Leicester Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Leicester and surrounding areas
Leicester shines this Christmas season with Christmas markets and Holiday lights around the market square and cultural landmarks. Enjoy attractions like the Leicester Giant Wheel, Ride with Santa events, and special seasonal screenings and performances. From guided seasonal tours to family-friendly Santa visits and festive markets, the city’s holiday attractions and activities fill streets and parks with lights, music, and tasty treats that celebrate local traditions and community spirit.
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Christmas Parties
27 eventsFestive tipis with firepits and drinks
Christmas Lights
21 eventsUK's largest indoor Christmas funfair with all-inclusive attractions.
Christmas Markets
19 eventsEuropean-style Christmas market with artisan traders
Christmas Shows
8 eventsFestive theatre performances with pre-show dining.
Other Christmas Activities
25 eventsCommunity hero to switch on the Christmas lights
Editor's Picks (6)
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Nottingham Winter Wonderland
(Nottingham)
European-style Christmas market with artisan traders
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Winter Funland Midlands
(Marston Green)
UK's largest indoor Christmas funfair with all-inclusive attractions.
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Kettering Christmas Lights Switch On
(Kettering)
Community hero to switch on the Christmas lights
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Nordic Bar in the Festive Tipis
(Derby)
Festive tipis with firepits and drinks
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Derby Season of Light 2025
(Derby)
Cross-cultural light festival with lantern parade
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Northampton Winter Light Trail
(Northampton)
Mile-long immersive light trail with interactive displays.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Leicester
Loughborough
- Christmas Woodland Wonderland
- All Saints Loughborough Christmas Tree Festival 2025
- Christmas at the IAS
Coventry
- Luminate Coombe Abbey Winter Light Trail
- Visit Santa: Vintage Sleigh Ride Experience
- Christmas Parties 2025: You're The One That I Want
Nottingham
See all in Nottingham →Leicester Christmas FAQ
The main events include the Christmas lights switch-on, the city centre Christmas market, and seasonal shows at De Montfort Hall and local theatres.
Leicester celebrates with a festive dance flashmob at the Clock Tower, a large Christmas market, and a tradition of lighting the Clock Tower tree with local performers.
The city centre, especially around the Clock Tower and Town Hall Square, is known for its festive light displays. Residential areas also feature neighborhood displays.
The main Christmas market is on High Street and Gallowtree Gate, with additional artisan markets and craft fairs in shopping centres and public squares.
Free activities include viewing the Christmas lights, exploring the market stalls, and attending outdoor performances and festive trails in the city centre.
Families enjoy the Christmas market, funfair rides, ice skating, and seasonal shows at local theatres and shopping centres.