Blogs.
A Wonderful West Yorkshire Christmas
6th November 2025
Enjoy West Yorkshire this Christmas, there’s so much to explore! We’ve worked with Visit Bradford, Visit Calderdale, Kirklees Council and Experience Wakefield to compile a list of not-to-be-missed Christmas highlights from across the region. Explore Christmas Markets, find a unique handmade gift, soak up the festive atmosphere of illuminated cities and towns, enjoy traditional and not-so-traditional entertainment – panto, brass bands, ballet and more!
There’s plenty to keep you entertained from now until next year.
IN LEEDS
Leeds Christmas Markets
What could be more festive than planning your trip to explore Leeds Christmas Markets? Leeds Christmas Market will return to takeover City Square and Millennium Square from Friday 21 November – Sunday 21 December. Explore over sixty festive stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and delicious treats from around the world. Plus, two themed bars – the Windmill Bar and the Ranch will be providing plenty of festive cheer. Little Bird will be return with their artisan markets featuring local artists and makers, to Bond Court from Thursday to Sunday every weekend during the Leeds Christmas Market period, AND every Saturday through November and December ArtsMix Market returns to Albion Place for unique arts and crafts.
Leeds Christmas Market.
City Square, Leeds, LS1 2ES. Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD.
21 November – 21 December
Little Bird Made Market.
Bond Court, Leeds, LS1 2JZ.
Thursdays to Sundays. 20 November – 21 December
Free admission
Ice Cube Christmas Experience
Leeds’ favourite family funfair returns to Millennium Square, bringing the festive cheer this Christmas period. Featuring the iconic Big Wheel and traditional Carousel as well the outdoor ICE CUBE ice-skating rink. Plus a ski bar, Thor’s Tipi and other food and drink stalls will be there to provide warmth and festive food to keep you fuelled up to enjoy the rides.
Ice Cube Christmas Experience, Millennium Square & Victoria Gardens, Leeds, LS2 3AD.
21 November – 31 December 2025
Aladdin Rock n Roll Panto
Building on the roaring success of past hits including Jack and the Beanstalk, Red Riding Hood, and Dick Whittington, Leeds’ ‘Grade A panto’ (Yorkshire Times) is back to light up the festive season at the world-famous City Varieties Music Hall. This isn’t your average Christmas pantomime – this is a Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime! Imagine the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud audience participation, hilariously cheesy jokes, and a high-energy jukebox bursting with iconic rock anthems and chart-smashing hits.
City Varieties Music Hall, Swan St, Leeds, LS1 6LW
28 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Find out more and book here.
Winter Wonderlands at Historic Houses
Be transported to a winter wonderland with a visit to one of Leeds’ many magical historic houses, all decked out in their festive finest for you to enjoy this Christmas.
At Lotherton’s The Christmas Experience, explore the beautifully decorated hall with its enchanting grounds and gardens. Hot chocolate in hand, wander through twinkling light displays and interactive installations. Complete your Christmas Experience with a visit to Father Christmas, all topped off with a special gift to take home!
Over at Temple Newsam, Mrs Claus will be waiting for you with more festive tales, plus you’ll have the chance to share your Christmas wishes with Santa and receive an early Christmas gift. Enjoy a hearty meal or just a cuppa at Temple Newsam’s tearooms before joining in festive crafts and activities, dressing up like the Houses’ former residents, and explore over fifty uniquely decorated trees on the Christmas Tree Trail (Saturdays and Sundays only).
And at Harewood House, there’s more magic in the air… with ‘A Glittering Invitation to Harewood’s Grand Ball’ . From the first notes of Regency music to the vibrant glow of Christmas trees, anticipation fills the air as guests arrive for the evening’s festivities. Follow the story of our glittering host as she welcomes guests for dinner before the evening unfurls into the Gallery where gowns and tailcoats swirl beneath twinkling Christmas lights. Wander through rooms alive with colour, pattern and festive decadence, as Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball whirls into full swing.
