Christmas at Roundhay Park

(8th December – 1st January)

For the first time, over one million glittering lights and seasonal songs will fill the air with Christmas cheer at Leeds’ Roundhay Park. If you don’t have too many plans with friends and family this Christmas, you could enjoy some quality time with them at Roundhay Park. There will be shimmering tunnels of light, bouncing waterfront reflections, glistening trees and huge baubles. Whilst on the walk, pause for a moment to observe the flames in the fire garden and admire the giant illuminations.

Shopping in Trinity Leeds

The obvious answer to boredom over Christmas is to go shopping and eat some delicious food. Customers last year enjoyed huge Christmas trees and neon lights before heading to the Après Ski Bar, which holds frequent snow flurries, live DJs, and giveaways later in November. The bar serves hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. For adults, there is a Baileys hot chocolate, a warm mulled wine with Amaretto or cherry brandy, or cider and lager.

Leeds Vintage Market

(Saturdays until 3rd December)

At Leeds Kirkgate Market, you can expect a terrific mix of Vintage Traders offering clothes, antiques, vinyl’s, collectables and homeware. If off-the-rack fashion isn’t your thing, Leeds Vintage Market is the place for you. The city’s fashion culture boasts enough one-of-a-kind items, retro treasures, and antique apparel to satisfy both fashion enthusiasts and thrifty shoppers.

Ice Cube @ Christmas

The ever-popular ‘Ice Cube @Christmas’ has returned to the city for some more fun festivities. As part of the city’s Christmas celebrations, attendees will be able to enjoy ice skating as well as food and drink. The outdoor ice rink will return along with local and international street food, activities for the whole family and winter themed rides.

Leeds Record Fair

This is one of the largest and most esteemed record fairs in the North of England. There are 35 stallholders selling superb vinyl recordings of various genres on 80 tables. There will be plenty of rare LPs and collectible 45s, as well as plenty of discounts. On the second Saturday of each month, you can explore the hall of 40 traders and countless vinyls where you can treat yourself or somebody else. There will also be a few vendors selling books and CDs which could all be perfect for a Christmas gift to a music lover.

Harewood House Festivities

(12th November-2nd January)

Harewood’s festive season is almost here. This winter, see Harewood’s untraditional Christmas, as Yorkshire’s most flamboyant country home celebrates the Christmas Tree in an unusual way. Artists and craftspeople from across Yorkshire and beyond will create trees (and ‘trees’) inspired by the natural environment, winter customs, and Harewood itself for the State Floor. Long Live the Christmas Tree! will evoke the season’s fun, joy, and love.

Lotherton’s Christmas Experience

(26th November- 31st December)

We are excited that Lotherton’s Christmas Experience is back for 2022 and steeped in classic Christmas magic. Take your children to meet Santa and his elves and pay a visit to Mrs. Claus. You can take a stroll down the interactive forest walk of Christmas customs, and craft Christmas ceramics in the North Pole. Buy tickets now from £4.55 explore Lotherton and from £14.45, your child can meet Santa and his elves and receive a present!

Christmas at Temple Newsam

(3rd-23rd December)

At Temple Newsam, you can see the house and farm all decked out for the holidays if you attend over the festive season. Discover unique Christmas trees inspired by the magnificent estate, as well as free festive crafts for children. Father Christmas will visit on weekends throughout December and daily between 20th and 23rd of December. Cosy up by the workshop fire at Home Farm and get up close to the farm animals.

Other events on over Christmas

If you enjoy the theatre, you could also check out a few of these. The Northern Ballet is performing The Nutcracker from the 20th of December until the 7th of January. But If you aren’t into ballet, there’s always the family classic: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical at Leeds Playhouse on the 18th of November until the 28th of January. Or if you fancy something slightly more comedic, Dick Whittington: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is showcasing at the City Varieties from November 29th until the 8th of January. There truly is something for everyone in Leeds, even at Christmas.

Photos: Trinity Leeds, Leeds Playhouse, Lotherton