With so many brilliant things to do in and around Leeds this festive season, it’s almost a shame Christmas only comes once a year! From rocking around the Christmas tree at a local gig to Christmas crafting with the family and feasting at festive food markets, Leeds has everything that could possibly be on your Christmas wish list, plus loads more! So, what are you waiting for? Read on to find out where a visit to Leeds could take you this Christmas, or jump straight to Christmas Markets, Festive Theatre, Carols & Concerts, Historic Houses & Estates, Where To See Santa, Christmas Crafting, Shopping Centres, Independent Shopping, Festive Afternoon Tea, Christmas Food Shopping & Hampers, or Christmas Day Dinner.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
(Leeds Christmas Market at City Square – Christopher Heaney for Visit Leeds)
Leeds Christmas Market
City Square, Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens | 21st Nov – 21st Dec
In celebration of the festive season, Leeds city centre will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland. With twinkling lights and music filling the air, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city at its festive finest. But that’s not all. The Leeds Christmas Markets are a feast for all the senses with traditional festive street food from hog roasts to poutine along with hot chocolate, cold beer, mulled wine and more. And of course, not forgetting, shopping at the iconic timber stalls brimming with artisan goods and handmade treats from international, national and local traders. Ideal for a family day out, a date night or an evening out with friends, you don’t want to miss year’s Leeds Christmas Markets. Find out more here.
(Millennium Square at Christmas – Christopher Heaney for Visit Leeds)
Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens & Cookridge Street
From the 21st November to 31st December
Why not give ice skating a try this winter at Millennium Square’s Ice Cube? With sessions to suit every ability, you can skate at your own pace whether that means building your confidence to let go of the side or adding the finishing touches to a new move. There’s Penguin Club for little ones looking for some extra assistance, lessons with a qualified coach and a dedicated accessible skating session for wheelchair users and those with additional needs; all in addition to the general public skates that take place each day.
Refuel after your skate with food and drink stalls or let the festive fun continue with a family funfair with themed rides, like Rescue Rudolph, Santa’s Super Shooter and the North Pole Funhouse. Not forgetting the vintage carousel, THOR’s Tipi and The Wheel of Light which guarantees spectacular views of the city and a perfect festive photo opportunity. Find out more here.
FESTIVE THEATRE
(Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Kyle Baines)
From plays and pantos to an evening at the ballet, there’s so much to enjoy at Leeds’ theatres this Christmas. So, let’s bring the curtain up on Leeds’ theatre scene and explore the must-see shows gracing the stage this festive season.
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Leeds Grand Theatre | 18th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Performed to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score played live, share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland. Don’t miss dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King in the ultimate festive entertainment. Find out more here.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND CONCERTS
(Leeds Minster)
Oh, come all ye faithful and don’t miss this Christmas’ packed schedule of carol services, candlelit concerts and other musical treats to be enjoyed.
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.
HISTORIC HOUSES & ESTATES
(A Glittering Invitation to Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball – Harewood House Trust & Tom Arber)
Escape the bustle of high streets and shopping centres and lose yourself in a magical Christmas adventure with a whole host of exciting days out across Leeds’ historic houses, parks and estates. Bring a little Dickensian delight to your festive day out, admiring the grandly decked halls of a stately home. Or go walking in a winter wonderland complete with light shows and maybe even snow fall at one of Leeds’ many incredible parks. Find out more about what our heritage buildings and grounds have to offer this festive season.
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 and Interior Curve) 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. A season to ignite the imagination and delight every generation. Find out more here.
PLACES TO SEE SANTA
(Father Christmas, c. Harewood House & Tom Arber)
Hoping to meet Santa this holiday season? Well, you’re in luck! There are plenty of festive grottos around Leeds where you can catch a glimpse of the big man himself this Christmas. With Santa’s packed schedule, several locations have been set up across the city and beyond, giving you multiple chances to visit him, along with his helpful elves and maybe even some reindeer!
Father Christmas Experience
Harewood House | 29th Nov – 24th Dec
Step into a world of wonder as your family joins Father Christmas and his merry band of elves in preparing for a once-in-a-century celebration: The North Pole’s Royal Ball! Children will become part of the festive preparations, and will help Father Christmas choose an enchanted outfit for this extraordinary event. Find out more here.
CHRISTMAS CRAFTING
(Wreath-making at Temple Newsam – Joanne Crawford)
Get crafty this Christmas, making handmade goods and happy memories at a range of festive workshops and activities. Whether you’re looking to give your gifts a personal touch or keep your handcrafted creation for yourself, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to try out a new craft and learn a new skill.
Wreath-making Workshops
Temple Newsam Home Farm | 26th Nov, 3rd, 10th & 17th Dec
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
(Victoria Leeds at Christmas – Christopher Heaney)
Now, we don’t like to brag that Leeds is famous for its shopping, but let’s be fair, it is! And Christmas shopping is a huge part of the festive buildup. So, to make your shopping trip is as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up a list of all the places where you’ll find the essentials, the indulgent, the unique and the gifts you didn’t know you needed.
