During the festive season we all love to get together with friends, family and loved ones to see a show and enjoy some glitz and cheer. And in Leeds we’re spoilt for choice with four fabulous state-of-the-art theatres – Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds Playhouse and Carriageworks Theatre – where you can catch traditional classics and new favourites.
From classics of pantomime and ballet to brand new adaptations of family favourites. From candlelight concerts for all musical tastes to the much-loved City Varieties’ Rock and Roll Panto.
And don’t forget the glamourous parties with live music, dancing, entertainment and more to celebrate with friends and family.
You won’t want to miss out on seeing a spectacular show as part of your #LeedsChristmas. Scroll down for the full festive programme!
(Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre. Photo Kyle Baines)
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Leeds Grand Theatre | 18th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Northern Ballet brings the Christmas classic The Nutcracker back to the stage at Leeds Grand Theatre. Follow Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince to an enchanting winter wonderland filled with dazzling dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the villainous Mouse King, all to Tchaikovsky’s spectacular soundtrack.
A Christmas Carol
Leeds Playhouse | 20th Nov 2025 – 17th Jan 2026
A Christmas Carol, one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, is brought to life at Leeds Playhouse. Grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge, full of pure bah-humbug, is whisked away on a whirlwind adventure through his past, present, and future by four ghostly spirits, to show him the true meaning of Christmas. Packed with festive fun, lively music, and a sprinkle of magic, as well as plenty of accessible performances making it a show for everyone.
Stick Man
Leeds Playhouse | 6th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
For families with younger children, Stick Man is a touching, funny and utterly original adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall | 28th Nov 2025 – 11th Jan 2026
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is a festive extravaganza like no other! Imagine the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud audience participation, hilariously cheesy jokes, and a high-energy jukebox bursting with iconic rock anthems and chart-smashing hits with every note being performed live on stage by a showstopping cast of multi-talented actor-musicians. It’s all happening at the City Varieties Music Hall!
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
Carriageworks Theatre | 21st Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
For the ultimate festive treat for all ages, the Carriageworks Theatre is hosting Sleeping Beauty, a spectacular panto packed with magic, music, and mayhem! With dazzling sets, toe-tapping tunes, audience participation galore and all the traditional panto magic everyone loves.
Christopher’s Christmas
Carriageworks Theatre | 14th – 31st Dec 2025
From the team behind The Lost Present.. comes a new wintery tale for the whole family to share. Christopher’s Christmas is written especially for children aged 2-7 and is a Makaton Friendly performance. Its Christmas Eve and Christopher Nibble and his family are putting the finishing touches to his tree when their festive fun is interrupted by a shocking radio announcement. Father Christmas is lost! His Santa Nav has broken and he can’t find Dandeville! Does Christopher Nibble have the seasonal spirit to save the day? Or will the guinea pigs of Dandeville wake up to empty stockings this year?
The Wicked Wizard of Oz – A Cirque Spectacular
Leeds First Direct Arena | 29th & 30th Dec
Enter the emerald circus where cirque meets panto, where imagination takes flight and witness the high flying arena spectacular Wicked Wizard of Oz A Cirque Spectacular at First Direct Bank Arena. Why not upgrade and take family and friends with a Suite Experience?
Jack & the Beanstalk
HEART Headingley/Seven Arts | 5th Dec/14th Dec
This Christmas, join Same Difference Theatre on a magical journey into the world of Jack and the Beanstalk, with a fresh and festive twist! Packed with music, mayhem, and masses of audience participation, this is the ultimate festive adventure for the whole family! Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, heroic hijinks, fabulous costumes, and toe-tapping tunes in a joyful retelling of a classic tale, brought brought to life by our larger-than-life cast.
The Elves and The Storyteller
Leeds Central Library | 6th Dec – 31st Dec
Fidget Theatre presents The Elves and the Storyteller, a magical Christmas show at the Leeds Central Library. The Storyteller was once the host of a dazzling show but the acts have long since left, dust and quiet has settled on the well-trodden stage and their love of stories has faded away. Can Pip, Dorrit and their expert Elf team re-ignite The Storyteller’s love for stories, songs, and laughter and spread joy in time for Christmas?
