A Winter Wonderland in Leeds
Spending the holidays away from home and family can be hard for some, especially if home is somewhere else in the world. As an international student, I found that there’s so much to do in Leeds during the festive season that it’s impossible to get bored.
Here are some of my favourite things to do during the winter in Leeds:
Leeds Christmas Market and beyond
Leeds celebrates Christmas in style, and the Leeds Christmas Market is the main attraction. The city center is filled with stalls selling delicious Christmas foods and handmade gifts. You can enjoy treats like roasted pork, Italian chocolates, and specialty cheeses.
For even more festive cheer, visit Thor’s Tipi in Victoria Gardens. During the day, enjoy hot chocolate, and in the evening, try Bailey’s Blitz while listening to free live music.
Ice Skating and Winter Fun
Millennium Square becomes a hub of winter fun with the Ice Cube skating rink. Surrounding the rink, you’ll find stalls selling food, drinks, and crafts. There’s also a family funfair with rides like the Rescue Rudolph and the North Pole Funhouse.
For something traditional, take a ride on the vintage carousel or enjoy the stunning city views from The Wheel of Light.
Festive Theatre Shows
The holiday season is also pantomime season, and Leeds has plenty of shows for all ages.
A pantomime, often called "panto," is a type of live theater performance that is very popular in the UK, especially during the Christmas season. It is a fun, family-friendly show that combines comedy, music, dancing, and storytelling. Something to try if you want to experience something “quintessentially British” during your time in Leeds.
If you’re looking for something more classic, then Leeds Grand Theatre, Carriageworks Theatre or City Varieties Music Hall host a range of classical ballet performances, as well as timeless theatre plays and music shows.
Christmas by Candlelight
“Christmas by Candlelight,” is a cosy event with music, spoken word, warm food, and mulled wine hosted by Left Bank - a historic building decorated with candles for a warm and festive atmosphere.
Festive Lights and Displays
The Leeds Christmas lights and displays are a must-see during the holiday season! The city is filled with bright lights, colourful decorations, and beautiful designs.
Famous places like Briggate, Trinity Church, and The Queens Hotel look magical and are great for taking photos. Visiting the displays is a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere and experience the beauty of Leeds at Christmas!
Christmas Day Dining
If you want to relax on Christmas Day, many restaurants in Leeds offer festive meals. A traditional Christmas meal usually includes roasted turkey, crispy potatoes, stuffing, and seasonal vegetables, all topped with rich gravy.
For dessert, you must try Christmas pudding — a steamed pudding made with dried fruits, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, breadcrumbs, and suet (a type of fat). The pudding is sweetened with sugar or treacle and often includes a splash of alcohol, like brandy or rum.
Traditionally, it’s steamed for several hours and can even be made weeks in advance. It’s usually served warm with custard, cream, or brandy sauce. Some people pour brandy over the pudding and set it alight before serving, making it a spectacular holiday treat!
Places like The Roundhay Fox, Browns, Deer Park Leeds, Malmaison, and Miller & Carter serve everything from traditional turkey dinners to gourmet feasts.
Leeds is a truly magical place during the holidays, full of exciting events, delicious food, and festive cheer. I hope you get the chance to experience some of my recommendations and make the most of your holiday break!
