We've found Santa Claus in Leeds: where will you visit him in the lead-up to Christmas?
Wandering around Leeds trying to find Father Christmas sometimes feels like a game of Where's Wally.
Think about it.
They both dress in white and red, have hats and glasses. The two special characters also are extremely hard to find year-round.
Unfortunately, nobody will tell us where Wally really lives, but we have managed to get the lowdown from Santa's elves about the whereabouts of the big man in red himself.
Rumour has it he's actually living in Leeds and you can go and visit him before he gets on his sleigh and heads back to the North Pole to pick up all those Christmas presents.
Here's where you'll find Father Christmas around the city before the big day.
White Rose Shopping Centre
Since White Rose is essentially a giant present factory, it only seems fitting to find Santa here. Arriving this weekend, you can let the little ones tell Santa all about how great they've been before heading off for some Christmas shopping.
White Rose will have a resident Santa Claus from Friday 11 November - Saturday 24 December.
Stockeld Park
Magic is made and adventure begins in Santa's Grotto at Stockeld Park. / Image: Stockeld Park
The rustic cabin and twinkling lights at Stockeld Park make this Leeds location Santa's home-away-from-home but there's enough here for a full family day out. Get lost in the snowflake maze or gaze at the winter illuminations in the award-winning enchanted forest.
Father Christmas will be visiting from Saturday 19 November - Saturday 24 December, tickets from £13.
If you want the full Christmas experience, visiting Santa's Elf Village at Lotherton Hall is worth a visit. Their 'Under the Wishing Tree' experience lets the little ones meet all the elves under a magical wishing tree for story-time, collect magical reindeer food and post their letter to the North Pole before paying Santa Claus a visit.
Father Christmas will be visiting the Elf Village at Lotherton Hall from Saturday 26 November - Saturday 31 December, prices from £8.50.
Ackworth Garden Centre
Harpin's Christmas grotto is decked out with more festive gear than we knew existed, all in honour of the big man in red. Visit Santa at his grotto at Ackworth Garden Centre but don't forget to help him find all of his reindeer along the reindeer trail and grab a chocolate-flavoured reward if you can find them all. Once you've handed over your wishlist and saved Christmas by finding the reindeer, you can also choose your Christmas tree before heading home.
Santa Claus will be visiting Harpins, Ackworth Garden Centre from Saturday 3 December - Saturday 24 December, prices from £20.
Middleton Railway Santa Specials
Santa Specials run up and down the country, but this is your chance to meet Father Christmas onboard in Leeds. / Image: East Lancashire Railways
Didn't you know travelling by sleigh is so last year? With the price of petrol ever-increasing it appears that Father Christmas has been temporarily converted to travelling by train. From 9.15am - 3.45pm, get on the Santa Special at the world's oldest working railway and take advantage of the festive displays and seasonal drinks on offer.
Santa will be visiting Middleton Railway Station from Saturday 3 December - Saturday 24 December, tickets from £10.
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Sophie Smith -
30th November 2022 
