Here’s what you can get up to this week before the big bearded man makes his grand arrival at the weekend.
Here it is, the moment we have all been waiting for, Christmas is finally here and before you know it we will be exchanging presents by the tree and tucking into our turkey and stuffing.
We’re sure you’ll all have a myriad of plans this week, from catching up with family members to Christmas eve drinks with the gang, but if you’re still looking to fill up your diary then we’ve pulled together a list of festivities for you to get involved in.
However you celebrate, we hope you have a wonderful time and we will be cheers’ing a bucks fizz to you all when Sunday comes around. Merry Christmas everyone!
Visit Santa Claus
Monday 19 – Saturday 24 December 2022 | Across Leeds
As we all know Santa Claus will be very busy when it gets to Christmas Eve, so it’s best to catch him during the week so that you can tell him exactly what you’re hoping to see under your tree (if you’ve made it onto the nice list this year that is).
We’ve made a list of 5 places in and around Leeds for you to visit Santa before he takes off in his sleigh to make all our Christmas wishes come true.
Find out more here.
Free Christmas dinner at Mumtaz
25 December 2022 | Mumtaz, Leeds Dock
In the current cost of living crisis, it is completely understandable if you are feeling the pinch this Christmas. If you need a helping hand then Mumtaz restaurant on Leeds Dock will be feeding hundreds of families for free by handing out pre-made dinners between 12-2pm for people to take home.
Although anyone can collect a meal, they have urged people to be conscious of those who actually need a meal. A spokesperson for the restaurant has said “YOU ARE NOT ALONE in these testing times. We ask you to kindly prioritise and think about those who actually will need this bit of festive joy and kindness. We will prepare over 1000 meals so there should be plenty”
Read all about it here.
Manahatta Festive Bottomless Brunch
Monday 19 – Friday 23 December 2022 | Greek Street
If you love your brunch to be all sparkles, cocktails and Instagram moments then there is no clearer choice than Manahatta this year. With showstopping martini trees and delicious specials including Christmas burgers, meaty and vegan ‘pigs in blankets’ and turkey Bao buns, it’s the perfect place to cheers to the festive season amongst friends.
To book your slot, take a look at their website.
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Tuesday 20 December 2022 – Saturday 7 January 2023 | Leeds Grand Theatre
Christmas is not complete without a trip to the theatre to watch the ballet and The Nutcracker is the most festive ballet around. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland.
Watch in awe as the dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King take to the stage this Christmas.
Get your tickets to The Nutcracker 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.
THOR’s Winter Gardens
Monday 19 – Saturday 24 December 2022 | Briggate and Victoria Gardens
If you’re still looking for the perfect festive location to spend your Christmas Eve get together, then there really is no better place than THOR’s Tipi.
If you’re after a winter warmer then there’s mulled wine, mulled cider and hot chocolate which can be pimped up with an added shot of your choice. Make it naughty with some whiskey, make it nice with a shot of caramel vodka or add a little spice with a sprinkling of cherry brandy or winter Pimms.
Find out more here.
Millenium Square Ice Cube
Monday 19 – Saturday 24 December 2022 | Millenium Square, Leeds city centre
If you’re still not firmly feeling the festive spirit yet, then we urge you to take to the ice rink on Millennium Square where it’s almost impossible not to feel the Christmas cheer.
Whack on those skates and glide away under the twinkly lights before enjoying a mulled wine or bratwurst at the stalls which sit opposite, it’s the ultimate festive activity to enjoy before the big day arrives.
Find out more here.
Midweek savings at Roxy Ball Room
Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 December 2022 | Roxy Ball Room and Roxy Lanes
Start your Christmas night out with a few games at Roxy Ball Room and bag yourself a good deal whilst you’re at it. Every Sunday – Wednesday, get up to 20% off bookings for the likes of Roxy’s karaoke rooms, bowling and ice-free curling. Skip the busy bar and enjoy an intimate night that allows you to appreciate your company and chat between games- the only thing left to decide is which Roxy venue you’ll be spending your time.
Find out more here.
UB40
Tuesday 20 December 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way
The English reggae-pop band has been bringing us bangers since 1978, and with over 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart since their humbled beginnings, there’s a reason why UB40 can comfortably pack out an arena almost 45 years on.
Tickets cost £43.55 for standing, or from £46 on Ticketmaster resale.
Get tickets for UB40 at First Direct Arena here.
Stick Man
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.
Tickets cost between £14 and £21, plus a flat-rate booking fee of £2.50 each.
Get tickets for Stick Man at Leeds Playhouse here.
