also be offering mulled wine and a brand new festive menu, including gingerbread brunch pancakes, a brie, bacon and turkey melt, and a merry meatless burger. 

Go All Out With Your Christmas Shopping… 

Victoria Leeds

Victoria Leeds, the stylish shopping complex in Leeds City Centre, is undergoing a festive glow-up, transforming into a winter wonderland for shoppers throughout the city. With a brand new festive light scheme and a dazzling Christmas tree, you can expect to be wow’ed from the get-go. However, what makes Victoria an ideal shopping destination this festive season is the multitude of new stores opening. With temporary and permanent shops opening their doors, you can expect to see a full-to-the-brim Victoria, bustling with hot spots for you to buy some goodies. This December, you can expect to see the launches of homeware brand Cox and Cox, and indie artist spot Curated Makers, as well as temporary pop-ups from Libations Rum, Curated Makers and Raspberry Pi.

The Corn Exchange 

Leeds Corn Exchange is a pinnacle destination for anybody visiting Leeds. Whether you’re a regular or a newbie, you’ll be amazed by the independent offerings within this stunning shopping hub, where you can buy Christmas gifts from a range of local businesses selling items not found on the high street. Alongside their unmissable Christmas decorations and gift-buying hot spots, you can also expect to see the launch of the Corn Exchange market. From December onwards, the basement level of this Victorian shopping centre will be transformed into a stunning market, filled with food, drink, games and music. With live DJ’s and a host of local street food vendors, this is certainly not one to miss this Christmas. 

Trinity Leeds

In the heart of Leeds lies the Trinity Centre, the central shopping haven with over 120 National and International shops. With so many stores to choose from, this goliath shopping centre is the best place to go Christmas shopping, grab a bite to eat, and even catch a film in the third floor Everyman cinema. Shopping aside, you can expect to see a stunning array of decorations lining the shopping centre’s three storeys, including a captivating 18 metre tree directly in the Trinity’s core. The shopping centre will also be having their very own Après Ski bar to drop into for a seasonal drink, from luxury Bailey’s hot chocolate to mulled cider. With so much festive goodness around every corner, this is a must stop destination for every Christmas lover. 

Support Leeds’ Great Independent Scene…

What can be the best time to get the most authentic experiences and support the local independent scene if not the Christmas season? Whether you’re on the lookout for unique gifts for loved ones, well-deserved treats for yourself or simply enjoying the pleasure of browsing through lively stores in search of something special – the indies are all ready to welcome you.

Sonder

Nestled in the historic Grand Arcade, Sonder is a fairly recently opened concept store that seamlessly blends coffee culture with homeware, interiors, and lifestyle elements, all set in a beautifully crafted and comfortable setting across two floors. 

Embracing the ‘Japantro’ lifestyle, Sonder stands out with its eclectic mix of Japanese and Retro inspirations, featuring antique and rustic pieces that add character to the space. Immerse yourself in a world of worldly wares and exquisite refreshments, all curated with a unique flair. What makes Sonder even more special is that it is the latest venture by Leeds-based fine line tattoo artist, Olivia-Fayne. It’s not just a store; it’s an experience that brings together diverse influences in a beautifully harmonised setting. 

North Home

Step into the world of North Home, an independent store that takes pride in curating Nordic interiors designed to spark joy in your daily life. Located in a boutique setting, North Home has become a go-to destination for those seeking handpicked, timeless pieces from high-quality Nordic brands that were once hard to find on the high street. Your home is your sanctuary, and North Home understands this sentiment. Their thoughtfully curated collections, ranging from your morning coffee ritual to the moments of relaxation at night, aim to elevate your everyday experiences. Whether you choose to explore their boutique or peruse their offerings online, North Home invites you to add a touch of elegance and comfort to your living spaces.

Masato Jones 

Explore the unique offerings from Masato Jones, a standout fashion destination crafted by the Japanese-born, Leeds-based fashion designer, Masato Jones. Renowned for his specialisation in bespoke garments for both women and men, Masato also curates a lifestyle brand that resonates with individuality. Situated in Thornton’s Arcade, the shop has an on-site atelier on the 1st floor, providing an exceptional opportunity for pattern-cutting and garment-making classes personally led by Masato. 

With many outings during the season, looking for a sustainable addition to your wardrobe? Vintage and upcycle stores are the best to look at. Luckily, Leeds hosts many of those. 

Blue Rinse

Founded in Yorkshire in 1997, Blue Rinse stands as a vintage, preloved, recycled, and reworked clothing company with a sincere and down-to-earth approach to business. Originating as a humble stall on Leeds Market, they have flourished and adjusted to the ever-evolving marketplace with the big 4-floor store in the heart of Leeds. When you step into their stores, you will be vouched by the abundance of handpicked vintage treasures that fill their spaces to the brim. With a fantastic team of friendly and creative individuals, they take pride in offering assistance for almost anything, ensuring a delightful and personalised experience for every visitor.

BEST

In the heart of Leeds since 2011, BEST is a family-run premium vintage clothing and streetwear retailer. Passionately handpicking premium vintage pieces for a perfect ’10/10 fit,’ BEST assures authenticity, sustainability, and quality. Their online and retail store offers a diverse range of premium vintage, accessories, and streetwear. Committed to a zero-waste policy, damaged garments are skillfully reworked by talented seamstresses. At the store, you can explore not only premium vintage but also new designer wear, a resell service, and a coveted ‘trainer wall of dreams’ from partner Origin Fifty Two. BEST provides a curated shopping journey that blends vintage charm with contemporary style.

Cow Vintage

Cow is an independent vintage clothing and accessories retailer making waves across the UK. Offering an ethical and affordable option to fashion enthusiasts, Cow’s handpicked items are sourced from around the world, spanning iconic brands and unique finds from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and even nostalgic 00s pieces. Beyond their carefully curated selection, Cow provides a distinctive shopping experience with custom interiors crafted from 90% recycled materials. The brand keeps a keen eye on next-season catwalks, street style, influencers, and customer preferences to stay abreast of sustainable trends, offering fashion-forward individuals the chance to stay on trend while cultivating their own unique style.

Watch a show or go to a gig? 

Interested in music, comedy and even more theatre? Why not check out our other guides to December by hitting the links.