The Christmas Experience.
Lotherton, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB.
22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026.
Tickets from £11 adults, £6.75 children 3+. Pre-booking essential.
Find out more and book here.
Christmas at Temple Newsam.
Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE.
6 December 2025 – 20 December 2025
Tickets from £9.50 adults, £4.20 children.
Find out more and book here.
A Glittering Invitation to Harewood’s Grand Ball.
Harewood House, Leeds, LS17 9LG.
8 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets from £27.95 adult, £12.95 child.
Find out more and book here.
Northern Lights Leeds
This year, Leeds welcomes back illuminating festive attraction; the immersive Northern Lights Leeds! Held among heritage gardens and picturesque woodlands at Temple Newsam, Northern Lights will take visitors on a jaw-dropping journey through a spectrum of illuminations & unique musical compositions. Approximately one mile long, the trail will host up to 14 distinct illuminated zones featuring interactive elements and immersive soundtracks that combine to create an otherworldly sensory experience as well as a magical Christmas Village serving a wide range of festive fare.
Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE.
21 November – 31 December 2025.
Tickets start from £15 adult, £5child.
Find out more and book here.
IN BRADFORD
Snow White Sparkles in Bradford
This Christmas, Bradford is full of festive cheer at the heart of it all is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Alhambra Theatre (6 December–18 January), a spectacular pantomime packed with laughs, magic, and music. Starring Billy Pearce, Sinitta, and Myra DuBois, it’s a festive treat for all ages in one of the region’s most iconic theatres.
Nearby: Visit Darley Street Market for global flavours and weekend live music at Darley Street Kitchen, explore the Christmas Market in the Courtyard (7–13 December) with artisan stalls and festive food, and head to Centenary Square for The BID Wheel (18 November–21 December), offering city views and warm treats like hot chocolate and bratwursts.
📍 Alhambra Theatre, Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AJ
📅 6 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
🎫 Pantomime from £15; most range £27–£45 | The BID Wheel: £3 per person.
Haworth’s cobbled Main Street sparkle with lights, music, and festive cheer every weekend in December. Highlights include the Torchlight Parade (6–7 December), Christmas Music Weekend (13–14 December), and Nativity Weekend (20–21 December). Just up the hill, the Brontë Parsonage Museum offers a quieter kind of magic—step into the home where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë wrote their iconic novels, and soak in the literary charm of the season.
Nearby: Ride the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway with festive specials like the Elf Explorer and Mince Pie Specials.
📍 Main Street, Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8DP
📅 Weekends in December 2025
🎫 Required for both the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
This December, the Ilkley Christmas Teepees return to Ilkley Rugby Club, offering a cosy festive escape beneath twinkling lights. Gather around the fire with friends and family, sip seasonal drinks from the bar, and enjoy delicious street food in a relaxed, wintry setting.
Nearby: Shop for gifts along The Grove and Brook Street, enjoy festive afternoon tea at Bettys, and catch seasonal shows at King’s Hall and Ilkley Playhouse. With great shopping, food, and theatre, Ilkley is perfect for a festive day out or a winter stay.
📍 Ilkley Rugby Club, Denton Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0AA
📅 5–21 December (Fridays 16:00–22:30, Saturdays and Sundays 13:00–22:30)
🎫 Free entry—no booking, just drop in and enjoy.
Saltaire Living Advent Calendar
Each evening in December, a new festive window is revealed across Saltaire, creating a glowing trail of light-up scenes through this UNESCO World Heritage village. From whimsical winter scenes to creative community designs, the Living Advent Calendar transforms Saltaire into a magical open-air gallery—perfect for an evening stroll with friends or family. It’s a heartwarming way to count down to Christmas and soak up the village’s artistic spirit.
Nearby: Visit Salts Mill for David Hockney’s vibrant art, ride the Shipley Glen Tramway on weekends, and see the Turner Prize exhibition at Cartwright Hall—a highlight of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.
