Christmas will be here sooner than you think and the good thing is there’s lots of great things to do in Leeds this festive season.
Whether you are after a bit of fun with your family or a big night on the town ahead of Christmas we’ve compiled a list of great things going up. You’ll find outdoor events, shows and entertainment.
These activities and events will take place right across Yorkshire and there are plenty to enjoy in Leeds - even if the Christmas market isn't on for you to enjoy this year.
Read more: 16 Yorkshire gig and concerts just announced
We hope there's something below you'll find which will help make for a wonderful festive experience for you. You can tell us what event takes your fancy by commenting on this article.
For now, take a scroll at what is lined up and see what appeals.
White Rose Centre - ice rink
Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 8LU
An ice rink is coming to White Rose Shopping Centre for the first time this winter. The outdoor rink, which is also under a cover, promises to bring "plenty of fun for guests of all ages come rain or shine", organisers say. There will also be small sessions for parents and toddlers, as well as those who are "wobbly starters".
The ice rink will be opening in the Dewsbury Road shopping spot from November 10 until January 2 next year. You can find out more here.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: The Musical is coming to Leeds Playhouse this Christmas. The musical, based on the writer’s much-loved classic, will be running at the Leeds city centre venue from November 18 through January 28, next year. It promises to be a great night out for all the family this Christmas .,
Directed by Leeds Playhouse’s James Brining and adapted from Dahl’s novel by David Greig, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this reinvention of the successful West End and Broadway musical will transport the show to mouth-watering new heights for audiences in Leeds.
You can find out more and buy tickets here.
Chow Down
Temple Arches, Leeds, LS11 5QG
A Christmas winter village serving street food delights with a packed entertainment programme and football screenings is happening in Leeds this festive season.
The Chow Down Winter Village will see eight weeks of fun kick off on Thursday, November 10. There’ll be fire pits, heaters and winter snugs to ward off the chill plus a festive bar menu including mulled wine, craft beers, mulled cider and cocktails.
Entertainment will include drag brunches, bingo lingo, comedy nights, Christmas dog social, a Chow Down Quizmass and FIFA World Cup matches being screened. The Temple Arches venue will introduce a new beer hall which will include a big screen and sound system, steins and beer selection, street food, heaters, table service and pre-match anthems. If you'd like to go you can book here.
Christmas light trail
Mansion Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2HH
A new light trail is launching at Roundhay Park in Leeds this Christmas.
The new Christmas Lights at Roundhay Park will be running between Thursday, December 8 and Monday, January 1. Installations will include a flickering fire garden, wild wicker sculptures and many creative light features.
The attraction will be choreographed to a soundtrack of festive music. The new Christmas attraction is running in combination with Sony Music. Matthew Findlay, head of UK trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to launch a unique new Christmas lights trail, our planning and preparation is well under way. There will be plenty to wow and surprise all visitors, young and old.”
Visitors will be able to enjoy lots of great street food. The event looks like being a great family day out over the festive season.
You can find out more and buy tickets here.
Lotherton Hall Christmas experience
Off Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB
A huge Christmas spectacular is happening at Lotherton Hall this winter and it looks like a festive treat for all the family.
Lotherton Hall’s Christmas Experience will run from Saturday, November 26, until Saturday, December 31. Santa and his wife will take centre stage for the fun.
Visitors are invited to travel back in time to Christmas past in the Hall. They will follow in the footsteps of the Gascoigne family and their staff, Lotherton’s residents in the 1800s, to get a glimpse into how this revered household celebrated the festivities in Edwardian times.
There will be lots of light installations to enjoy during a trip. Families will be able to take a festive trek on a woodland walk around the estate’s stunning grounds. You’ll be able to see a giant cracker, find the sixpence in a Christmas pudding and you can pose for a photo in a giant Christmas card.
You can also pay a visit to the ‘North Pole’ and take part in some craft workshops with cheeky elves. There will be a chance to do pottery painting and Christmas Eve plate decorating. If you'd like to you can find out more here.
YurtBar
Coal Road, Leeds, LS17 9NH
This isn’t one you have to book in advance but certainly one for the diary. The YurtBar will be in Leeds this Christmas giving guests the full Christmas party experience - complete with log fires, pine trees and lots of mulled wine.
Running from November to January, the YurtBar will be coming to the grounds of Moor Allerton Golf Club. There will be three-course dinners on offer and an entertainment programme.
The YurtBar is decked with roaring log fires, sheepskin rugs, and pine trees, and offers guests hearty alpine meals, steins of beer, mulled wine, and ski shots – teamed with live music and a 360-degree photo booth. You can find out more here.
You can find the latest news about events happening in Yorkshire and nearby by visiting our What's On homepage. There you can also find days out guides for things to do across the region.
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