It’s time to dig out your best festive jumper, because Christmas is well and truly just around the corner.

We’re into our last full week of November, and it won’t be long before we’re waving goodbye to this month and welcoming ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ with open arms, so it’s absolutely no surprise that Leeds’ events calendar is jam pack with all sorts of festive celebrations and activities to get stuck into.

The Leeds Christmas Markets 2023 is officially back this week, so if that’s not enough to get you excited then we don’t know what will. Keep reading to get yourself in the festive spirit…

Santa lands at White Rose

All week, 10am – 6pm | White Rose Shopping Centre

Santa’s Grotto is landing at White Rose Shopping Centre again this year and staying right up until Christmas. You’ll find both Santa and his elves located at the main shopping centre and we’ve even had a tip off that he’s bringing presents for anyone who pays him a visit too.

Find out more here.

Thor’s Tipi

From Friday 17 November 2023 | Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery 

Where: Victoria Gardens, Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD

When: From Friday 17 November – Sunday 31 December 2023,  open 12pm-11pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm-8pm Sundays, with last orders called 30 minutes before

Thor’s Tipi is something that’s become a real Christmas staple in Leeds, and in its first full week of opening you’d be a fool to miss out. Serving up 170,000 pints, 125,000 cups of mulled wine and 55,000 hot chocolates each season, Thor’s is seasoned in the festive drinks game, so take a seat by the fire and cosy up with your favourite festive tipple.

Find out more here.

Art Roundhay Park

Monday 20 November – Wednesday 31 January | Roundhay Park

Nothing says Christmas than getting wrapped up and strolling leisurely round a market.

And it’s not just the city centre that will be filled with stalls and visitors this year, as Roundhay Park is getting in on the action with a brand new Christmas Market and art exhibition. Art Roundhay Park will showcase new original artwork inspired by the astonishing beauty of Yorkshire’s landscapes, coastlines and wildlife.

The exciting new opening will also feature a Christmas Market where visitors can shop gifts perfect for the big day. It’s the perfect opportunity to get something extra special which you won’t find anywhere else.

Read more: Whitelock’s Ale House is hosting an epic Thanksgiving feast – and it sounds absolutely incredible

Whitelock’s Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday 23 November 2023 | Whitelock’s Ale House, Turk’s Head Yard

See more

For most of us, Thanksgiving is something we’ve only seen on films or on the TV. Now one of our favourite spots in Leeds, Whitelock’s Ale House, are combining their monthly dinner club with the American holiday so that we can have a taste of it. 

Taking place on Thursday 23 November, guests can enjoy a whopping five course meal inspired by all the American classics for just £50 per person. 

But of course, they’re putting their own Whitelock’s spin on it.

Leeds Christmas Market

From Friday 24 November 2023 | Around Leeds City Centre

Yes that’s right, the Christmas markets are back and we could not be more excited. The markets will be taking on a different look than previous years, with 13 different spaces across the city centre hosting around 120 Bavarian-style stalls, including Briggate, City Square and outside The Corn Exchange.

Complete with three festive bars, Leeds City Council has confirmed that the markets will take place from Friday 24 November right up until Friday 22 December 2023.

Robin Hood: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto

From Friday 24 November 2023 | City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds City Centre

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.  Find out everything you need to know about shows and pantos in Leeds here.