If you’re staying at our Leeds hostel this Christmas, you’re certainly in for a big treat. We get plenty of visitors from around the world at this time of year and they all want to take in the festive atmosphere and have a good time.
Leeds is one of the friendliest and exciting places to spend the Yuletide period. Whether you’re passing through on your travels to another town or city, or staying for a whole week or more, there’s normally something going on from November onwards.
That includes our legendary Christmas market, out in the country at Stockeld Park, as well as close to home at the local panto in one of our great theatres.
Here are just 5 brilliant events you may want to make a note of:
The Leeds German Christmas Market
We like to bring a touch of European glitz and glamour each Christmas to the Millennium Square in Leeds. Our German market will be up and running from the 9thof November and has a whole host of attractions. From the nearly 100 wooden stalls selling all sorts of goodies to the timeless carousel, it’s one area of the city that is really going to be full of festive cheer. Indulge yourself with some excellent German food and beer and enjoy the lights, music and get into the Yuletide spirit.
Discover more about the German Christmas Market.
It’s the Panto Season!
Of course, any visit to Leeds at this time of year needs to include a visit to the panto. There are several theatres around the city centre, so you’ve got more than enough to choose from. If you prefer local, homegrown talent, the City Varieties Theatre is putting on a rock and roll version of Cinderella. Carriageworks is showing Beauty and the Beast and the First Direct Arena has a big production of Peter Pan with some well-known British stars on the cast list.
Find out what’s on at the theatre in Leeds this Christmas.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall
If you want to combine walking with a little Christmas cheer, then you’ll need to head out to Lotherton Hall to the east of the city. Their Twelve Days of Christmas Walk around the estate is the perfect way to get you in the mood for all those Yuletide festivities. You can even visit Santa and take a look around the elves workshop. Head out into the country and you can do some deer spotting as well.
Find out more about Lotherton Hall.
Carols at Kirkstall Abbey
Not all events in Leeds are full volume extravaganzas. If you fancy something a little more low key and spiritual, Kirkstall Abbey is not only a great, historic location but also where you’ll find the Heritage Singers running through their repertoire of traditional Christmas hymns and songs. It’s great for a chilly Sunday afternoon and it’s free to enter. Kirkstall Abbey run a range of Christmassy events throughout December.
Find out more about carols in the abbey.
Christmas Adventure
The festive period wouldn’t be complete without an ice skating rink or two. Stockeld Park, due north of Leeds, is the place to go to if you want to find adventure zones, Christmas shops and a great atmosphere. It opens at the beginning of November and goes right through to the first week in January. There’s also a Nordic ski trail as well as an ice rink if you’re feeling energetic. For the more romantic among you there is also an enchanted woodland forest. Great for kids of all ages.
Discover the Christmas Adventure.