It’s officially the countdown to Christmas, and Leeds is jam packed with things to do to get you in the festive spirit.
It’s the first full week of December and it’s time to fully get engrossed in the festivities.
If you haven’t explored the Christmas markets yet then we’ve got a handy guide for you, as well as a whole host of new openings for you to check out from new restaurants to board game cafes.
So keep reading and get your diaries filled with the events we’ve cherry picked for you.
Christmas Shows and Pantomimes
Monday 4 – Sunday 10 December 2023 | Various locations
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.
Find out more here.
Leeds Christmas Markets
Monday 4 – Sunday 10 December 2023 | Across the city centre
Since the markets were last in the city a lot has changed, including the cost of pretty much everything (looking at you, my energy bills). That means that the previous prices at the Leeds Christmas Markets have changed too.
If you’re heading out to enjoy a mulled wine, a few pints, or a festive feast, you’ll be wanting to know how to budget. And where to find the cheapest pint, obviously. We’re here to help. Here is the list of food and drink prices at the Leeds Christmas Markets 2023.
Find the full list here.
Trinity Kitchen Trucks
Monday 4 – Sunday 10 December 2023 | Trinity Kitchen
Back to draw the 2023 kitchen season to a close, you’ll find festival favourite Eat Like A Greek alongside Yorkshire Cheese Grill and Big Mouth Gyoza. Jimmy Macks return this year with those viral birria beef tacos and Nelly’s Barn has some wonderful winter warmers to check out.
Open for the next nine weeks, Trinity Kitchen shared the announcement this morning, stating “These friendly faces will be serving up their finest festive feasts until 14th Jan 2024“.
Find out more here.
Love Actually Live in Concert
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | York Barbican Theatre
Love Actually Live in Concert is touring the UK and will be showing the 2003 rom-com accompanied by a live orchestra in Yorkshire this week.
The performance will feature Craig Armstrong’s finest work, including that scene in Portugal and the Glasgow Love Theme, so audience to fall in love with Mark’s heart-wrenching placards all over again.
You can find all the ticket details here.
Visit Santa at The Thackray Museum of Medicine
Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December 2023 | Beckett Street, Leeds
Take a visit to see Santa over at the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Harehills. There’s a 90-minute festive experience to explore that tells the tale of how Christmas is celebrated around the world, plus the opportunity to hang out with Father Christmas himself.
There’s additional ‘relaxed experiences’ on dates leading up to Christmas, plus extra crafts and exhibitions to check out around the museum’s grounds.
Find out more here.
Chance & Counters
Opening Friday 8 December 2023 | Merrion Street, Leeds City Centre
Chance & Counters is known down south for its inviting setting, and seemingly endless supply of board games. And now the cafe company is taking over the former Yard & Coop site on Merrion Street.
The cafes are all centred around a library of 500 board games: there’s everything from old-school family favourites to new releases, and everything in between. It’s not just games here too – all that competitive spirit is bound to work up an appetite. By day, you’ll be able to grab a coffee and light lunch and craft beer or cocktail in the evening, with hearty pub grub like smash burgers, tacos, loaded fries and wings.
Christmas Specials
All week | Across the city
Nothing says Christmas like heading out for some pigs in blankets months before the big day, it’s almost like a warm up for the stomach ahead of December 25th.
Leeds’ foodie scene has gone big this year on its festive specials, here’s a few that have been announced so far…
Find out more here.
Galleria
Opening Thursday 7 December 2023 | Project House, Armley Road
A new woodfire restaurant and bar promises to bring the food in at new gig and event space Project House next month – and it sounds like there’s going to be a lot to love. Brunch will be served with ‘pancake stacks, breakfast flatbreads and the obligatory Bloody Mary to boot’ whilst evenings promise a host of meaty, doughy, sweet, sour and savoury delights – we can’t wait to find out what’s on the menu.
Find out more here.
