Leeds is proud to be home to three beautiful historic houses – Lotherton, Temple Newsam, and Harewood House – each with its own unique character and extensive grounds for the public to explore. Plus we have one of the largest parks in Europe – Roundhay Park.
Christmas is the perfect time to visit and explore, when these magical places come alive with lights, sparkle and activities for all the family.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton
Lotherton, Off Collier Lane, Aberford | 22nd Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Explore the festive wonder of Lotherton’s beautifully decorated hall and enchanting grounds and gardens. Wander through twinkling light displays and discover interactive installations—an adventure for all ages, before visiting Mrs Claus as she shares warm tales of the season, and Santa ‘In The North Pole’ where kids will leave with a special gift! Take a trip to the Elf Village where families can toast marshmallows by the warm firepit, get crafty with the elves in their cosy cabins, and be wowed by enchanting weekend and school holiday magic shows full of sparkle. Find out more here.
Christmas at Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam | 29th Nov – 24th Dec
Celebrate Christmas at Temple Newsam and step into the spectacular mansion house during the most magical time of year. Explore the beautifully decorated house by following the Christmas Tree Trail. Or visit Santa and Mrs Claus for festive storytelling and gifts. New for 2025 are Christmas Evenings where you can discover centuries-old traditions, twinkling lights, and the warm glow of festive cheer in every corner, and a special one-off concert with the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus. Workshops for children and adults run throughout the season. Find out more here.
Northern Lights Leeds
Temple Newsam | 21st Nov – 31st Dec
This 1 mile long walk around Temple Newsam takes you on an adventure through around 14 illumination zones, each with their own unique personalities and tasty pit stops along the way. Read about some of the newest light installations for 2025 here. To top it all off there’s a Christmas Village full of cracking local food, delicious drinks and plenty of festive cheer! Find out more here.
A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball
Harewood House | 8th Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
This year, interior designer Siobhan Murphy (TV’s Interior Design Masters) transforms Harewood with her signature maximalism, bold patterns and joyous colour. A reimagining of Regency splendour for 2025, it’s Christmas with a sense of theatre and wonder. Slip away for a cosy tea by the fire, where mantelpieces are dressed with china cups, saucers and ginger jars. Discover games and a whisky lounge, quiet moments of reflection, and listen in as the Lady of the House writes tales of the evening’s gossip in her diary. Siobhan Murphy will also be hosting a series of workshops to help you recreate some of the decorations she has made for the experience. Santa will be at Harewood too where children will help him prepare for the North Pole’s Royal Ball, or for the youngest visitors a special early years experience with Santa is the perfect way to get them into the festive spirit. Find out more here.
The Christmas Adventure and Winter Illuminations
Stockeld Park | 22nd Nov – 24th Dec 2025 (5th Jan 2026 for Winter Illuminations)
Immerse yourself in the festive magic at Stockeld Park. With a live theatre show, ice skating, the Winter Illuminations light show and of course, Santa’s Grotto! Don’t forget to hop onto the Flying Stocksman train too for a tour of the Enchanted Forest, or explore the Snowflake Maze. Find out more here.
(Temple Newsam – c Carl Milner)
WINTER WALKS
Leeds is home to many beautiful parks and estates, as well as being close to the Yorkshire Dales. Wrap up warm with hat, scarf and gloves and get your walking boots on before heading off on your winter walks. Check out our handy guide to the best walks from strolls around the park to more challenging adventures here.