The top ten things to do in and around Leeds this month.

Time to put away the spooky decor to gather cobwebs for another year (although there’s still a few Halloween-themed foodie specials to take advantage of) and get out the festive gear, this month is all about the Christmas build-up in Leeds.

Whilst there’s no council-led Christmas markets, there’s plenty of alternatives to get involved in that allow you to appreciate the most wonderful time of the year and support independents at the same time.

For those not quite ready to see the fake snow on the ground or visit Santa’s Grotto, there’s still plenty of activities to get involved in. The Rugby World Cup remains in Leeds for another five games, including the Men’s semi final and Women’s England v Brazil and Papua New Guinea games; plus a very special homecoming gig from the Kaiser Chiefs.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Keep reading to find out all our top picks of things to do in and around Leeds this month…

Bundobust Halloween specials

Monday 31 October – Friday 4 November 2022 | Bundobust, Mill Hill

Back for another year by popular demand, Indian street food favourite Bundobust will bring back pumpkin samosas for one week. The deep-fried snack filled with pumpkin and peas, spiced in chilli, garlic and house garam masala before being encased in a spinach and nigella seed pastry. Available from Monday 31 October, these handmade specials will be extremely limited, so make sure you head down early to get your hands on one.

Find out more here.

Rugby League World Cup

Tuesday 1 November – Friday 11 November 2022 | Headingley Stadium / Elland Road

Leeds has been hosting more games at this year’s Rugby League World Cup than any other city, and there’s still plenty to get stuck in to.

The following Rugby League World Cup games will be held in Leeds is month:

• Women’s England v Brazil on Tuesday 1 November, 2.30pm @ Headingley Stadium
• Women’s Papua New Guinea v Canada on Tuesday 1 November, 5pm @ Headingley Stadium
• Women’s Canada v Brazil on Wednesday 9 November, 5pm @ Headingley Stadium
• Women’s England v Papua New Guinea on Wednesday 9 November @ Headingley Stadium
• Men’s Semi Final on Friday 11 November, 7.45pm @ Elland Road

Find out more, including how to grab tickets, here.

Bonfire Night at Yeadon Cricket Club

Saturday 5 November 2022, from 6pm | High Street, Yeadon

The Yeadon Cricket Club have three hours of bonfire fun for all the family planned. For grown ups, the bar will keep the booze flowing throughout the night, with an array of street food offering warm, tasty treats. From 6pm, expect fireworks a plenty and a huge bonfire ablaze throughout the night. Tickets cost £8 each or £28 for a family ticket.

Find out more here.

Read More: All the places in Leeds to visit on Bonfire Night 2022 with tickets still available

Chow Down Winter Village

Thursday 10 November onwards | Chow Down, Temple Arches

Bringing together indie food trucks, live music, boozy bingo and the sports of the season, Chow Down’s Winter Village is returning in all of its glory- and you’ll have a full eight weeks to get yourself down there. There’s going to be plenty to get involved in too. We’re talking the return of the ever-popular drag brunches, as well as Bingo Lingo, comedy nights, a Christmas-themed dog social and the big pub quiz to round off the year with Chow Down Quizmas.

Find our more here.

Corn Exchange Christmas Market

Friday 11 November 2022 onwards | Corn Exchange, Leeds city centre

Luckily for us, Rolling Social Events, the brains behind the legendary Leeds Rum Fest, Leeds Whisky Fest, and Leeds Tequila Fest are returning to Leeds Corn Exchange for the 2022 Christmas Market. Think a host of independent stalls to snap up your Christmas pressies from, a range of delicious food offerings from local chefs and all in the most beautiful building in Leeds. Sounds good? We think so too.

Find out more here.

Kaiser Chiefs Homecoming Gig

Saturday 12 November 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

The Leeds’ legends are back in town for one night only- and their homecoming gig is expected to be one of the biggest in the city. The indie-rock band will bring all their best known tunes like Ruby and I Predict A Riot to the First Direct Arena, along with (hopefully) their nostalgic hits about our own city.

Find out more here.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Live

 Friday 18 November 2022 – Saturday 28 January 2023 | Leeds Playhouse

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.

Find out more here.

Harry Styles Bottomless Brunch

Saturday 19 November 2022 | Playroom, Electric Press

Guests can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing fun alongside a tasty brunch dish of their choice, all whilst vibing out to a resident DJ playing only Harry’s top hits. Doors open at 11am and the brunching commences just 30 minutes later, after the 90 minutes is up you can take the party to the dance floor and singalong to the ultimate Harry Styles megamix and show off your best 70s fits (disclaimer: fancy dress very much encouraged).

Find out more here.

The End Bar Opening

Thursday 24 November 2022 | Hirst’s Yard, just off Duncan Street / Call Lane

The trendy new bar is due to open in November and will offer visitors an “elegant and lavish drinking space” in Leeds city centre. Named ‘The End’, the hip new bar will be the result of a complete transformation of a historic building on Hirst’s Yard, of what was previously occupied by Mook Bar.

Find out more here.

Millenium Square Ice Cube

Friday 25 November 2022 onwards | Millenium Square, Leeds city centre

Taking centre stage on Millennium Square, the 400 sqm real ice rink will feature a transparent marquee-styled roof to ensure sessions can take place whatever the weather. And with it comes a string of exciting attractions and stalls which will set up shop in the nearby Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street. Including a family funfair where thrill-seekers can climb aboard the 30m high Star Flyer or check out the North Pole Funhouse alongside a selection of Children’s’ festive themed rides and games.

Find out more here.

Feature Image- RLWC21 / First Direct Arena / Leeds City Council