Leeds Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Leeds and surrounding areas

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Christmas Markets (21 events) Christmas Lights (20 events) Christmas Parties (16 events) Christmas Shows (13 events) Other Christmas Activities (30 events)

Leeds embraces Winter 2025 with festive events and Holiday lights across Millennium Square and Briggate. From Harry Christmas! and Ice Cube at Christmas to Northern Ballet's The Nutcracker, the city offers a calendar full of seasonal performances and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can enjoy holiday activities, Santa visits, and lively markets amid illuminated streets and pop-up events that make for memorable evenings of shopping, dining, and festive cheer beneath glittering lights.

Find the best Leeds Christmas happenings this year!

Leeds Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

21 events
York Christmas Market 2025 • Nov 13 – Dec 21

Award-winning Christmas market with over 80% local Yorkshire traders.

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Christmas Lights

20 events
Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on • Nov 21 – Nov 23

Spectacular fire art installations and Christmas lights switch-on.

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Christmas Parties

16 events
Erics Restaurant Festive A La Carte Menu • Nov 24 – Dec 30

Festive a la carte dining with locally sourced ingredients

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Christmas Shows

13 events
Harry Christmas! - Leeds • Dec 3 – Dec 4

Christmas-themed poetry show with a celebrated slam poet

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Other Christmas Activities

30 events
Father Christmas Experience at Harewood House • Nov 29 – Dec 24

Immersive festive adventure with Father Christmas and elves.

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Editor's Picks (6)

  1. York Christmas Market 2025 (York)
    Award-winning Christmas market with over 80% local Yorkshire traders.
  2. Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on (Rochdale)
    Spectacular fire art installations and Christmas lights switch-on.
  3. Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland (York)
    North of England's largest outdoor ice rink
  4. Stockeld Park Winter Illuminations (Wetherby)
    Yorkshire's most magical Christmas light show
  5. Harry Christmas! - Leeds
    Christmas-themed poetry show with a celebrated slam poet
  6. Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (York)
    Classic Muppet Christmas Carol film with live orchestra

This Week / Coming Up (6)

Burnley Believes...And So Do We! Light Switch-On Sat, Nov 15
Cosy Club Christmas Dining Tue, Nov 18
RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Harlow Carr Wed, Nov 19
Ice Cube at Christmas Fri, Nov 21
Northern Lights Leeds Fri, Nov 21
Light Up Wakefield Fri, Nov 21

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Also Near Leeds

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Bradford

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Castleford

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Leeds Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Leeds?

The biggest annual Christmas events in Leeds include the Christmas markets in Millennium Square and City Square, the Northern Lights trail at Temple Newsam, and the illuminated walk at Roundhay Park.

What holiday traditions are unique to Leeds?

Leeds has a tradition of festive light switch-on events in the city center, and many neighborhoods host their own Christmas celebrations with local music and decorations.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Leeds?

Temple Newsam, Roundhay Park, and the city center are popular spots for Christmas lights. Some residential neighborhoods also feature festive displays.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Leeds?

Christmas markets and local makers can be found in Millennium Square, City Square, and at various artisan markets around Leeds.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Leeds?

Free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Leeds include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending festive switch-on events, and exploring local parks with seasonal decorations.

What are good picks for families with kids in Leeds?

Families with kids can enjoy the Northern Lights trail, Christmas markets with craft workshops, and festive events at local parks and community centers in Leeds.