We may be into the final days of 2021, but the What's On guide just keeps growing, this is going to be a busy month.
Where did 2021 go? We're not sure how there's less than a month left until 2022, but there are still plenty of things to get involved in around Leeds.
Christmas might just be around the corner, but yuletide spirit isn't the only thing getting us through December. With everything from Swiftogeddon to Love Actually Live to get through, there's a lot to look forward to besides the official Christmas period.
Here are our top picks of things to do in Leeds this December.
Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience
This December, jump down the rabbit hole and join the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit for a ninety minute experience like no other. Suspended in an alternate reality, guests at The Alice Bar will be greeted by the famous characters and get the opportunity to mix their own enchanted teapot cocktails.
At your very own tea party, The Mad Hatter will be offering out special ‘eat me’ cake, just like in the book every day until New Years Eve, when disappear from Leeds. Don't miss your last chance to find out what truly lies down the rabbit hole on Swinegate.
The rock and roll theme has previously featured a spin-off Sleeping Beauty version. / Image: City Varieties Music Hall
We all know the classic story of Beauty and the Beast, but this Rock ‘n’ Rolled, breath-taking interpretation will be like nothing you’ve seen before. With flashing lights, explosions, and smoke effects, this production is bound to keep every audience member engrossed and, with some surprises promised, you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout.
This rendition of the classic Disney fairytale will be hosted by City Varieties throughout December, making it the ideal pre or post Christmas pick-me-up for all the family. So, Grab your dancing shoes, a Christmas jumper, and some reindeer antlers and get ready for a Christmas sing-along.
Thor's Tipi have set ups in York and Leeds, both are open throughout December. / Image: Thor's Tipi Leeds
A huge Christmas highlight is going to the visit a tipi and with no markets this year, this tradition has become all the more important. Millenium Square between the Wheel of Light and the Leeds Art Gallery, Thor's Tipi is a walk-in, BYOF (that’s bring your own food) festive tent complete with cosy seating, an open fire and boozy hot chocolates.
Grab a seat by the fire, taste the flavours of the Yuzu street food served on real snowboards and get a cup of mulled hot cider, amongst other festive favourites and enjoy being amongst friends, family and warmth: everything December should involve.
Fancy a Christmas shopping trip that supports local creatives, avoids all the queues and comes with free mulled wine and sweet treats? The Headrow House Open House will feature some of the finest festive makers in the city and play host to a range of independent stalls selling homeware, textiles, prints, jewellery and more.
Grab all your Christmas presents whilst sipping on a pint and grab some brussel sprout bhajis from their highly-anticipated sharing platters or get involved in creative workshops and learn different macrame techniques and create two unique decorations for the festive season: it’ll be most relaxing shopping experience in Leeds.
The UK's biggest kilo sale is a unique experience that every Leeds student seems to tick off at least once during their University days and it's back at Left Bank this weekend. Featuring exclusive apparel from the 1960s - 1990s, take your pick and pay by per kilo for these thrifted goods.
There’s no minimum or maximum spend at our events so you can pick as little or as much as you want. Items start at 75p and reach a maximum of £15 for anything big and 'unweighable'.
Love Actually live in Orchestra is touring Sheffield, York and Hull. / Image: Ben Palmer
As part of its Christmas UK tour, Love Actually Live in Concert will be stopping at venues across Yorkshire, including York, Sheffield and Hull. Sing a long to Bill Nighy’s rendition of ‘Christmas is all around us’ and laugh at Rowan Atkinson’s exceptional customer service surrounded by fans or first-timers and experience the full length movie together with musical interludes from the live orchestra.
Although there will be no live performances from the original cast, the magical audio expected from the event will certainly make you feel as if you’re in the room with Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson and even the Prime Minister, Mr Hugh Grant himself.
Taylor is unlikely to make an appearance, but there will be plenty of Swifties at the event. / Image: Ronald Woan
If you've been sobbing non-stop All Too Well in November, then December is all about letting those tears go. Belgrave Music Hall is hosting a club night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift. We're talking non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits.
If you have a Blank Space in your diary then head down to Belgrave and embrace all things Taylor Swift: the good, the bad and the Red. This around-the-world club night is only in Leeds for one night only.
One of Leeds’ favourite fun runs will be held on Sunday 12 December at Roundhay Park, but runners will need to sign up in advance to secure their place on the tracks. Warm up at 10am before grabbing your finest Father Christmas suit for the 5k Santa Dash at 10.20am.
If you manage to get round the track, you’ll not only receive a medal, but have the opportunity to chill out with Rudolph and other reindeer after the event. All tickets for the event will come with a Santa costume, so there’s no need to purchase one in advance.
