Leeds set to host a Christmas like no other

Leeds City Council and Visit Leeds, the destination management organisation for the city of Leeds, is gearing up to its biggest and most eagerly anticipated Christmas to date, with the launch of a festive programme of events, new installations and experiences happening across the city.
Leeds’ Winter Favourites will inspire residents and visitors to the city to immerse themselves in a host of new winter wonders that are on offer in Leeds alongside its much-loved traditional festivities this holiday season.

Leeds City Council has worked with Leeds BID to create plenty of new and exciting festive attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy, making this winter season like no other. The ambition has been to create a whole city experience boasting performances, grottos and markets alongside traditional favourites.

Taking inspiration from the unique traditions and favoured celebrations we all enjoy over Christmas, the ‘Winter Favourites’ theme of this year's campaign will highlight some eagerly anticipated new activities inspired by widely adored and established events to bring glad tidings to all this Christmas.

The city’s festive programme this year will see Millennium Square creating a winter wonderland with an ice rink and Igloo Bar opening from the 26th of November and also new for this year are pop-up market stalls and a free festive themed family trail located around key locations across the city centre.

The traditional Carousel returns to the newly created public space on Cookridge Street, with a brand new Tipi also arriving on Briggate creating the perfect location for the whole family to enjoy a variety of festive refreshments to accompany their favourite Christmas cuisine, thanks to the ‘bring your own food’ policy. THOR’s Tipi will also return to Victoria Gardens from the 19th of November along with the ever popular Wheel of Light.

The new additions to the city’s festivities complement longstanding favourites such as the famous City Square Christmas tree, the ‘Dear Leeds’ lighting installation on Briggate, Rock n Roll Panto at City Varieties, and Lotherton’s Christmas Experience. Lord Whitney’s Upon a Christmas Wish immersive festive experience will also make a long awaited return to Harewood House having been postponed last year.

Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, Cllr Jonathan Pryor commented: “The Council alongside a wealth of stakeholders in the city have worked really hard to extend the Christmas offer this year and provide a wonderful experience for everyone to enjoy. After a diluted festive season in 2020, we are delighted that we can deliver more activities and events to Leeds this Christmas. Leeds’ Winter Favourites will ensure that everyone who visits the city this holiday season will leave with a festive feeling that is bound to last right through to the new year.”

“We encourage residents and visitors alike to discover what’s on offer in Leeds this Christmas and to find their winter favourite.”

To find out more about Leeds Winter Favourites, explore Visit Leeds’ ultimate guide to Christmas in Leeds https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/