Enjoy a magical Leeds Christmas with all the family
When it comes to fun for all the family this Christmas, Leeds is the gift that keeps on giving with so much to see and do in the city centre and beyond. From delightful days exploring the markets and winter wonderland experiences to enchanted evenings with the magic of the theatre. There’s something to suit every family, and of course plenty of places to visit Santa to make any last minute additions to that Christmas wish list.
DELIGHTFUL DAYS
In the City Centre
For fun packed festive days out, Leeds City Centre is the place to be!
This Christmas, the city is brimming with the sights, sounds and even smells of Christmas, nowhere more so than at Leeds Christmas Markets. This year’s market returns on 21 November, to take-over two prime locations in the city-centre at City Square and Millennium Square. With an additional weekend market on Bond Court.
Fuel up for more fun with food and drink stalls featuring everything from bratwurst and schnitzel to pretzels and dutch pancakes. As you eat, why not take a stroll around the iconic timber stalls brimming with artisan goods and handmade treasures from international, national and local traders.
Get your skates on and burn off some energy on the ice at Millennium Square’s Ice Cube. Open to the public every day between 21 November and 31 December, it’s a great way to get that winter glow. Never skated before? No problem! There’s Penguin Club for little ones looking for some extra assistance, lessons with a National Ice Skating Association instructor and a dedicated accessible skating session for wheelchair users and those with additional needs.
If your festivities aren’t complete without a good old family funfair, Leeds Christmas Market is also home to themed fairground rides from Santa’s Super Shooter and Rescue Rudolph to a giant Snow Globe and North Pole Funhouse. And for something more traditional, don’t miss the Golden Gallopers, a traditional carousel ride which has been captivating thousands of families in Leeds since 1881, and now it’s your turn!
At Historic Houses and Estates
Or, if you’re looking further afield for festive adventure… Get ready to 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 Hall, The Christmas Experience has all the ingredients for making magical memories with the family. Explore Lotherton’s beautifully decorated hall with its enchanting grounds and gardens. Grab a bite to eat at the Stables Café and then, hot chocolate in hand, wander through twinkling light displays and interactive installations sure to mesmerise little ones and big kids alike. Enhance your visit with a stop at Elf Village where you can try your hand at Christmas crafts with the help of Santa’s elves, watch a weekend magic show and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus as she tells you all about life at the North Pole, managing the elves, and caring for Santa’s reindeer. Speaking of Santa, complete your Christmas Experience with a visit to Father Christmas, all topped off with a special gift to take home!
For more stories from the North Pole, head to Temple Newsam and step into the spectacular mansion house, decked to the halls for the most magical time of year. 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. Babies are welcome too, with our ‘Baby’s first Christmas’ experience offering a shorter visit and baby-friendly gift. You can also experience a Relaxed Christmas with quieter story times and smaller groups. 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 discovering how the servants got the House ready for Christmas in years gone by.
At Harewood House, there’s more magic in the air… with the house decked-out for a regency inspired glittering ball. Not only that, visitors to Harewood House will also have to chance to meet Father Christmas. Meet Peppermint the elf in the sorting room, Mrs Christmas at her workbench and Father Christmas and his elf helper in the study and help them put the workshop back in order as the cheeky angels from the House have been making mischief in here too! After all your helping out, treat yourself to well-earned festive take on afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, Christmas cakes and mince pies! It’s the time to eat, drink and be merry after all!
Enchanted Evenings
In the City Centre
As the nights draw in, the fun doesn’t stop with more festivities to enjoy from light shows to pantos. Grab a pre-show dinner at family friendly restaurants across the city centre. Enjoy a host of street food delights at Trinity Kitchen with six street food vans rotating every eight weeks so you can experience various flavours and cuisines all under one roof. Or why not try Tamatanga for fresh homemade-feel curry with no nasties, no additives and no shortcuts making it great for health-conscious parents and kids. For something a little more grown up, check out Lost and Found for seasonal dishes and inventive cocktails served against a backdrop of cool shabby-chic décor.
Then catch a show the whole family will love. Enjoy a re-telling of everyone’s favourite festive tale A Christmas Carol, at Leeds Playhouse. If cheering, booing and everything in between is more your style of theatre, there’s also two great pantos in town this Christmas! See the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty at the Carriageworks Theatre or enjoy a magical night at the City Varieties Music Hall showing Aladdin – the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto.
At Historic Houses
If you’re keen to continue exploring the great outdoors, spend one evening of your time in Leeds to take a stroll through an enchanted world of illumination at Northern Lights Leeds. Uniquely crafted by world leading lighting designers and installed into the picturesque landscape of Temple Newsam, enjoy Yorkshire’s biggest Christmas trail and take a truly mesmerising journey right here in Leeds, along with a Christmas Village full of festive food and cheer.
Book a Cosy Retreat
With so much to do this festive season, Leeds is the place to be for unforgettable moments this Christmas. And with all these fab attractions tied up in a bow with this handy guide, you’ll wish it could be Christmas every day! Why not make a winter weekend of it and stay one of Leeds’ wonderful hotels?