Tis the season to dress up your dachshund and head over to York for this one-day event at Revolution. Image: Pup Up Cafe
Revolution in York will be transformed into a winter wonderland (mins the freezing temperatures) for dachshunds and their owners to enjoy – and every dog in attendance will be given a present from under the Christmas tree.
Throughout the day, people can purchase dachshund-related goodies from traders offering the perfect stocking fillers for your little dog. These unique dog-friendly events usually sell out quickly, so make sure to book a ticket for yourself and your sausage dog before the Christmas Tour sells out.
Peter Mitchell is known around the world for his photographs of Leeds. / Image: Visit Leeds
World-renowned Leeds photographer Peter Mitchell joined the Chapel FM Arts Centre for an exhibit of his photos of Leeds spaces, but the exhibition will be open to the public until the end of the year. Showcasing the best of Leeds architecture, this is a rare opportunity to see photos from years gone by up close for the very first time.
Previous reviews of the photographer have explained 'Mitchell has produced something that is not only autobiographical but the representation of what a lifetime can mean'. Before the Arts Centre makes way for a new exhibition for 2022, get down for a glimpse at Leeds as you've never seen it before.
After probably a few too many champagnes last night, here's 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire to blow away the cobwebs.
It's time for your annual New Year's Day outing and we've rounded up 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire so you can win over your family with an all-new wintertime wander.
Whether you're a lover of a good reservoir or have a soft spot for birdwatching, these countywide trails have their own little quirks and we're sure you'll find one that's tailored to you.
So grab your scarf, dust off your old stompers and kick start the New Year by accomplishing one of these lovely West Yorkshire walking routes.
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir is a beautiful walk just north of Otley, West Yorkshire / Credit: @the_running_mum and @skybluesophie on Instagram
In the picturesque Washburn Valley just north of Otley and west of Harrogate, lies the beautiful Swinsty Reservoir.
This walk is relatively easy, it’s about 3 miles in length and has plenty of flat gravel paths and pitstops for you to rest along the way.
The walk encircles the entire reservoir and provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape.
Fewston Reservoir
Fewston Reservoir neighbours Swinsty Reservoir and is a perfect New Year walking spot / Credit: @macaloon on Instagram
If Swinsty isn’t long enough for you and you’d like a bit more of a challenge then try it’s neighbouring reservoir, Fewston.
Wrapping all the way around the beautiful Fewston reservoir, crossing over Fewston embankment you are spoilt for choice with spectacular views of both reservoirs.
You can also extend your walk by exploring nearby routes including Fewston and Timble Ings. The route is mostly flat with some short sections of path with fairly steep gradient and rockier terrain.
Ilkley Moor
One of West Yorkshire's most iconic walking destinations and definitely ideal for Boxing Day / Credit: @thisthewaytodisco on Instagram
Bob over to Ilkley and head towards the iconic Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor.
Although the walk may seem daunting, there’s an easy path to follow at a moderate gradient to guide you all the way. Hike up to the top, breathe in that good Yorkshire air and marvel at the impressive panoramic views of the town and beyond.
The good news is, there’s a pub just a stone’s throw away if you fancy a cold pint or a well-deserved roast after your walk.
The Otley Chevin
The Otley Chevin has something for all walkers, woodland trails and scenic countryside views / Credit: @carolineinthecountryside on Instagram
The Otley Chevin is a gorgeous forest park overlooking the quaint market town below. It’s the ideal place to take your furry friend for a walk, enjoy the spectacular views and breathe in the good Yorkshire air.
Located the luscious Wharfe Valley the park is full of criss-cross paths, impressive woodlands and breathtaking views at every turn. With walking trails, picnic spots, organised events and woodland to explore, there is something for everyone.
Castle Hill
Huddersfield's highest point also doubles as a fantastic walk with stunning views of West Yorkshire / Credit: @malajusted1 on Instagram
This one’s a steep one but your hard work pays off when you reach its summit, 1,000 feet above sea level, offering some of the best views of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire on a clear day.
For any history lovers or architecture admirers, there’s also an impressive tower dedicated to Queen Victoria which was built to honour her Diamond Jubilee back in 1897.
There’s numerous ways you can trek up to this Huddersfield hilltop but the right way is visiting rural watering hole The Victoria as you stroll back down. Let’s face it, nothing feels more rewarding than grabbing a crisp pint in a cosy pub after a pretty steep walk.
