12 Festive Adventures – Your Guide to Christmas in Leeds
This is my guide to making the most of Leeds during the festive season, the traditions worth keeping, the events not to miss, and the places that bring people together. However you choose to celebrate, Leeds really does sleigh at Christmas.
Leeds Christmas Markets
Imagine knitted scarves and gloves, the cold air hitting your face, with the gentle glow from the stalls lighting your way. Your hands are kept warm by hot chocolate, or maybe even a mulled wine, as you wait in line for some delicious savoury food while eyeing up the churro stall. Sounds delightful, right? Well, you can stop imagining because it will all be a reality for you from 21st November until 21st December at the Leeds Christmas Markets.
I remember being a little girl, going to the Christmas markets with my mum and Gran-gran before heading to the pantomime. This was our Christmas tradition, one that I now carry on with my sister and cousins every year, visiting Christmas markets all over the country. But you can never quite beat that feeling at Millennium Square on a December night.
Enough about me though, let us talk about what you are really here for: the Leeds Christmas Markets. Did you know that Leeds city centre has upped its Christmas market game in a big way over the last two years? With over 60 stalls on City Square selling all different types of cuisines, beverages and trinkets, there is plenty to explore. We even have the Little Bird Artisan Market returning to Bond Square.
But that is not it. Just a short walk further, Millennium Square continues the tradition with a fairground and ice rink. The Ice Cube is even staying open until New Year’s Eve. Oh, what did you do on the last day of 2025? “I just went ice skating on Millennium Square in Leeds.” No biggie, right?
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday | 10:00 – 20:00 (bars until 22:00)
Thursday to Saturday | 10:00 – 22:00 (bars until 23:00)
Sunday | 12:00 – 18:00 (bars until 18:00)
Sounds like something you would be interested in visiting? Then take a look at the link below to get even more information.
All the info you need about Leeds Christmas Markets
Pantomimes and Performances
Talking about traditions, Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family. As I mentioned above, what better tradition to start than visiting the panto at Christmas, right? This was something that inspired my creativity from such a young age, with all of the amazing performers and bright colours. I found it hilarious shouting back and forth with the actors all the way from my seat: “Oh no you didn’t!” “Oh yes I did!”
Even now, as a 22-year-old woman, I can still enjoy the humour of a panto. It truly is something for everyone. “Oh no it’s not!” “Oh yes it is!”
We have a spectacular range of theatres in Leeds, and here is what is on and where:
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall | 28th November 2025 – 11th January 2026
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
Carriageworks Theatre | 21st November 2025 – 4th January 2026
But that’s not all that Leeds has to offer this Christmas. We also have a variety of other on-stage productions taking place, such as:
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Leeds Grand Theatre | 18th December 2025 – 4th January 2026
A Christmas Carol
Leeds Playhouse | 20th November 2025 – 17th January 2026
Stick Man
Leeds Playhouse | 6th December 2025 – 4th January 2026
Christopher’s Christmas
Carriageworks Theatre | 14th – 31st December 2025
When it comes to performances, these theatres know what they are doing. I have never attended a show in Leeds that hasn’t been well executed, from buying my tickets to leaving in awe after a night of entertainment.
Tickets range from £10 to £105, so whatever your budget, there is an option to see some on-stage magic for the family this Christmas.
‘Tis the season to get Merry! Falalalala la la la la!
Some may say you should visit Leeds for the history, to see a city rich in diversity and culture. And while all of that is true, I bet you know far more people who come to Leeds for the nightlife, it’s what we are known for. If you are looking for a festive bottomless brunch (or two), then Leeds is the city for you.
Christmas is a time for friends and family, and while it would be lovely to see everyone on Christmas Day, the majority of us don’t have a table big enough, or the will, to host them all. So what better way to celebrate the season than by getting into the festive mood at a brunch designed to get you in the spirit, and yes, we mean both the merry mood and the kind that comes in a glass.
Here are 3 of the best Brunches to help you feel the Cocktail-mas cheer.
Canal Club – Festive Bottomless Brunch all December. 90 minutes, festive drinks & cocktails, special Christmas-twisted menu. All for £39.95 per person.
Electric Shuffle Leeds – Festive Brunch with bottomless pizza, Prosecco or beers; plus a cocktail on arrival, shuffleboard games etc. A good mix of fun + food. Between £30-£35 per person
Neighbourhood Leeds – Festive Drag Brunch jaw-dropping drag performances, outrageous lip-sync battles, naughty games, prizes, and bottomless drinks . £45pp for 90 mins.
Manahatta – Festive Bottomless Brunch, any dish from the BRUNCH & LUNCH section of the main menu plus 2 hours of UNLIMITED DRINKS.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
A festive trail is always a wonderful opportunity for the family to come together and enjoy a magical day, and luckily we have two beautiful locations nearby.
The Northern Lights at Temple Newsam is a trail designed with all ages in mind. With twinkling displays, illuminated pathways and enchanting scenes around every corner, it is the perfect way to soak up the Christmas atmosphere together. The trail runs from 21st November to 31st December, with standard tickets priced at £23.50 per adult and £15.50 per child.
Just on the outskirts of Leeds, one of my personal favourites is Stockeld Park. This is a very special place for my family, as we used to visit every year to take a enchanting stroll around the trail, go ice skating, and spend what felt like hours exploring the shop full of Christmas decorations before meeting Santa.
With a huge variety of packages, Stockeld Park offers something for everyone and makes a fantastic day out. Tickets range from £8.50 for a toddler-exclusive event to £41 for the top tier package.
You can see the Packages here.
Festive warmth
No matter if it’s ice skating under the stars, sipping mulled wine at the markets, or singing along at the panto that takes your fancy, there’s no denying that Leeds truly comes alive at Christmas.
The city sparkles with warmth, laughter and fun, a reminder that the best moments are often the simplest ones shared with those we love. For more festive inspiration, local gems, and insider tips on what’s happening in and around the city, make sure to follow me on Instagram at @girlaboutleeds
By Lauren Sidebottom
Images Dreamstime and Sally Bendall
