If there's anything that will get you in the festive spirit, it has got to be Stockeld Park.
Get ready for real magic this Christmas at Stockeld Park, the huge 2,000-acre estate nestled in West Yorkshire that has been transformed into a winter wonderland like you've never seen before.
Open until Monday 5 January 2026, complete with its iconic illuminations, dazzling activities and a truly enchanting Santa’s Grotto experience - because you're never too old to meet the big man, right?
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Each year, Stockeld Park’s Christmas events are nothing short of incredible, and this season promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Whether you're looking for a romantic skate around the ice rink followed by a cheeky hot chocolate or you're after a perfect festive day out with friends, Stockeld Park has got you covered.
So let's see what you can get up to...
Winter Illuminations
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Wrap up warm and embark on one of the UK’s largest light trails right here in Yorkshire taking place at Stockeld’s Enchanted Forest. As dusk falls, see the iconic park come to life with thousands of twinkling lights creating a whimsical winter wonderland.
Dazzling light effects, a captivating soundscape, and animated installations come together through almost a mile of beautiful, ancient woodland.
Grotto Dome
It wouldn’t be Christmas without seeing Santa, and Stockeld Park’s Grotto Dome is taking this special experience to a whole other level.
Get ready to embark on a magical journey as you wander through the enchanting realms of Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and the charming North Pole Street where you’ll have the opportunity to meet Santa in his whimsical workshop.
Ice-Skating
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Grab your skates and whizz around Stockeld’s 630 square meter covered ice rink that allows you to keep dry while which means you can skate to your heart's content, whatever the weather.
Open for all abilities, there’s skate aids available if needed so everyone can enjoy the experience together.
And let's face it, there's nothing more romantic than an ice skating date - even if you do hold onto the sides the whole time. So if you're looking for a festive holiday romance, this is the place to go.
Snowflake Maze
Get lost and explore Stockeld’s Snowflake Maze made with giant festive yew trees.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Flying Stocksman
Choo Choo! All aboard! Head to Stockeldbury station and take a tour of the Enchanted Forest aboard Stockeld's very own fantastical land train.
Playhive
As always, the iconic indoor adventure at the Playhive will be open for those looking to journey through four interconnected worlds of space, air, sea, and the jungle!
If all of this sounds like something you just can’t miss, then why not do all of it in one magical adventure.
Tickets to Stockeld Park are available in different packages to suit everyone, there are:
Gold Package – The ultimate experience, including Santa’s Grotto, Winter Illuminations, Forest, Maze and Show.
Silver Package – Excellent value, including Santa’s Grotto, Winter Illuminations, Forest and Maze.
Illuminations – For those wanting to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland: experience magic at the spectacular Christmas light trail.
Peter Grant, owner and Chief Fun Officer at Stockeld Park, said: “We love seeing families, friends, and couples alike come together to experience the wonder of the festive season. Whether it’s meeting Santa, exploring through the Enchanted Forest, or simply enjoying time together at our festive wonderland in the heart of Yorkshire, Christmas at Stockeld Park is all about creating magical memories for every generation.”
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks.
Image: Supplied
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Clementine Hall -
4th December 2025 
