There’s nothing better on a crisp, winter afternoon than a nice festive stroll with the family (especially on Christmas Day) so we want to tell you about some of the best festive walks in Leeds and the surrounding areas.
Bolton Abbey is located near Bradford and is a spectacular, naturally beautiful day out at any time of year. A full day of exploration is in store whenever you visit Bolton Abbey with the ruins to explore adventures to be had in the nearby woods and the famous steppingstones to (carefully) hop, skip and jump over.
At Christmas, the setting is especially atmospheric, and with events like the Christmas trail, nativities, and even visits from Father Christmas himself, a Christmassy trip to Bolton Abbey will be the perfect festive treat for the entire family.
The Bolton Abbey 12 Days of Christmas trail runs from the Saturday 18 December to the Monday 3 January, so there’s plenty of time to take the family down for some festive, outdoor fun.
12 Days of Christmas Walk. / Image: Bolton Abbey
The trail is a beautiful walk through Strid Wood, a heartwarming, fairytale-like forest on the grounds. This is a lovely family activity within itself, but to keep the little ones entertained throughout you’ll have to put your detective hats on and keep your eyes peeled to find clues along the way. Once you’ve collected your clues, a recipe for an amazing gingerbread Priory will be revealed.
After a lovely winter stroll, you can take your recipe home with you, partake in a spot of Christmas baking, and let the festive fun continue throughout the day.
12 Days of Christmas Walk. / Image: Bolton Abbey
After the trail, if you’re not ready to head home just yet, Bolton Abbey has plenty else in store to keep you and the whole family entertained. With lots of other walks to complete, a couple of shops to visit, a post office, and plenty of tea rooms, cafes, and restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you entertained if you’re wanting to experience a whole day of festive fun at Bolton Abbey.
If you’re wanting to visit Santa though, you’ll need to book in advance as this is a firm favourite for local families, and with dates up until and after Christmas, there’s still time to get booked in!
To find out more information, including where to buy tickets, visit the Bolton Abbey website.
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Christmas
Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year
Clementine Hall
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
Kate Perou -
20th December 2023 
