From pantomimes with star-studded casts to kid-friendly adaptations of their favourite books, there's a show for everyone to enjoy this festive season.
Pantomime season is here...oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is.
Nothing screams Christmas more than heading to the theatre on a cold, crisp evening and watching a brilliant show. Whether you want to risk being pulled on stage by a lavish panto dame or prefer a more civilised evening at the ballet, there's so many productions happening in and around Leeds this season for you to enjoy.
So, we've collated a list of shows for you to grab your tickets to and you best be quick, as lots are selling out fast.
Dick Whittington
Leeds City Vanities Music Hall | 25 November 2022 - 8 January 2023
Image: Leeds Heritage Theatres
One of everyone's favourite pantomimes has been given a rock and roll makeover, combining traditional panto frivolities with classic rock anthems.
Prepare to be wowed by this breathtaking production and get ready to tap your foot along to the catchy chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an extraordinarily talented cast.
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford | 10 December 2022 - 22 January 2023
Image: Bradford Theatres
The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford is famous for it's fantastic pantomimes, and this year is no exception. Starring panto legend Billy Pearce, Emmerdale star Danny Miller and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo, this magical adventure follows hero Jack, who along with his family, fights to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams.
Grand Opera House, York | 10 December 2022 - 8 January 2023
Image: ATG Tickets
Take a festive trip over to York and catch this spectacular pantomime with York’s oldest dame, Berwick Kaler.
Back with his usual cast of David Leonard, side-kick Martin Barrass, principal ‘girl’ Suzy Cooper and favourite funny man AJ Powell, this panto cast are a Christmas staple and have been providing festive laughs to families who come from far and wide for years on end.
York Theatre Royal, York | 2 December 2022 - 2 January 2023
Image: York Theatre Royal
Starring CBeebies’ Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell, the All New Adventures of Peter Pan at the York Theatre Royal is the ultimate family night out. Expect a night of laughter, music and pantomime fun for all ages with an added sprinkling of fairy dust.
Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill | 18 November 2022 – 28 January 2023
Image: Sarah Lou, Flickr
Roald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. Take a journey down the chocolate river and grab your golden ticket to this incredible production by Leeds Playhouse with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.
Courtyard Theatre, Leeds Playhouse | 7 December - 31 December 2022
Image: Freckle Productions
This touching and funny adaptation of Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to Leeds for the festive season. The heartfelt children’s story follows the journey of a wooden stick who becomes separated from his family home and embarks on an Odyssey-like adventure to return there.
The production will showcase three fantastic actors whom will perform an array of puppetry, live music and funky dance moves. The play will run for 55 minutes and is aimed at children aged 2+, making it the perfect afternoon of fun for all the family.
Leeds Grand Theatre | 20 December 2022 - 7 January 2023
Image: Northern Ballet Limited
Christmas is not complete without a trip to the theatre to watch the ballet and The Nutcracker is the most festive ballet around. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland.
Watch in awe as the dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King take to the stage this Christmas.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks.
Image: Supplied
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Clementine Hall -
22nd November 2022 
