With Santa’s Leeds grotto now open in the largest covered market in Europe, Leeds Kirkgate market, the countdown to Christmas in the Northern city is on.  

'Yule' love Leeds this festive season as the city hosts some incredible events and attractions. With over 1000 shops, 15 miles of Christmas shopping, a Christmas German market and late night shopping to name just a few, Leeds has something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. 

City Centre shops and Kirkgate market stalls will be open late until 8pm on Thursday nights on the run up to Christmas and to celebrate free city centre parking will also be available in council parking spaces from 6pm on Thursday evening’s. In addition to existing free car parking on street (2,400 spaces) and car parks at Hunslet Lane (38 spaces), Meadow Lane (45 spaces), International Pool (120 spaces), Maude Street (35 spaces), Quarry Hill (400 spaces). Thursday evening shoppers can enjoy free parking at Markets (325 spaces) and Queens Hall (390 spaces). 

Key Christmassy attractions/events in Leeds include:  

‘Christkindelmarkt’ German Christmas Market: until Sunday 18 December
A little piece of Germany is back in Millennium Square for the annual ‘Christkindelmarkt’. As one of the largest and most established traditional German markets in the UK, there is a great range of unique gift ideas, specialist German delicacies, an authentic bier-keller experience and Christmas fairground rides for all the family.  

Leeds Lights 
Leeds Lights Christmas decorations span over 15 miles of roads in and around Leeds city centre. This magnificent display incorporates many special features and Christmas elements, with over 3,000 handcrafted motifs, miles of rope light and nearly 12,000 energy efficient light bulbs. 

Living North Christmas Fayre at Harewood House: 25-27 November 
Enjoy a superb Christmas Fair at the stunning Harewood House, home to the Queen’s cousin, with a wide range of shops and stands selling all kinds of seasonal food and gifts, plus a brand new magical Santa's grotto.

Christmas Adventure at Stockeld: November-December 
Visitors to The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park can enjoy a host of exciting events such as the reindeer parade and treasure hunts, and from dusk, illuminations add to the magic. Have a go on the eco ice rink, get lost in the snowflake maze or see the mystical creatures living in the enchanted wood.

Temple Newsam: November-December 
Temple Newsam House is beautifully trimmed for a Victorian Christmas and here you can enjoy evenings of musical entertainment along with mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine. You can even visit the living nativity and Santa's grotto in Home Farm- complete with snow!

Light Up a Life at The Light: 7th December
As you enjoy the quality shops in Leeds this Christmas, including the city’s popular independent shops, bob into The Light, one of the city’s most unique and luxury shopping centres, as it lights up it’s Christmas tree. The Light is also hosting a special Christmas fair from 10-11 December. 

Merrion Centre Santa’s grotto: 26th Nov to 24th Dec
Santa’s grotto in one of the city’s shopping centres. 

Cornucopia at the Corn Exchange: 21st- 23rd December
A wonderful opportunity to sample and buy some of the finest Christmas produce from Yorkshire, all under one, very beautiful, roof!  

Ice Cube: 15th January to 6th March  
The UK’s largest temporary outdoor ice rink, Ice Cube, returns to Millennium Square (delete 10 years). With over 1200m2 of real ice, an adjoining nursery rink for those budding skaters of the future and a fully heated rink-side café, visitors of all ages are welcome. For admission prices, skating session timings and advanced family, group and school booking information visit www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube. 

The festive campaign is backed by Leeds City Council and Marketing Leeds. Further details can be found on www.festiveleeds.com

<< Back to News