10 of the best things to do in and around Leeds this December

2nd December 2021

We may be into the final days of 2021, but the What’s On guide just keeps growing, this is going to be a busy month.

Where did 2021 go? We’re not sure how there’s less than a month left until 2022, but there are still plenty of things to get involved in around Leeds.

Christmas might just be around the corner, but yuletide spirit isn’t the only thing getting us through December. With everything from Swiftogeddon to Love Actually Live to get through, there’s a lot to look forward to besides the official Christmas period.

Here are our top picks of things to do in Leeds this December.

Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience

This December, jump down the rabbit hole and join the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit for a ninety minute experience like no other. Suspended in an alternate reality, guests at The Alice Bar will be greeted by the famous characters and get the opportunity to mix their own enchanted teapot cocktails.

At your very own tea party, The Mad Hatter will be offering out special ‘eat me’ cake, just like in the book every day until New Years Eve, when disappear from Leeds. Don’t miss your last chance to find out what truly lies down the rabbit hole on Swinegate.

1 – 31 December 2021. Find out more here.

Beauty and the Beast: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto

The rock and roll theme has previously featured a spin-off Sleeping Beauty version. / Image: City Varieties Music Hall

We all know the classic story of Beauty and the Beast, but this Rock ‘n’ Rolled, breath-taking interpretation will be like nothing you’ve seen before. With flashing lights, explosions, and smoke effects, this production is bound to keep every audience member engrossed and, with some surprises promised, you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout.

This rendition of the classic Disney fairytale will be hosted by City Varieties throughout December, making it the ideal pre or post Christmas pick-me-up for all the family. So, Grab your dancing shoes, a Christmas jumper, and some reindeer antlers and get ready for a Christmas sing-along.

1 – 31 December 2021. Find out more here.

Thor’s Tipi

A huge Christmas highlight is going to the visit a tipi and with no markets this year, this tradition has become all the more important. Millenium Square between the Wheel of Light and the Leeds Art Gallery, Thor’s Tipi is a walk-in, BYOF (that’s bring your own food) festive tent complete with cosy seating, an open fire and boozy hot chocolates.

Grab a seat by the fire, taste the flavours of the Yuzu street food served on real snowboards and get a cup of mulled hot cider, amongst other festive favourites and enjoy being amongst friends, family and warmth: everything December should involve.

1 – 31 December 2021. Find out more here.

Christmas Open House

Fancy a Christmas shopping trip that supports local creatives, avoids all the queues and comes with free mulled wine and sweet treats? The Headrow House Open House will feature some of the finest festive makers in the city and play host to a range of independent stalls selling homeware, textiles, prints, jewellery and more.

Grab all your Christmas presents whilst sipping on a pint and grab some brussel sprout bhajis from their highly-anticipated sharing platters or get involved in creative workshops and learn different macrame techniques and create two unique decorations for the festive season: it’ll be most relaxing shopping experience in Leeds.

Saturday 4 December 2021. Find out more here.

Vintage Kilo Sale

The UK’s biggest kilo sale is a unique experience that every Leeds student seems to tick off at least once during their University days and it’s back at Left Bank this weekend. Featuring exclusive apparel from the 1960s – 1990s, take your pick and pay by per kilo for these thrifted goods.

There’s no minimum or maximum spend at our events so you can pick as little or as much as you want. Items start at 75p and reach a maximum of £15 for anything big and ‘unweighable’.

Sunday 5 December 2021. Find out more here.

Love Actually Live

As part of its Christmas UK tour, Love Actually Live in Concert will be stopping at venues across Yorkshire, including York, Sheffield and Hull. Sing a long to Bill Nighy’s rendition of ‘Christmas is all around us’ and laugh at Rowan Atkinson’s exceptional customer service surrounded by fans or first-timers and experience the full length movie together with musical interludes from the live orchestra.

Although there will be no live performances from the original cast, the magical audio expected from the event will certainly make you feel as if you’re in the room with Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson and even the Prime Minister, Mr Hugh Grant himself.

7 – 9 December 2021. Find out more here.

Swiftogeddon at Belgrave

Taylor is unlikely to make an appearance, but there will be plenty of Swifties at the event. / Image: Ronald Woan

If you’ve been sobbing non-stop All Too Well in November, then December is all about letting those tears go. Belgrave Music Hall is hosting a club night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift. We’re talking non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits.

If you have a Blank Space in your diary then head down to Belgrave and embrace all things Taylor Swift: the good, the bad and the Red. This around-the-world club night is only in Leeds for one night only.

Friday 10 December 2021. Find out more here.

The Big Santa Dash

The last Santa Dash was held in 2019. / Image: St Gemma’s Hospice

One of Leeds’ favourite fun runs will be held on Sunday 12 December at Roundhay Park, but runners will need to sign up in advance to secure their place on the tracks. Warm up at 10am before grabbing your finest Father Christmas suit for the 5k Santa Dash at 10.20am.

If you manage to get round the track, you’ll not only receive a medal, but have the opportunity to chill out with Rudolph and other reindeer after the event. All tickets for the event will come with a Santa costume, so there’s no need to purchase one in advance.

Sunday 12 December 2021. Find out more here.

Christmas Pup-Up Cafe

Tis the season to dress up your dachshund and head over to York for this one-day event at Revolution. Image: Pup Up Cafe

Revolution in York will be transformed into a winter wonderland (mins the freezing temperatures) for dachshunds and their owners to enjoy – and every dog in attendance will be given a present from under the Christmas tree.

Throughout the day, people can purchase dachshund-related goodies from traders offering the perfect stocking fillers for your little dog. These unique dog-friendly events usually sell out quickly, so make sure to book a ticket for yourself and your sausage dog before the Christmas Tour sells out.

Sunday 19 December. Find out more here.

Peter Mitchell ‘Leeds Architecture’ Exhibition

Peter Mitchell is known around the world for his photographs of Leeds. / Image: Visit Leeds

World-renowned Leeds photographer Peter Mitchell joined the Chapel FM Arts Centre for an exhibit of his photos of Leeds spaces, but the exhibition will be open to the public until the end of the year. Showcasing the best of Leeds architecture, this is a rare opportunity to see photos from years gone by up close for the very first time.

Previous reviews of the photographer have explained ‘Mitchell has produced something that is not only autobiographical but the representation of what a lifetime can mean’. Before the Arts Centre makes way for a new exhibition for 2022, get down for a glimpse at Leeds as you’ve never seen it before.

1 – 31 December 2021. Find out more here.

Feature image- Headrow House