Pantomime season is almost here…oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is.
Nothing screams Christmas more than heading to the theatre on a cold, crisp evening and watching a brilliant show. Whether you want to risk being pulled on stage by a lavish panto dame or prefer a more civilised evening at the ballet, there’s so many productions happening in and around Leeds this season for you to enjoy.
Northern Ballet's The Nutcracker
Leeds Grand Theatre | Wednesday 29 November - Sunday 10 December 2023
Image: Northern Ballet
Where: Wednesday 29 November - Sunday 10 December 2023
Where: Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6NU
Christmas isn't 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.
A Christmas Carol
When: Friday 8 - Sunday 10 December 2023
Where: Carriageworks Theatre,Millennium Square, Electric Press 3, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
It simply couldn't get more festive than Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol'. Follow the journey of Ebeneezer Scrooge in this life-affirming, classic tale which will be taking to the Carriageworks Theatre for three days only - you don't want to miss out on this one.
Robin Hood: The Rock 'n' Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall | Friday 24 November 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024
Image: City Varieties Rock 'n' Roll Panto / Ant Robling
When: Friday 24 November 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024
Where: City Varieties, Swan Street, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6LW
This is a pantomime with a twist, expect banging tunes, and it will certainly get your toe tapping and staging which will leave you mesmerised.
Oliver!
When: Monday 27 November 2023 - Saturday 27 January 2024
Where: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds City Centre LS2 7UP
This classic musical is coming to the Leeds Playhouse for a three month run and is set to be a sellout. Come down and sing along to Fagin and his gang or get up and dance to 'Oom Pah Pah' in this musical masterpiece which is suitable for all ages.
There will be plenty of accessible performances throughout the festive period, including dementia-friendly shows, BSL, audio described, captioned and relaxed performances.
Snow White
Carriageworks Theatre | Friday 24 November 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024
Image: Carriageworks Theatre
When: Friday 24 November 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024
Where: Millennium Square, Electric Press 3, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Head to the Carriageworks Theatre for a classic pantomime experience. Expect plenty of audience participation, lots of laughter and plenty of song and dance.
The Enormous Crocodile
When: Saturday 2 December 2023 - Saturday 6 January 2024
Where: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds City Centre LS2 7UP
This brand new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's charming picture book is jam-packed with uplifting music and dance performed by a menagerie of mischievous puppets.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks.
Image: Supplied
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Sophie Smith -
16th October 2023 
