Want to see Mr or Mrs Santa Claus this Christmas? You're sure to find one of them inside one of the many grottos. Father Christmas is extremely busy this year so there’s a few different bases dotted around the city centre and beyond to find Santa this year with his trusty elves by his side.
Leeds Christmas Market
Leeds City Centre | From Friday 24 November 2023
When: From Friday 24 November 2023
Where: Multiple locations across Leeds City Centre
With Leeds’ Christmas Market this year, the main man of the hour just had to pay a visit, and what better time than on the opening day? Be sure to pay Santa a visit here as he’s not been to our market for a couple of years. Be ready to ask Santa what you’re wanting to see under your tree, we’re sure this Santa is going to be in high demand.
White Rose Shopping Centre
White Rose Shopping Centre | From Saturday 11 November 2023, 10am - 6pm
Images: White Rose Shopping Centre
When: From Saturday 11 November, 10am - 6pm
Where: Dewsbury Road, Beeston, Leeds LS11 8LU
Santa's Grotto is landing at White Rose Shopping Centre again this year and staying right up until Christmas. You’ll find both Santa and his elves located at the main shopping centre and we've even had a tip off that he's bringing presents for anyone who pays him a visit too.
Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill | Saturday 25 November 2023, 11am-4pm
When: Saturday 25 November 2023, 11am-4pm
Where: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7UP
The Mahogany Market is coming to the Leeds Playhouse ahead of Christmas, and Santa himself will be in attendance. Browse the quality unique gifts from black-owned businesses available on the day and a treat from Father Christmas between 11am and 4pm.
From Saturday 18 November, the big man in red will be hosted by the museum space, with a whole host of exciting events that share all the diverse ways that Christmas is celebrated around the world.
The 90-minute journey is a true immersive adventure that’ll have even the quietest of children on the hunt for clues to uncover the different meanings of Christmas. Grab a photo on the Thackray sleigh and listen to Father Christmas telling stories before watching each child receive a thoughtfully-selected gift to take home as a keepsake and early Christmas present.
This Christmas promises to bring more accessible experiences to Leeds, with two British Sign Language interpreted experiences taking place on Saturday 10 December and Sunday 16 December, as well as ‘relaxed experiences’ that are specifically designed for children with additional sensory needs. These additional sessions will run earlier on in the festive build-up on Saturday 25 November and Sunday 26 November, with reduced capacity and quieter environments.
Find out more here.
Doubletree by Hilton
Outside The Snow Globe, Granary Wharf | From Saturday 2 December 2023
Image: Mike Arney via Unsplash
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 2 - 17 December 2023
Where: Outside The Snow Globe, Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, Leeds City Centre, LS1 4BR
Santa will be making an appearance down by the waterside this Christmas, taking over the outdoor area next to the Doubletree by Hilton’s Snow Globe. Tickets cost £15 each, and are valid for up to three children to visit.
The Mansion, Roundhay
The Mansion, Roundhay Park | Saturday 25 November 2023, 12pm
Image: Humphrey Muleba via Unsplash
When: Weekends from Saturday 25 November 2023, 12pm
Where: Mansion Lane, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH
The Mansion has set up a secret Leeds Christmas HQ once again this year and Santa is sure to be heading there with his full team. This is the perfect spot for the whole family to visit the big man in red and then head on a winter walk around Roundhay Park, (regardless of if you’re on the good or bad list this year).
Off Collier Lane, Aberford | From Saturday 25 November 2023
Image: Lotherton
When: FromSaturday 25 November 2023, 7pm
Where: Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
Forget the North Pole, Santa is setting up at Lotherton Hall this year, bringing a whole winter wonderland with him. Make sure to head over to Lotherton for a glimpse of the big man himself and Mrs Claus, who has gingerbread decorating, elf crafts and magic shows ready for those ready to get into the festive spirit.
Victoria Gate, Leeds City Centre | Throughout December 2023
When: Select times throughout December 2023
Where: Victoria Gate, Harewood Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7AR
Find Santa inside John Lewis' interactive grotto and join his little helpers for a special storytime session. Expect snacks, hot drinks and the opportunity to receive an early Christmas present from Father Christmas himself. There will also be relaxed visits with reduced noise and lighting.
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 -
30th October 2023 
