The Christmas countdown has begun!
The first advent calendar window has been opened, the temperature has dropped considerably the shops are jam-packed full of people on the hunt for presents- and the menus are bursting with turkey, cranberry and stuffing specials everywhere you go.
With that in mind, we’ve got a month of festive specials planned out for you- keep reading to find out the best things to do this month…
Thiccc Sauce Christmas Market
Saturday 3 December 2022, 11am-6pm | Fourth Court, Holbeck
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Now if you’ve ever needed an excuse to get your Christmas shopping done and out the way in one hit, this is it. This stellar lineup of foodie, gifts and lockdown successes come from some of Leeds’ favourite independent businesses, and there will be a whole host of specials available- including three new sauces, new merchandise and a pouring our brand new unreleased Vocation Brewery beer collab from hosts Thiccc Sauce.
Find out more here.
ABBA Christmas Party
Saturday 3 December, 2-6pm | 11-15 Hirst Yard, Leeds city centre
The ABBA Christmas party is a four-hour event where the resident DJ will be getting you in the festive spirit alongside live ABBA impersonators, fancy dress and tipsy cocktails.
So, what music can you expect? On the playlist there will be a mix of Christmas classics as well as all of ABBA’s top hits. So you can go from belting your heart out to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You to jiving across the dance floor to Waterloo or Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
Find out more here.
Leeds Food Tours: Christmas Special
Sunday 4 December 2022 | Around Leeds city centre
Championing Leeds independents, this is a walking foodie tour that’ll have you learning about new favourites and old-familiar food and drink spots around the city centre. For those that have previously been on one of Leeds Food Tours before, founder Ellen Miller has ensured that each of the Christmas stops will be at completely different- so it’s a great chance to check out some new spots without repeating yourself.
In total the tour lasts four hours and involves stopping at six different locations across Leeds city centre, spanning a total walking length of 1.4 miles.
Find out more here.
Build your own S’mores experience
Saturday 3 December – Sunday 4 December 2022 | Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds
Grab yourself a pot of mouthwatering s’mores with crumbled cookies and melted chocolate ganache, finished with pillowy marshmallow from Leeds-based business The Marshmallowist- all for free over the December weekend.
But that’s not all, each pot of s’mores will be toasted to perfection with customisable flavours like vanilla, raspberry, champagne and gingerbread all hand-piped onto the s’mores, before adding sprinkles of toppings like Christmas pudding and honeycomb to ‘bacon crumble’ and roasted parsnip crisps.
Find out more here.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Sunday 4 December 2022, 3pm | SALT Granary Wharf, Leeds city centre
There’s truly no better feeling then decorating your house when December rolls around, just seeing the twinkling lights and festive foliage sprucing up everyone’s humble abode puts a smile on your face.
Luckily for us, The Ivy Florist have joined forces with SALT to get everyone feeling festive and to make everyone’s wreath dreams come true.
Find out more here.
SALT Calls Landing Opening
Friday 9 December 2022 | Calls Landing, Leeds city centre
SALT Calls Landing will be taking over the Stew & Oyster spot below tapas hotspot Ambiente Tapas Bar. Steeped in industrial heritage, this much-loved Leeds location effortlessly combines the tranquility of the canal’s still waters with an incredible atmosphere that’ll get your weekend started in no time.
Picture a brick-built venue with original steel columns, oak flooring and low ceilings that creates a truly unique space that’s welcoming and intimate without losing that sociable atmosphere that’s loved at SALT bars.
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.
Bad Boy Chiller Crew
Saturday 10 December 2022 | Mana Nightclub, Bradford
The Yorkshire lads began as a group that uploaded comedy and prank videos online before shooting to fame in 2020, becoming a huge lockdown success. Since then, they have been nominated for both the NME Award for Best New British Act and NME Award for Best New Act in the World, releasing album Disrespectful alongside EP Charva Anthems and a number of hit singles. Before heading on their UK tour next year, you can catch BBCC in their hometown Bradford.
Tickets cost £22.25 each (£20 plus the booking fee), and there’s VIP packages for uo to eight people for £550.25 available too.
Get tickets for Bad Boy Chiller Crew at Mana Nightclub here.
The Big Leeds Santa Dash
Sunday 11 December 2022 | Leeds city centre
Running round dressed as Santa Claus seems like a lot of fun, but knowing it’s for a great cause makes this fun run a 5k to remember. The Big Leeds Santa Dash is back for another year to raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice, and there’s still time to get yourself a Santa suit and book yourself a place at the starting line.
Find out more here.
Watch the 2022 Qatar World Cup Final
Sunday 18 December 2022 | Around Leeds city centre
The Qatar World Cup 2022 kicked off earlier last month and we couldn’t be more excited about it. It feels as though it was only yesterday we were sat in the pub, watching the 2021 Euros games in a world that was just reopening after being locked down for months on end.
Now 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 games over the next few weeks, including the final it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.
Find out more here.
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.
Bingo Lingo
Bingo Lingo is all about bringing the best of the age-old classic game into 2022 with roaring crowds, interactive games and a night out to remember. Grab yourself a seat down by Temple Arches and make the most of the last week of Chow Down with an unforgettable night of giggles and games.
Find out more here.
Running all month long…
Here’s ten different options to choose from throughout the month of December- and there’s something for everyone in the family to sip, taste, dance, watch and skate along to.
Visit Santa at the Candy Cane Club
Every weekend until Christmas | Leeds Merrion Centre
It’s not Christmas without a trip to visit the big man in red, and this year, there’s festive friends dancing, stilt walking and skating their way round Merrion Centre to entertain shoppers whilst you grab your last minute gifts and head to see Santa Claus. Tickets cost £4 each per child and need to be booked on the Merrion Centre website in advance.
Find out more 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.
Chow Down Winter Village
Thursday – Sunday throughout December | Chow Down, Temple Arches
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.
New Alpine lodge bar space
Throughout December | The Woods, Chapel Allerton
The Woods is serving up a full Alpine-style menu, with a selection of tartiflette, cassoulet, raclette, French onion soup, moules, ratatouille and charcuterie. Drinks-wise you’ve got plenty to get in the Christmas spirit: vin chaud, schnapps, grappa and all the usual classics. Grab yourself a seat on a fluffy sheepskin or by the wooden fire and gaze at the ski-themed decor, with skis on the walls. It really is the season for it.
Find out more here.
Monday 21 November – Saturday 31st December | Bundobust, Mill Hill
It’s officially the festive season and with that comes Christmas specials aplenty popping up around the city. Indian Street Food favourite Bundobust are of course getting in on the action, and we could not be more excited about it.
From Sprout Bhajis to Mince Pie Parathas, there’s something for everyone to tuck into on this new festive fuelled menu. Built for the party with it’s beer hall style interior and a food menu made for sharing, it really is the perfect place to gather with friends, family or colleagues to cheers to the festivities.
Read all about it 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
Friday 25 November 2022 onwards | 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.
THOR’s Winter Gardens
Open throughout December | Briggate and Victoria Gardens
It’s the place to be for drinks with friends, family or a loved one, with a marvellous selection of drinks on offer there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. 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.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: The Musical
Friday 18 November 2022 – Saturday 19 November 2022 | Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill
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.