Dick Whittington
Planet Ice Leeds | 11th Dec
Check out this spectacular rendition of Dick Whittington, brought to life by the Show & Skate class of amateur skaters and supported by their Professional on Tour cast. This timeless tale of adventure and discovery promises fun and excitement for the whole family. Join Dick, his trusty cat, and their companions as they embark on a thrilling journey filled with courage, friendship, and determination. A must-see event that captures the spirit of adventure and holiday cheer, perfect for the festive season.
(Fever Candlelight Concerts)
Holy Trinity Boar Lane Carols
Holy Trinity Boar Lane | 15th to 19th Dec
Enjoy 5 evenings of Leeds’ best bars, breweries and street food vendors alongside carol sing-alongs and live performances. Find out more here.
Yorkshire Evening Post Carol Service
Leeds Minster | 4th Dec
The Yorkshire Evening Post brass band and the Leeds Minster Choir will be performing a series of carols with Duncan Wood, formerly of ITV Calendar, reading a Christmas poem to round off the service. Find out more here.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Leeds Minster | 14th Dec
The traditional readings, anthems and carols following the pattern of King’s College, Cambridge, led by the clergy and choir of Leeds Minster, with well-known carols for all to sing. Find out more here.
Contemporary Carols
St George’s Church | 6th & 7th Dec
A celebration of Christmas with a contemporary twist! Journey through the Christmas story in a fresh way, with carols, pop songs and talks, followed by mince pies and mulled wine/fruit punch. Find out more here.
Carol Service
St George’s Church | 21st Dec
A service of traditional carols, readings and talks, featuring their pop-up choir and orchestra. Join us afterwards for mulled wine/fruit punch and mince pies. Find out more here.
Candlelight Concerts
Leeds City Museum | 19th Dec
From Christmas classics such as carols and Mariah Carey, to soundtracks from Christmas movies like Home Alone and The Holiday, enjoy some festive music by the glow of candlelight. Find out more here.
The Snowman and the Snowdog in Concert
Leeds City Museum | 13th & 14th Dec
The Leeds Conservatoire orchestra brings to life the story of The Snowman and the Snowdog with a live musical score. Find out more here.
Kate Peters Big Band
Seven Artspace | 11th Dec
Kate Peters presents an evening of music with her 18 piece big band and arrangements from George Gershwin, Nelson Riddle and Count Basie. Find out more here.
Christmas Houseparty
CrowdedHouse | Every Friday in Dec
Retreat to the rooftop, above the noise, from the busy Christmas shopping up at CrowdedHouse. Every Friday treat yourself to festive cocktails, cosy decor and some seasonal nibbles, with feel-good tunes from live bands and DJs. Find out more here.
A Festive Advent Calendar
Bibis Italianissimo | 1st to 31st Dec
Every day in December, apart from Christmas Day, expect a festive treats from ABBA & George Michael revivals to the Overtones and the New Year’s Eve party. Find out more here.
Mambo Navidad
Brudenell Social Club | 5th Dec
DJ Lubi throws his last show of 2025 with a big Christmas mambo/sala/Cuban music part with live band, mambo dance company and Cuban sounds. Find out more here.
Punk Rock Xmas
Brudenell Social Club | 13th Dec
Check out this alternative Christmas party with performances from Hard Skin, Geoffrey Oi!Cott and King Effers and all for a good cause! Find out more here.
Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight
Leeds Cathedral | 15th Dec
Set in the enchanting Leeds Cathedral, bask in the warm glow of candlelight and enjoy the iconic masterpiece that is the Four Seasons by Vivaldi. Find out more here.
Salvation Army Band
Merrion Centre | 29th Nov and 13th Dec
Join the uplifting melodies of the Salvation Army band at the Merrion Centre. Experience the sounds and immerse yourself in the festive spirit as the band performs from 10.30am – 1pm. Find out more here.