Name a better way to spend your Christmas holidays.
Situated on the outskirts of Leeds, Lotherton is full of historic charm thanks to the Edwardian house that sits in its vast estate. Complete with a hall, wildlife park, and plenty of events throughout the year, Lotherton is a popular day-out for visitors of all ages.
This Christmas, however, Lotherton is going all out with a string of festive events to get you excited for the big day. With opening hours and activities throughout the festive period itself, and into the New Year, you’re sure to find lots of Christmas fun for the entire family.
A new addition to Lotherton’s festive calendar this year is the Festive Woodland Walk. This is a wonderful activity for all age groups and combines a lovely Christmas stroll with mesmerising illuminations and interactive stations.
If this wasn’t enough, the Fairy Dell is a secret, tiny village along the walk that will grab your attention with its adorable mini buildings. Complete with a church, a windmill, and even a tiny cinema, the little fairy village is an adorable addition to your walk, and it’ll be all lit up to keep the wintery magic alive.
We’ve even heard that you might hear the fairies giggling if you’re lucky, so keep your ears peeled!
To warm yourselves up a bit after a walk through the woods, you can pay a visit to the Edwardian house itself, which will be decked out with lavish Christmas decorations. With towering Christmas trees full of sparkling lights and decorations, wreaths, and plenty of beautifully wrapped presents, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful decorations and the warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling that they cause.
If even after all this festive wonder, you still need a few more activities to reach the maximum level of excitement, then there are plenty of other activities to take part in at Lotherton.
With Elf Crafts and Gingerbread decorating classes with Mrs. Clause to keep the kids entertained, and Yuletide Yurts where you can grab a Christmas tipple, everyone you visit with is sure to have a fantastic day of festive fun at Lotherton.
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 -
21st December 2021 
