News.
Victoria Leeds captures local families celebrating the unique festive moments that matter most
9th December 2025
This Christmas, Yorkshire’s premier retail and dining destination, Victoria Leeds, invites everyone to step inside the magic of the season with the launch of its enchanting festive campaign, ‘Your Christmas Stories Told’, a heartfelt celebration of the personal traditions, cherished memories and meaningful moments that make Christmas truly special for people across the region and beyond.
At the centre of this year’s campaign is The Snowland Storybook, an immersive experience where visitors are invited to capture their own Christmas story within a beautifully styled festive setting. Open to the public now, free of charge, until Sunday 14th December, the installation transforms into a cosy, picture-perfect backdrop for families, friends, couples, community groups and even four-legged companions to create a memory and portrait photograph that will last far beyond the season itself.
Designed to honour the individuality of every festive journey, The Snowland Storybook welcomes all, whether it’s a multi-generational family, a same-sex couple, a running club celebrating another year together, new parents marking their baby’s first Christmas, or devoted paw-rents bringing along their beloved pets.
The father and daughter are celebrating the season with renewed gratitude and hope, after David was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) blood cancer earlier this year and began chemotherapy. Joining them in their Snowland Storybook portrait are Heather’s treasured dogs, Roskoe and Bear. Roskoe, an American Bulldog adopted from Leeds Dogs Trust three years ago, became part of Heather’s life shortly after two rounds of IVF treatment in Leeds failed, following a tragic loss on Christmas Day. The dogs have played an important role in both their journeys, bringing comfort, routine and joy through an incredibly challenging period.
For Heather and David Wigglesworth, stepping inside The Snowland Storybook marks a joyous milestone. “Christmas this year is positive and hopeful,” they share, a sentiment that reflects the campaign’s purpose – to champion resilience, love, togetherness and the quiet, powerful stories woven into the festive season.
Mike and Wes Leeson-McHugh, who live in Leeds Dock with their beloved dog Wilma, bring their own warm and wonderfully personal tradition to ‘Your Christmas Stories Told’. The pair first met on the very day Mike was due to emigrate to Australia – a chance encounter that changed everything. Fifteen years later, they are happily married and still grateful for the twist of fate that kept them in each other’s lives. Their Christmas ritual is simple, cosy and deeply meaningful: “We get in our matching PJs on Christmas Eve, put a movie on and enjoy the quietness together,” they share.
Lauren Cook and Josh Wiltshire are preparing for a particularly special festive season as they celebrate their first Christmas as parents to their 5-month-old daughter, Sofia. Based in Calderdale, Lauren works as a Special Needs teacher while Josh serves as a police response officer for West Yorkshire Police, both balancing demanding roles with the joy of new parenthood. This year marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter for their family, one filled with the promise of fresh traditions and treasured memories. “We’re looking forward to making new traditions with Sofia,” they say, capturing the excitement of experiencing the magic of Christmas through their daughter’s eyes for the very first time.
The Snowland Storybook launches to the public Saturday 22nd November – Sunday 14th December. The team will be on-hand every weekend to take festive photo portraits:
6th & 7th December
13th & 14th December
‘Uplift the Gift’ will be available on a Saturday only until Saturday 13th December 12 – 5pm.
T&C’s apply.
The Christmas celebrations continue each weekend with a host of festive surprises and experiences, including:
Uplift the Gift – Shoppers can add a touch of luxury craftsmanship to gifting with complimentary gift wrapping or handwritten calligraphy each Saturday opposite the Snowland Storybook (from 22nd November – Saturday 13th December), when they spend £100 or more at Victoria Leeds. Bespoke gift tags and table setting place cards will also be available to customise.
Parkin or Parking – Drive into festive fun! Each weekend, several lucky visitors will win a free day of parking in January, or a slice of traditional Yorkshire parkin, as well as a weekly chance to win a £250 voucher to spend at Victoria Leeds.
Images: c. Gerard Binks