It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s officially the week before Christmas and we are really feeling the festive spirit in and around Leeds and we hope you are too. It can all start to feel pretty chaotic at the moment with all the socialising, shopping and celebrating that has to be done.

But not to worry as we are here to help you out by highlighting some key events for you to get involved in. From last minute Christmas shopping to Pantomimes to ice skating, here’s a roundup of all that’s happening this week. Enjoy the festivities Leeds!

Hedonist X No Fixed Abode

Tuesday 13 December | The Hedonist, Lower Briggate

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Head to The Hedonist bar on Lower Briggate this Tuesday for an unforgettable evening full of fine dining, cocktails and live music. Esteemed chef and owner of No Fixed Abode, John Granaghan, will be cooking up a storm and teaming up with the cocktail masterminds at The Hedonist. 

Titled ‘Planet Ardberg’, the three course set menu will be utilising all the finest Scottish produce to match perfectly with drinks made with Ardberg Whiskey. Tickets are £50 per person and can be purchased here. 

Curated Makers Christmas Market

Friday 16 – Sunday 18 December | Trinity Leeds

Still need to get some last minute Christmas gifts? Then head down to Trinity Leeds shopping centre this weekend where you’ll be able to fill your stockings with fantastic gifts from local independent retailers.

Have a mooch around 15 different local independent businesses from COCO WILD jewellery makers to rum distillers, Libations Rum. Pick up a forever bouquet from Pampas & Bloom or some sweet stocking fillers from Frankly Delicious. Why not finish off your Christmas tree with a handmade decoration from Homebirds Weaving Shed and stay fuelled with fresh brownies from The Savvy Baker.

To have a sneak peek of the full line-up, take a look at the Curated Makers instagram.

Watch the 2022 Qatar World Cup Final

Sunday 18 December 2022 | Around Leeds city centre

The Qatar World Cup 2022 has been a rollercoaster of emotions and even though England have sadly been knocked out (cry), it’s still worth catching the final and getting in on the action.

After a quiet couple of years, we finally have the chance to make the most of the local sports bars and watch the world cup in the company of like-minded fans, there’s ample opportunity to grab a seat and pint around the city. So take a look at our guide on where to watch the game this weekend, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.

Find out more here.

Stick Man Live

Wednesday 7 December – Saturday 31 December 2022 | Leeds Playhouse

This touching and funny adaptation of Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to Leeds for the festive season. The heartfelt children’s story follows the journey of a wooden stick who becomes separated from his family home and embarks on an Odyssey-like adventure to return there.

The production will showcase three fantastic actors whom will perform an array of puppetry, live music and funky dance moves. The play will run for 55 minutes and is aimed at children aged 2+, making it the perfect afternoon of fun for all the family.

Find out more here.

Rod Stewart

Tuesday 13 December 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Naturally as soon as December rolls around, Rod Stewart has to make an appearance. Whether you’re listening to him telling you to Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas on the radio or you’re heading over to the First Direct Arena to listen to the legend himself bring his distinct voice to life in the company of 13,700 others- it’s just not Christmas without him.

Tickets cost £64.40 each for remaining seats, with tickets up to £210.22 on resale.

Get tickets for Rod Stewart at the First Direct Arena here.

Dick Whittington

25 November 2022 – 8 January 2023 | Leeds City Vanities Music Hall

One of everyone’s favourite pantomimes has been given a rock and roll makeover, combining traditional panto frivolities with classic rock anthems.

Prepare to be wowed by this breathtaking production and get ready to tap your foot along to the catchy chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an extraordinarily talented cast.

Get your tickets here.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: The Musical

Friday 18 November 2022 – Saturday 18 December 2022 | Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill

It’s your final week to catch this incredibly delicious theatre performance at the 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. 

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical features memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as a host of sensational new tastebud-tickling, tummy-rumbling, toe-tappers.

Find out more here.

Corn Exchange Christmas Market

Every Friday – Sunday until Christmas | 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.

Millenium Square Ice Cube

All week | 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.

Chow Down Winter Village

Thursday – Sunday throughout December | Chow Down, Temple Arches

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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.