Victoria Leeds
Victoria Quarter, Victoria Street, Leeds City Centre | Open 9am – 6.30pm
Victoria Gate, Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre | Open 10am – 6pm
As some of Leeds’ grandest arcades, the Victoria Arcades boasts one of the most beautiful places in the city to get your Christmas shopping sorted. Home to the largest modern stained glass roof in Europe and lots of luxury brands including Vivienne Westwood, Penhaligons, Cambridge Satchel, Aesop, Coach and Louis Vuitton as well as independent interior shop North Home. Find out more here.
For a post-shopping bite to eat, make sure to check out the three course set menu at Harvey Nichols’ Fourth Floor Brasserie where you’ll be treated to well-portioned and beautifully presented seasonal dishes and a glass of fizz for £35. Find out more here.
Fancy a bit of festive glitz with your Christmas shopping, then Victoria Gate hosts a huge five storey John Lewis store with floor-on-floor of clothing, beauty, baby and homeware gifting options – and plenty more besides. Anthropologie, & Other Stories and NEOM all have thoughtful luxury gifts on offer so you’re sure to find something for the person who has it all.
For those looking for somewhere to blow off a bit of steam ahead of the festive period or as part of a Christmas party, you can find gaming experience Boom Battle Bar and rooftop restaurants Uyare and Habbibi all within the Victoria Gate building too. Find out more here.
INDEPENDENT SHOPPING
(Leeds Corn Exchange – Christopher Heaney)
When it comes to unique gifts and festive fancies, Leeds’ indie shopping scene has you covered this Christmas. Supporting Leeds’ local traders and artists will not only give your gift giving a personal touch but the locations of many independent shops in Leeds have a wow factor of their own. Read on to discover a treasure trove of independent shopping spots this Christmas.
Leeds Corn Exchange
Call Lane, Leeds City Centre | Open 10am – 6pm
Our Corn Exchange needs no introduction, does it? There’s everything you could possibly need all under one cosy roof. Whether you’re after prints from On The Wall, kitsch gifts from Giant Kitten, Colours May Vary books, unique furnishing from Space Vintage, this really is an indie shopper’s paradise and makes the perfect one-stop shop for those wanting to shop independently this Christmas. Find out more here.
CHRISTMAS FOOD AND DRINK
(The Cut & Craft at Christmas, c. Christopher Heaney)
There’s no denying… the festive season is full of culinary delights! Whether you’re indulging in mouthwatering turkey dinners, savouring a beer and a Bratwurst at the Christmas Markets or feasting on a cheeseboard from a local Leeds deli, it’s time to eat, drink and be merry.
So, embrace the merriment of the season, and discover how Leeds, the North’s unofficial foodie capital, is celebrating with a spectacular spread of seasonal treats by checking out our Festive Food and Drink Page. Or read on for more specific delights…
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
(Festive Afternoon Tea at Harewood, Credit Claire McClean)
Fancy enjoying festive delights with a touch of elegance? A traditional afternoon tea, sprinkled with a pinch of holiday magic, is the perfect choice!
Harewood House
Menus from £40/£45 (members/non members, from £20/£25 for children)
Harewood House has taken its signature afternoon tea to a whole new level, infusing it with the sparkle and splendour of their Grand Christmas Ball! If you fancy adding some extra sparkle, pair your afternoon tea with a delightful glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine – heaven! Find out more here.
CHRISTMAS FOOD SHOPPING AND HAMPERS
(Food Hamper from Bottle Chop)
Whether you’re looking for a tempting tipple, a holiday hamper or maybe a cheesy little gift, we’ve pulled together a list of Leeds independents who can help take your festive food to the next level.
Bottle Chop
Weetwood Lane, Far Headingley, LS16 5LX
This natural wine bar and deli nestled in Far Headingley is a one-stop shop for all things independent and special. Grab some cheese and charcuterie from the counter and a bottle of orange wine from the shelf to enjoy on the big day. There’s a fabulous selection of hampers too, complete with Perello olives, Torres crisps, beer and loads of other tasty nibbles. We’re already hoping Santa will drop off one of these glorious hampers for us under the tree. Find out more here.
WHERE TO GO FOR FOOD ON CHRISTMAS DAY
(Christmas Dinner at Roundhay Fox)
Don’t fancy washing the dishes this Christmas Day? You don’t have to! A sleigh full of fantastic bars and restaurants across the city will be open on 25th December. Whether you want to indulge in a sophisticated five course meal or a relaxed turkey dinner with all the trimmings, there’s an option for everyone…
The Roundhay Fox
Princes Avenue, Roundhay | Menu from £80.95 per adult, £38.50 per child
The Roundhay Fox want to spoil you this Christmas with a gorgeous three-course meal, where you can choose between six mouth-watering mains including traditional turkey breast, black angus beef and parsnip and cranberry parcel. A super cosy spot to enjoy your festivities. Find out more here.