Make magical memories in Leeds this Christmas. Beyond our twinkling lights, bustling Christmas markets and iconic Victorian arcades, discover the unmissable festive experiences and things to do across the city and beyond.
Glide across an open-air ice rink in the heart of Millennium Square, wander through spectacular illuminated light trails and explore grand historic houses transformed for the season.
From festive family days out to romantic date nights and get-togethers with friends, these are the must-do moments that make a magical Leeds Christmas one to remember.
Jump to
Christmas Magic in the City Centre
Leeds city centre comes alive at Christmas, with festive experiences around every corner. Because the city is so walkable, it’s effortless to browse the Christmas market stalls, take to the ice on Millennium Square and stroll beneath glowing light canopies into beautifully dressed Victorian arcades for seasonal shopping.
Leeds Christmas Markets
Start your adventure among the bustling stalls of the Leeds Christmas Markets. For 2026, City Square transforms into an Evergreen Winter Wonderland, bringing together independent Yorkshire makers, festive food and drink, winter games, live music and the cosy surroundings of THOR’S Tipi. Over at Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens, Bavarian-inspired market stalls bring even more festive flavours and gifts to discover.
Ice Cube at Millennium Square
Get your skates on at Ice Cube at Christmas, where Leeds’ signature open-air ice rink returns to Millennium Square. Whether you’re gliding with confidence or taking to the ice for the first time, it’s one of the ultimate festive things to do in Leeds with family and friends. Afterwards, keep the celebration going with street food, winter bars and family funfair rides across Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street, including the Carousel and Big Wheel.
Dates & Tickets: Runs from 19 November to 31 December 2026. General admission is £11.50, including skate hire and booking fee, £10.50 for LeedsCard holders and students, and £9 for children under 13. Penguin Club sessions for a parent and child under nine are £15. Group tickets are also available.
Accessibility: Dedicated accessible skating sessions run alongside public sessions and Penguin Club throughout the season. Blue Badge parking is available on Cookridge Street and at surrounding city-centre locations, with additional designated accessible parking at Woodhouse Lane Multi-Storey Car Park.
Festive Shopping, Arcades & Christmas Displays
Beyond the rinks and stalls, soak up the architectural sparkle of Leeds. Wander through the city’s historic Victorian arcades dressed for the season, take in the spectacular surroundings of Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate, browse independent shops and boutiques, or head to historic Leeds Kirkgate Market for gifts, festive food and treats.
Magical Trails & Outdoor Adventures
Wrap up warm and step into some of Leeds’ most magical winter landscapes. From spectacular after-dark light trails and illuminated woodland to family activities set against ancient ruins, these outdoor adventures offer an unforgettable escape into the season.
Northern Lights Leeds at Temple Newsam
Step into The Lost Light of Christmas, a completely reimagined Northern Lights experience for 2026. Set within the historic grounds of Temple Newsam, this spectacular mile-long trail leads through enchanted woodland, glowing pathways and shimmering lakeside reflections. Immersive light installations, interactive displays and sound bring a brand-new festive story to life. Finish your journey in the Christmas Village, complete with festive food and drink, fairground rides and fire pits made for toasting marshmallows.
Dates & Tickets: Runs from 20 November to 31 December 2026. Off-peak tickets start from £15.25 and peak tickets from £19.25, plus a £1.75 transaction fee per order. Advance booking is recommended.
Accessibility: Dedicated neuro-inclusive evenings take place on 2 and 9 December, offering an adapted experience for visitors with additional sensory needs. Further accessibility information is available when planning and booking your visit.
Stockeld Park: The Christmas Adventure
Step into a real-life winter wonderland nestled within the parkland of Stockeld Park. Follow the Winter Illuminations through the Enchanted Forest, where dazzling installations, projections, sculptures and soundscapes transform the ancient woodland after dark, before finding your way through the illuminated Snowflake Maze. You can also take to the covered ice rink, enjoy a festive theatre show or journey through the magical North Pole village to meet Father Christmas himself.