📍 Saltaire Village, Shipley BD18 3LF
📅 1 December – 1 January 2025
🎫 Free
Celebrate the season at Bradford Museums with three unique events. Discover the historic charm of Deck the Halls at Bolling Hall, explore traditional stalls at the Victorian Christmas Market at Bradford Industrial Museum, and enjoy the wintry magic of Christmas at the Castle at Cliffe Castle Museum. Each offers a memorable way to experience Christmas through heritage and family fun.
📍 Deck the Halls: Bolling Hall, Bradford BD4 7LP | Victorian Christmas Market: Bradford Industrial Museum, Bradford BD2 3HP | Christmas at the Castle: Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley BD20 6LH
📅 Deck the Halls 22 November | Victorian Christmas Market 29 & 30 November | Christmas at the Castle 6 & 7 and 13 & 14 December |
🎫 Please check event and activity charges for Bradford Museums—most are free to attend.
Explore more festive inspiration across the Bradford district at: www.visitbradford.com/christmas
IN CALDERDALE
Christmas Markets at The Piece Hall
Every Friday to Sunday from 14th November to 21st December 2025
10am – 7pm Fridays and Saturdays, 10am – 4pm Sundays
The Piece Hall Christmas Markets are back over six spectacular weekends! Showcasing some of the region’s favourite independent producers and artisan makers, they will feature a wide range of unique stalls with everything from homeware to jewellery, gifts and delicious food to eat now or take home; all in the magical atmosphere of the Piece Hall’s courtyard.
Admission: FREE
The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, West Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, HX1 1RE
Halifax Minster Christmas Tree Festival
Friday 5th to Monday 8th December 2025
10am-4pm daily (except for Sunday 7th, 12pm-4pm)
Halifax Minster will be filled with the wonderful sight and scent of over 40 Christmas trees for this annual event. Activities, live music and refreshments are available.
Admission: Adults £3 Children FREE. Booking isn’t necessary, although for larger groups, please contact admin@halifaxminster.org.uk in advance!
Halifax Minster Causeway, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1QL
Hebden Makes Christmas
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December 2025 10.30am -5pm
Hebden Makes Christmas is an opportunity to shop truly independently, to discover gifts that will last a lifetime and a rare chance to find unique pieces of art and craft that just aren’t available on the high street. Over 100 artists, makers and craftspeople are taking part across Mytholmroyd and Heben Bridge, opening their studios and at art & craft fairs at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Methodist Church and The Making Mill.
Admission: FREE entry to all venues
Various Locations in Heben Bridge and Mytholmroyd.
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/event/hebden-bridge-open-studios-winter-2025/
Christmas Comes to Shibden Hall
Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December 11am – 3pm each day
For one very special weekend, you can come and see Shibden Hall decked out with traditional Christmas decorations and learn about how Christmas was celebrated in past times.
NB Advance Booking Required: Admission: £10 Concessions £7.50 Family £27.50
Shibden Hall, Lister’s Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6XG
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/event/christmas-comes-to-shibden/
Beauty and the Beast Family Pantomime at The Victoria Theatre
Friday 12th December – Sunday 4th January
When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can village girl Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?
Make memories this festive season with this fun-filled Christmas panto spectacular – the perfect treat for all the family! This traditional family pantomime is packed full of all the ingredients you know and love, hilarious slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers!
Integrated Signed Performances (Monday 29 December at 6:30pm & Tuesday 30 December at 1pm) include two BSL interpreters who are involved in the action on stage and take part in the performances!
The Relaxed Performance (Sunday 4 January at 10:30am) is designed to be welcoming to everyone and especially to adults and children who may feel unable to access theatre performances for a variety of reasons, for example, parents/carers with noisy infants, people who need or want to move around and/or vocalise during the performance, people with dementia, autism or with other complex access or inclusion needs.
