Now that Christmas is round the corner, it seems that the gig schedule has turned its attention to tribute nights, theatre productions and Rod Stewart.

This Christmas there’s a fantastic selection of nights of live music and performances ahead. Whether you’ve been waiting to see Craig Charles, UB40 or The Cure, the city is full of all genres to bring in the festive cheer, or help you forget about Christmas and enjoy a break from festivities with an evening of non-stop hits- either way you’re in for a real treat.

Keep reading to find out the ten best live concerts that you can still grab tickets for this month.

Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Xmas Party

Saturday 3 December 2022 | The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square

Who better to bring in the festive cheer than Craig Charles? The actor, comedian, TV and radio presenter from Liverpool has become synonymous with British media during his career, but this DJ set is the latest of the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club performances to hit the town. Expect non-stop hits from one of Leeds’ most exciting venues, and if this one can’t get you in the mood for Christmas, we’re not sure what will.

Tickets cost £18.00 each plus a £1.80 booking fee.

Get tickets for Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Xmas Party here.

ABBA Christmas Party

Saturday 3 December, 2-6pm | 11-15 Hirst Yard, Leeds city centre

The ABBA Christmas party is a four-hour event where the resident DJ will be getting you in the festive spirit alongside live ABBA impersonators, fancy dress and tipsy cocktails.

So, what music can you expect? On the playlist there will be a mix of Christmas classics as well as all of ABBA’s top hits. So you can go from belting your heart out to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You to jiving across the dance floor to Waterloo or Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

Tickets cost £15-£25 each, depending on whether you get tickets for the first, second or third release.

Get tickets for ABBA Christmas Party at Hirst’s Yard here.

James Bay

Monday 5 December 2022 | O2 Academy Leeds, Millenium Square

The Hold Back The River singer-songwriter has been bringing soulful melodies to the UK and beyond since 2013, effortlessly intertwining folk rock with pop and classic Americana genres. Following from the original tour date in November, all James Bay tickets have been rescheduled for early December, but there’s still a chance to grab tickets.

Tickets cost £31.65 each for either standing or balcony unreserved seat.

Get tickets for James Bay at the O2 Academy here.

The Cure

Tuesday 6 December 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Forming part of the 2022 European Tour, The Cure has made Leeds one of the 44 shows in 22 countries, and naturally the punk-rock band has got the city excited and nearing sellout on all available tickets. The Friday I’m In Love band is expecting to bring a huge array of bestselling hits on tour- hopefully Pictures Of You, Boy’s Don’t Cry and Same Deep Water As You.

Tickets are extremely limited but can be found from £88.40.

Get tickets for The Cure at the First Direct Arena here.

Stick Man

Wednesday 7 December – Saturday 31 December 2022 | Leeds Playhouse

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.

Tickets cost between £14 and £21, plus a flat-rate booking fee of £2.50 each.

Get tickets for Stick Man at Leeds Playhouse here.

Being As An Ocean

Friday 9 December 2022 | The Key Club, Leeds Merrion Centre

The American post-hardcore band from California have made it over to the UK for a 10-year anniversary tour of Dear G-d, and Leeds is just one of a few chosen stops. This said, the band has five studio albums to choose from, so we’re expecting a few hits from PROXY or maybe An A.N.I.M.O. Story?

Get tickets for Being As An Ocean at The Key Club here.

Bad Boy Chiller Crew

Saturday 10 December 2022 | Mana Nightclub, Bradford

The Yorkshire lads began as a group that uploaded comedy and prank videos online before shooting to fame in 2020, becoming a huge lockdown success. Since then, they have been nominated for both the NME Award for Best New British Act and NME Award for Best New Act in the World, releasing album Disrespectful alongside EP Charva Anthems and a number of hit singles. Before heading on their UK tour next year, you can catch BBCC in their hometown Bradford.

Tickets cost £22.25 each (£20 plus the booking fee), and there’s VIP packages for uo to eight people for £550.25 available too.

Get tickets for Bad Boy Chiller Crew at Mana Nightclub here.

Rod Stewart

Tuesday 13 December 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Naturally as soon as December rolls around, Rod Stewart has to make an appearance. Whether you’re listening to him telling you to Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas on the radio or you’re heading over to the First Direct Arena to listen to the legend himself bring his distinct voice to life in the company of 13,700 others- it’s just not Christmas without him.

Tickets cost £64.40 each for remaining seats, with tickets up to £210.22 on resale.

Get tickets for Rod Stewart at the First Direct Arena here.

UB40

Tuesday 20 December 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

The English reggae-pop band has been bringing us bangers since 1978, and with over 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart since their humbled beginnings, there’s a reason why UB40 can comfortably pack out an arena almost 45 years on.

Tickets cost £43.55 for standing, or from £46 on Ticketmaster resale.

Get tickets for UB40 at First Direct Arena here.

Slade UK

Tuesday 27 December 2022 | Brudenell Social Club, Burley

80s chart toppers and singers of the Christmas classic Merry Christmas Everybody, Slade is one of those bands that have truly stood the test of time. Now, you can relive the Slade era to bring the 2022 year to a close with the ‘world’s number one’ Slade tribute act at the Brud with Slade UK.

Tickets cost £12 each plus booking fee.

Get tickets for Slade UK at the Brudenell Social Club here.

Feature Image- Live Nation / First Direct Arena