Dates & Tickets: The Christmas Adventure runs from 21 November to 24 December 2026, with Winter Illuminations, ice skating and park activities continuing until 3 January 2027. A range of ticket packages is available, covering experiences including the illuminations, ice skating and Santa’s Grotto.
Accessibility: Stockeld Park provides dedicated accessibility and inclusion information for visitors, and assistance dogs are welcome. Visitors with specific requirements should check the park’s accessibility guidance when planning their visit.
Follow the Yonder Star Trail at Kirkstall Abbey
For a festive outing steeped in history, head to the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Follow the family-friendly Yonder Star Trail, searching for Christmas stars that twinkle, sparkle and turn in the breeze as you explore one of Britain’s most complete Cistercian monasteries.
Dates & Tickets: Runs from 29 November to 24 December 2026. The trail is a drop-in activity, included with admission on a Give What You Can basis, and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Accessibility: Kirkstall Abbey has level access to its visitor centre, accessible toilets, designated parking spaces and ramped access through the gardens. A wheelchair is available to borrow and carers receive free entry.
Don’t Miss: Pick up a warming hot chocolate from the café to take with you as you follow the stars through the abbey ruins.
Christmas at Leeds’ Historic Houses & Estates
Step into festive wonder across centuries of heritage. From Edwardian family traditions to imaginative digital storytelling, Leeds’ historic houses and estates offer magnificent settings for festive days out.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton
A beloved Christmas tradition for families across Yorkshire, The Christmas Experience transforms Lotherton for the season. Follow the 12 Days of Christmas Walk through Captain’s Wood, discover tiny houses and hidden surprises in the Fairy Dell, and wander through beautifully illuminated gardens. Inside the Edwardian Hall, see the house dressed in its Christmas finery before little ones venture into the North Pole to meet the elves, Mrs Claus and Santa himself.
Dates & Tickets: Runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Estate-only admission starts from £12.50 for adults and £7.75 for children aged 3+, with under-twos free. Santa’s North Pole experience starts from £16.95, while the weekday Santa’s Cabin experience for pre-schoolers is £12 per child.
Don’t Miss: Santa experiences are separately ticketed, so book ahead to secure your preferred date and time.
Magic at the Mansion at Harewood House
Harewood House reimagines festive elegance with Magic at the Mansion for 2026. Created with award-winning digital artists Studio McGuire, Harewood’s magnificent interiors become an immersive world where portraits reveal their secrets, objects tell stories and unexpected musical moments bring the collections to life. Outside, explore the winter gardens and grounds, with artisan Christmas markets on selected dates and festive afternoon tea adding even more reasons to make a day of it.
Dates & Tickets: Runs from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and is included with Harewood admission. Online day tickets start from £24.50 for adults and £10 for children aged 4–15, with family tickets available and under-fours free. Prices vary by date.
Accessibility: The State Floor and Below Stairs can be accessed by wheelchair users via lifts, subject to weight limits, and Access Companion tickets are free with a full-paying adult. Harewood’s landscaped grounds include slopes and mixed terrain, so visitors with particular access requirements should check the detailed accessibility information before travelling.
Christmas at Temple Newsam
Experience Christmas with centuries of history as your backdrop at Temple Newsam. Explore the magnificent house dressed for the season, discover more than 25 decorated trees along the Christmas Tree Trail and head to Home Farm for a taste of Christmas on the historic working farm. Younger visitors can also enrol in the brand-new Elf Academy and train to become fully fledged Christmas elves.
Dates & Tickets: Christmas activities take place on selected dates throughout December. Christmas on the Farm runs from 1 to 24 December, the Christmas Tree Trail from 5 to 19 December, and The Elf Academy from 5 to 23 December 2026, with special Christmas Evenings on 17 and 18 December. Some activities are included with admission while others require separate booking.
Accessibility: Relaxed Elf Academy sessions take place on 12 and 13 December, with reduced capacity for families who would benefit from a quieter experience.