Admission: from £26.75
The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1BP
https://www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/whats-on/beauty-and-beast
For even more Festive Fun in Calderdale please visit: https://www.visitcalderdale.com/events/category/christmas-in-calderdale/
IN KIRKLEES
Christmas in Huddersfield
Saturday 29th November 2025
Huddersfield’s Merry & Bright Winter Celebration
A free, family-friendly festive event bringing creativity, music, and community spirit to Huddersfield town centre.
🕚 Time: 11:00am–6:00pm
📍 Locations: The Piazza, Byram Street, New Street, and St Peter’s Church
Creative Piazza: Winter Worlds (11:00am–4:30pm):
Storytelling, puppetry, steam train rides, samba performances, festive workshops, and lantern displays.
Christmas Market on Byram Street (12:00pm–8:00pm):
Local traders, festive food, and a tipi-style beer tent.
Merry & Bright Moment (from 4:30pm):
A glowing human light chain followed by a town-wide illumination at 5:00pm.
Fire Garden Finale Flaming beacons, fire sculptures, carolling, and a warm Beer & Carols gathering at the Parish Church.
Christmas in Dewsbury
Saturday 6th December
Event times 11am – 4pm (Stage 12pm – 4pm)
Dewsbury Town Centre
Community Music Stage:
Programme tbc including Hardeep Sahota, Mitchy, Yorkshire Folk Choir, Musica Combined Children’s Choir
Walkabouts: Ebor and Gumm (Mark Mark), The Barn Owl (Thingumajig), Huddersfield Samba
Performances: Creative Scene presents Topsy Turvy Theatre with Christopher’s Christmas
Winter Trunk Tales Storytelling adventures with Tell Tale Hearts
Workshops and participation:
Lantern Making with The Children’s Art School at MakerWorld Dewsbury
Creative Scene Pow Space
Make and Take activities with WOVEN
Giant Colouring Wall by artist Ruth Dyer
Face Painting and Santas Grotto at the Arcade Pop-Up
Other: Food and Drink & Christmas Market
The Orchestra of Opera North’s Christmas Gala Concert
Dewsbury Town Hall
Thursday 11 December, 7.30 pm
Christmas Gala Get into the Christmas spirit with a selection of timeless festive favourites and carols for all to sing. Gather family and friends to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together.
For more information and bookings visit: The Orchestra of Opera North: Christmas Gala
Santa in The Barn for SEND Families
Oakwell Hall, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9LG
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December
Make memories together with:
✨ Creative festive crafts
🧸 A cosy corner to relax and explore
🎁 A personalised meeting with Father Christmas in the welcoming Oakwell Barn
Each 1-hour session is limited capacity, ensuring a calm and unhurried visit with Santa.
Session times (both days):
10:00–11:00
11:30–12:30
13:00–14:00
14:30–15:30
🎟️ £11 per child – includes crafts, a personal visit with Santa, and a gift.
👨👩👧👦 Accompanying family members (including children not receiving a gift or craft pack) are free, but please complete the registration form with member details so we know who’s on Santa’s VIP list!
📘 A visual story will be available closer to the event to help prepare for your visit.
To book tickets visit: Santa in The Barn for SEND Families
Lawrence Batley theatre
Beauty and the Beast
Mon 1 December 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026, various times and tickets available
For more information and bookings visit: Beauty and the Beast
A magical charm has transformed a Prince into a beastly creature. Now trapped in his castle, only true love will lift the spell…
Enter Belle, a Huddersfield lass who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. But Belle’s a bit fed up. She’s feeling lonely and dreams of the faraway lands and love stories she finds between the pages. Could she be the one to lift the curse?
Full of incredible effects, lavish costumes, a side-splitting script and big musical numbers prepare for this fairytale with a Lawrence Batley Theatre twist that will leave you positively spellbound.
