A guide to an affordable Leeds Christmas

It’s Christmas time in Leeds, but that does not mean that you need to break the bank to enjoy the festivities. From musical performances and museum activities to shows and markets – here’s our guide for the best free and low-cost things to do in the city over Christmas.

Music

If you’re looking to enjoy some amazing free or low-cost musical performances over the festive season, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better collection than in Leeds.

From Saturday 29th November to Saturday 20th December, Kirkgate Market will be hosting some amazing free musical shows to enjoy while you shop, eat, or enjoy their other festive activities. Experience performances from the Leeds Phoenix Choir, Leeds Phoenix Band, Leeds Rock Choir, and Leeds Concert Band.

At Leeds Conservatoire on Wednesday 3th December, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Bridge St Brass quintet will be getting you into the festive spirit with arrangements of Fairytale of New York, music from the classic Christmas film The Polar Express, and more.

Drop in to Leeds City Museum on Friday 5th December to hear the museum’s Community Choir perform festive songs.

On Monday 15th December, the Choirs of Leeds Cathedral will perform Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, together with festive music favourites and audience carols, featuring wonderful young soloists from the choir, harp, and the cathedral’s magnificent organ.

If you’re looking for some sing-along family fun, Leeds Minster will be hosting the annual Lord Mayor’s family carol concert on Thursday 18th December. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, with £4.50 concessions.

Performances from brass bands, choirs and entertainers are free to see most Thursday-Sundays across the Leeds Christmas market on City Square and Bond Court.

Explore more musical events here.

(Muppets Christmas Carol)

Shows

If shows are more your thing, then from Saturday 6th to Wednesday 31st December, Leeds Central Library will be hosting Fidget Theatre presents… The Elves and the Storyteller – a dazzling show in which a team of elves must reignite the Storyteller’s love for stories, songs, and laughter in time for Christmas. This is a pay-what-you-decide event and is recommended for ages 3 to 7 years old.

From Friday 12th to Wednesday 24th December, Leeds Heritage Theatres presents Wintertime – a chance to relive Christmas classics on the big screen, including The Snowman, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Tickets start from £2.50.

And at Kirkgate Market on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23nd December, enjoy a free performance of the classic pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

For more seasonal shows check out our page here.

(Leeds Christmas Market, c. Christopher Heaney for Visit Leeds)

Markets

Christmas means Christmas markets! And whether you want to browse, pick up a unique gift, or enjoy the buzz in the air, Leeds will have a whole host of different markets for you to check out.

Back for 2025 is the Christmas Market at City Square – running from Friday 21st November to Sunday 21st December. Featuring more than 60 beautifully decorated chalets and an improved layout, the market will have something for everyone, including artisan gifts, Bratwurst sausages, seasonal food and drink, and traditional Glühwein.

Every Thursday to Sunday from Thursday 20th November to Sunday 21st December, Little Bird will be running their artisan market on Bond Court, featuring the very best independent producers and makers in Yorkshire.

And Kirkgate Market will be hosting two special markets over the festive period. From Monday 8th to Friday 12th December head over to support the Compass House SEN School market, where you’ll be able to find unique and hand-crafted goods to buy. And from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 December, experience a traditional Christmas Market.

Check out more Christmas markets here.

(Nutcracker vs Rat King, Royal Armouries Museum)

Activities & Experiences

Leeds’ marvellous museums are some of the city’s best locations for a day out, and every Christmas they come alive with a jammed programme for families to take part in. At Abbey House Museum on Monday 8th December, experience A Dickensian Christmas. See objects inspired by Dicken’s novels, learn about Victorian Christmas traditions and their origins, listen to book readings and music, and of course enjoy a festive mince pie. Cost is £5 per person, plus a booking fee.

If you’re looking to do something creative with the kids, then head to the Joiner’s Shop at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm from Saturday 6th December to Tuesday 23th December to take part in a Stick Santa or Wood Tree Slice Decoration workshop and create some special to take home. Entry costs £3 plus admission.

And if it’s a festive trail you’re after, then visit Leeds City Museum to explore their 12 Days of Elfmas Trail (cost: give what you can), head to Temple Newsam House for their Christmas Tree Trail (£10 for over 16s, £4.40 for children), or go to Home Farm to enjoy their Decked in History: Home Farm Trail (cost: included in admission).

Join the team at Merrion Centre for a season of free festive fun where children get to meet some of their favourite characters from Christmas tales including The Nutcracker.

The Royal Armouries Museum is free to enter with a variety of free shows to see including Christmas’ Nutcracker vs Mouse King. Check out the timetable when you enter on the day to see what’s happening!

Mill Hill Chapel will be putting on free family craft sessions on Saturday 6th and Saturday 13th December from 2-5pm.

(Snowland Storybook, Victoria Leeds)

Photos

With lights and decorations bringing the city to life, Christmas is the perfect time to make Leeds your personal photoshoot setting! If you’re looking for some festive snaps, check out:

The Snowland Storybook at Victoria Leeds, step into your own Christmas story and capture the moment until the 14th December, or over the weekend professional photographers are on hand. There’s also some festive light up wings to pose with on Sidney Street, just outside Victoria Gate.

The Leeds Christmas Market is full of photo opportunities including new for 2025 photobooths.

Leeds’ hotels are all decked out in festive lights. Take selfies with the nutcrackers at The Queens Hotel, or pose in the DoubleTree by Hilton’s sleigh in their foyer.

Follow us on Instagram to check out some of the most beautiful spots in Leeds to take photos with.