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

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.

Find out more here.

Mahogany Market Santa’s Grotto

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.

Find out more here.

Thackray Museum of Medicine

When: From Saturday 18 November with special accessible experiences across four weekends

Where: 141 Beckett Street, Harehills, Leeds, LS9 7LN

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

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

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). 

Find out more here.

Lotherton Hall

Off Collier Lane, Aberford | From Saturday 25 November 2023

When: From Saturday 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.

Find out more here.

The Candy Cane Club

Merrion Centre, Leeds City Centre | From Friday 2 December 2023

When: Saturday 2 December – Sunday 24 December 2023

Where:  Leeds Merrion Centre, Merrion Way, Leeds City Centre, LS2 8NG

Enjoy a sugary sweet wonderland in the Merrion Centre’s Candy Cane Club where you can meet Santa and his helpers. 

Find out more here.

John Lewis Santa’s Tea Party

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.

Find out more here.

Feature Image – Unsplash