🎄 Get into the festive spirit! From wreath making and crafty fun to carols, brass bands, and twinkling lights — Christmas in Kirklees is bursting with creativity. Unleash your inner elf and discover even more magical events at Creative Kirklees! Visit Christmas here: What’s On or visit www.creativekirklees.com
IN WAKEFIELD
Light Up Wakefield
Get ready for a magical festive weekend in Wakefield as the city comes alive with colour, music and festive cheer. From 4pm on Friday 21 November, head to the Cathedral Precinct for live performances and entertainment on the main stage before the big Christmas Lights Switch On at 5:30pm! Then, from 6pm, follow the glow as the spectacular Lantern Parade winds its way through the city centre.
Grab a trail map and discover dazzling installations lighting up Wakefield’s streets across the weekend. Let your creativity shine at ‘Let’s Draw’, where your designs become part of a dynamic digital mural, and be wowed by the mythical ‘Ship of the Gods’ inside WX Wakefield Exchange, inspired by Norse legends. Don’t miss ‘Interactive Gaming’ – a retro-inspired experience where buildings transform into a giant gaming platform that you can have a go at yourself!
Discover the city in a whole new light this November.
📅 21 – 23 November
📍 Wakefield City Centre
🎫 Free
🔗 https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/light-up-wakefield
The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
Start your Christmas shopping and support independent makers when The Hepworth Wakefield’s popular Festive Market returns! You’ll find over 75 stalls each weekend selling everything from ceramics, food and drink, homeware, jewellery, prints, stationery, textiles and more. Plus, there are family activities, live music, street food and half-price exhibition entry!
📅 22 – 23 November and 29 – 30 November, 10am – 4pm
📍 Tileyard North (next to The Hepworth Wakefield), Wakefield, WF1 5FY
🎫 From £2.50
🔗 https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/the-hepworth-wakefield-festive-market
Christmas at Nostell, National Trust
This Christmas, Nostell is transformed into a storybook adventure. From the 1940s railway station to snowy forests and Father Christmas’ woodland camp, the story comes to life as you wander through the house and grounds.
Follow the story room by room before finishing the house experience with the enchanting gingerbread village, reimagined with festive wonder. From here, at weekends, your journey will then take you through the garden to the glass house, where Father Christmas will make his appearance.
📅 1 December 2025 – 5 January 2026 (closed 24/25/26 December)
📍 National Trust Nostell, WF4 1QE
🎫 Free for members | Adults: £13 | Children: £6.50
📸 © Freya Raby
🔗 https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/a-narnia-inspired-christmas-at-nostell
The Christmas Céilí at WX Wakefield Exchange
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of high-energy music, joyful movement, and festive cheer at WX – Wakefield Exchange, Wakefield’s vibrant cultural hub. The Christmas Céilí is a spirited celebration of Celtic tradition, where fast-paced tunes and flying feet take centre stage.
Led by the dynamic live band The Hooliemen, this lively event invites everyone – whether seasoned dancers or complete beginners – to join in the fun. A skilled céilí caller will guide the crowd through each step, so there’s no need to worry about knowing the moves in advance. Just bring your dancing shoes and a sense of adventure!
📅 20 December, 7pm – 10:30pm
📍 WX Wakefield Exchange, Wakefield, WF1 3AD
🎫 Free
🔗 https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/the-christmas-ceili
Craft Brew Festival at Tileyard North
Join the inaugural Wakefield Craft Brew Festival for A Hoppy Christmas Party this festive season at Tileyard North!
Boring beer festivals? Not on our watch. Craft Brew Festival isn’t like any other beer festival – it’s five hours of full-throttle, all-in, party-mode madness with bottomless craft beer, cider, wine, non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and prosecco. No faff. No overpriced drink tokens. Just pure, unfiltered fun.
📅 13 December, 1pm – 6pm
📍 Tileyard North, Wakefield, WF1 5FY
🎫 From £45
🔗 https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/wakefield-craft-brew-festival
*this blog was originally written in 2023 and updated for 2025