Enjoy Christmas in Leeds For Less

Enjoy Christmas in Leeds for less

Leeds is a city that comes alive during Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to enjoy it! From markets to museums, festive shows to winter walks, find out some of the best ways to enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank…

The Nutcracker versus The Rat King at the Royal Armouries

Visit the Royal Armouries to witness a magical festive fight this holiday season. The villainous Rat King is out to steal everyone’s sweets and presents, but have no fear the Nutcracker is here to save the day. This fast-action combat and tale of good versus evil will enthral and entertain audiences of all ages.

Where: Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Dr, LS10 1LT

When: Daily performances from Sunday 1 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025

Cost: Free

Experience Leeds’ Christmas markets

The return of Christmas means the return of Christmas markets! Across Leeds, you’ll be able to find a wide range of markets to look around and experience. From traditional markets at City Square, Millennium Square and Kirkgate Market, to independent and artisan markets, you’ll find plenty to take in and enjoy. We’ve got a Christmas markets page with all the details on the markets taking place in the city.

Where: various locations across Leeds

When: Throughout the festive period

Cost: Free to enter (shops, food, bars, and attractions chargeable at an extra cost)

Take the Reindeer Trail at Kirkstall Abbey

Can you help find Kirkstall Abbey’s deer-friends in time for Christmas? Explore the ruins and look out for their herd of seasonally decorated reindeers. And don’t forget to visit their café to pick up a warming hot chocolate for the adventure!

Where: Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Rd, LS5 3EH

When: 30 November to 24 December during opening hours

Cost: Free

Festive carols in the Abbey

Head to Kirkstall Abbey to listen to carols sung by Heritage Singers and get into the festive spirit in this special setting.

Where: Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Rd, LS5 3EH

When: Sunday 8 December, 3pm to 5pm

Cost: Free

Meet Santa at Kirkgate Market

Throughout December, Santa will be making special appearances at Kirkgate Market to meet and greet, pose for photos, and give out small gifts.

Where: Kirkgate Market, LS2 7HY

When: Saturday 7, Saturday 14, Saturday 21, Monday 23 December, 12pm to 3pm

Cost: Free

Witness the Queens Hotel’s Christmas projection show

If you’ve ever visited Light Night Leeds, then you’ll know all about the iconic projection shows on the Queens Hotel. Well, get ready as one is here for Christmas! “To Leeds, with Love”, featuring the voice of actor Richard Armitage, will see spectators taken on a tour around the iconic hotel with the help of a special guest, The Gingerbread Man. You won’t want to miss it!

When: Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 December, 4:30pm to 8:30pm

Where: The Queens Hotel, City Square, LS1 1PJ

Cost: Free

Watch a festive show at Leeds Central Library

Can you imagine a world without stories? Libellule Theatre presents The Stolen Stories of Winterlight, featuring the tale of a new qualified storymaker, Tan, and her hapless new apprentice as they seek to discover why stories are fading all over her town and try and return words to the page in time for their town’s storytelling festival. This show is for children aged 5+ and their grownups, and is approximately 50 minutes.

When: Saturday 14 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025

Where: Leeds Central Library, Calverley St, LS1 3AB

Price: £6 to £8, tickets available to be booked from Leeds Inspired.

Rock Choir in Leeds city centre

Catch the Rock Choir performing an eclectic mix of rock’n’roll and classic Christmas songs in Leeds city centre throughout December.

When and Where: Friday 13 December, 5pm to 6pm at Millennium Square, on the museum steps & Saturday 21 December, 1pm to 2pm at City Square

Cost: Free

Meet the cast of Beauty and the Beast at City Square

Join Gaston and the enchanted ensemble of Beauty and the Beast from the Carriageworks Theatre for a magical meet and greet at the City Square Christmas Market! Bring your family and friends to capture a special holiday memory and strike a pose with this beloved character, fresh from the panto stage.

When: Saturday 30 November

Where: Leeds Christmas Market, City Square, LS1 1PJ

Cost: Free

As one of the greenest cities in Europe, you’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a winter walk destination in Leeds. From the picturesque lakes and woodlands of Roundhay Park, to the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and the country houses of Lotherton and Temple Newsam. Christmas is the perfect time to visit and explore, when these magical places come alive with lights, sparkle and activities for all the family.

When: Throughout the festive period

Cost: Prices vary, please see attraction websites for more information. Entry into parks is free.