Newmiller Dam
Credit: @
If feeling the burn wasn’t on your Boxing Day itinerary, there’s a much simpler and flatter walk that lasts just under an hour and feels like a mini oasis , even if it is adjacent to a main road.
Up for a little detour? Newmiller Dam near Wakefield has a handful of off-track routes you can explore to extend your walk’s duration with benches scattered throughout to take in all its natural beauty.
This reservoir has a cute café attached to it, The Boathouse, which is quite the spectacle, offering up amazing food, themed events as well as being the home to an engagement or two over the years.
RSPB St. Aidans
St. Aidans is the perfect place for a long stroll and a spot of birdwatching right here in Leeds / Credit: The Hoot Leeds / @f.e.wildlifephotography on Instagram
Although this Leeds wildlife haven isn’t open on New Year's Day, this list has plenty of walks to pick from for the second biggest day of the year, and this spot can slot in somewhere else in your seasonal schedule.
Thinking you won’t spot any beautiful birds during the wintertime? The RSPB note you should keep an eye out for short eared owls, geese and ducks.
Home to a reservoir, pool and five lakes, you can follow a range of official routes ranging from 20 minutes to an hour or take a detour if you fancy immersing yourself in all the glory St. Aidans has to offer.
Baitings Reservoir
On the edge of West Yorkshire is the glorious Baitings Reservoir with an equally grand dam / Credit: @dronejp_ on Instagram
If you’re venturing over the moors this New Year to visit friends and family in Greater Manchester, why not stop off at this next site on the way back home?
Baitings Reservoir next to Ripponden gives you the choice to walk around the large-spanning enclosed water or roam around the accompanying hillsides.
Use the natural resources to your advantage and live out your Glinda fantasy by giving hair a little “toss toss” as you walk across the raised dam path which is usually a little bit windy.
Withens Clough
Next to Hebden Bridge is Withens Clough a West Yorkshire walk with two pubs closeby/ Credit: @ericbroug on Instagram
Two pubs, multiple views of Stoodley Pike and nestled next to a cute Calderdale village, if that didn't grab your attention we don’t know what will.
Less than five miles from Hebden Bridge and bordering Cragg Vale, Withens Clough is an hour long walk with the moors surrounding you on either side.
This walk is a crowd pleaser with two pubs within 15 minutes from the trail serving up food fit for everyone, vegans and veggies too.
Brontë Waterfall
You might feel inspired to write a prose or two while you're walking around Brontë Waterfall/ Credit: @mostlymedieval on Instagram
Situated in Haworth, if you start from Main Street this walk takes 45 minutes, or there’s a free car park at Penistone Hill Country Park which shortens your trail to 25 minutes if you’ve just devoured your Boxing Day leftovers .
As you rove along you’ll stumble upon ‘Charlotte’s Chair’, an L-shaped stone believed to be the sacred spot where this Bronte sister put pen to paper.
The website may encourage you to dip your feet in the cold moorland water, but on a cold winter’s day this might be too adventurous.
Surprising new survey reveals the top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed the top 10 festive foods that Brits dislike the most, and number one isn't sprouts.
If there's one thing for certain, a lot of food gets consumed at Christmas.
Christmas is just as much about the food as it is anything else, especially as shops and supermarkets tend to go all out with the festive feasting specials - with treats stacked top to bottom on the shelves.
But surprisingly, a few of those foods are actually among the most disliked by the younger generations once the festive season rolls around.
The top 10 most disliked Christmas foods have been revealed / Credit: GoodFon | Flickr
A new poll by of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, carried out by Aldi, has found that those born in 1996 or later are apparently "turning their back on" traditional favourites.
This is all in favour of festive dishes with some sort of "modern twist".
Of the traditional favourites, Christmas pudding is one of the least-loved festive foods, along with Christmas cake and trifle - with more than half (56%) of respondents describing them as "dated".
Top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Mince pies - 31%
Christmas pudding - 29%
Christmas cake - 25%
Cranberry sauce - 25%
Brussels sprouts - 24%
Bread sauce - 22%
Chestnuts - 21%
Brandy butter - 20%
Turkey - 20%
Trifle - 19%
Despite what many would expect though, number one on the list is not the usual scapegoat of sprouts, as instead it's mince pies that take the top spot, with the little green vegetables coming in fifth place just behind cranberry sauce at four, Christmas cake in third, and Christmas pudding at two.
Additional research from the supermarket found that the main reasons Brits would like to change up Christmas dinner is to fit personal taste preferences better (34%), or to be more inclusive for dietary restrictions (27%).
26% said they want to switch things up just to be more exciting or adventurous in general.
Sophie Smith -
2nd December 2021 
