How To Spend Christmas In Leeds 2022 | Events, Activities & More
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Christmas is just weeks away so there’s no better way to kickstart the festivities than discovering all the wonderful things to do in Leeds.
This West Yorkshire City becomes a magical place at Christmas with plenty of festive cheer, illuminating lights, seasonal foods and drinks and buzzing things to do on every corner.
If you’re studying here, you don’t want to miss out on all the events, activities, nights out and more taking place to get you in the Christmas spirit.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best ways to spend Christmas in Leeds this year.
Gather your elves and wrap up warm!
1. Ice Cube Leeds
Millennium Square is yet again home to the iconic ice skating rink Ice Cube – it really wouldn’t be Christmas in Leeds without it!
Skate along the outdoor ice rink and soak up the festive atmosphere with your friends from the 25th November all the way up until the 31st December.
Dress in your finest festive fit and show off your skills with your friends or your significant other.
Don’t worry, no matter the weather you’ll be sheltered from the rain or snow, we would recommend wrapping up warm though.
Ice Cube offers student tickets so you can enjoy a nice discount for the festive season, just bring along a valid ID and away you go!
You can show up to buy tickets but it’s recommended to book in advance for this, head to the official website to sort yours.
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2. Festive Food & Drink
The Christmas Markets might not be on this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some amazing memories and enjoy some mouth-watering seasonal foods and drinks.
After you’ve fallen flat on your arse at Ice Skating (maybe we’re just speaking for ourselves) head to Thor’s Tipi for a few bevvies with your mates.
You’ll find this Viking-inspired pop up bar in Victoria Square only a short walk away from Ice Cube.
Take shelter from the cold and enjoy a nice tipple or two next to the cosy fire pit – don’t mind if we do!
Some of the fab seasonal drinks on offer include Baileys hot chocolate, Christmas cocktails, mulled wines as well as craft ales.
There’s even live music shows on some days so you can sing your heart out to Christmas tunes and release your inner Mariah Carey!
Of course, the Big Wheel is set to return too, so you can see Leeds from the skies.
This year, you can even head to the brand-new for 2022, Thor’s Winter Garden, in Briggate for a magical drinking experience with your mates.
Knock back a few beers and get involved in some Christmas games, crafts and more.
There’s plenty of festive cheer to be had at both of these bars, give them a visit and see for yourself.
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3. Winter Village At Chow Down
As a student in Leeds, you surely know by now that Chow Down is the place to be for any occasion.
Well, it’s no different for the holiday season, if you don’t know, get to know.
If you somehow haven’t made a trip to the infamous Chow Down at Temple Arches then there’s no better time to with their buzzing events programme.
Back by popular demand, the Winter Village is taking place across a span of 8 weeks so you’ll have plenty of time to see what all the fuss is about.
So what’s on for this Christmas?
There’s World Cup showings, Drag Bottomless Brunches, Bingo Lingo, Christmas Specials, DJ Headline events, live music shows and tons more.
You’re missing out BIG time if you don’t go to at least one of these spectacular winter events which are taking place from 10th November all the way up until 31st December.
No matter when you choose to go, you can expect tons of festive fun with magical surroundings, cosy tipis, heaters to keep you cosy and tasty street food to chow down on (get it?!)
Of course, there’ll also be an array of delicious drinks to cheers to the holiday and the end of the uni term.
Including mulled wine, spiced ciders, boozy hot chocolate and Christmas cocktails to name a few.
Booking in advance for the festive events taking place at the Winter Village is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Take a look at the full events programme for this Winter and book tickets on the Chow Down website.
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4. Corn Exchange Christmas Market
We know, it’s not the same without the German Christmas Markets, but there’s still amazing shopping experiences to be had in Leeds this Christmas.
Grab your friends and family something special or treat yourself to something nice at the Corn Exchange Christmas Markets.
Luckily for you, this year’s shopping experience has already kicked off in the basement of the Corn Exchange and will be taking place for seven weeks – all the more an excuse to get yourself down there!
You can explore the independent Christmas stalls from Mahogany Market and Indie Makers and when you’re done, chill with a seasonal bevv and enjoy a DJ set or live music show.
Did someone say salted caramel espresso martinis AND Christmas tunes?!
That’s not all either, there’ll also be masterclasses and games to get involved with as well as tasty street food vendors to grab a bite to eat.
It’s not just any old Christmas shopping experience at the Corn Exchange, it’s the place to be for the holidays!
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5. Christmas Lights At Roundhay Park
Spending Christmas in Leeds doesn’t have to be all drinking and food, there are tons of wholesome activities to discover, with our favourite being the Christmas Lights Trail at Roundhay Park.
Wrap up in your winter gear and take a stroll around as one of Europe’s largest parks becomes illuminated with a unique Christmas trail.
Taking place from December 8th until January 1st, this Christmas activity is not one to be missed.
Expect huge illuminations, sparkling light tunnels, lakeside reflections, a fire garden and loads more spectacular light displays.
Wander around the glistening lights, capture some Insta-worthy pics and sing along to some festive tunes.
Warm yourself up with a hot chocolate and a toasted marshmallow, or treat yourself to something good from the street food stalls – it’s Christmas after all!
You do need to purchase a ticket for this event with prices starting at £19.50, it is on the pricier side but come on, how fun does it sound?
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6. Paint Christmas! Leeds
If you’re after a unique and wonderful activity to do for Christmas in Leeds then this next one definitely ticks the boxes.
Forget about heading to the Old Red Bus Station for a night out, you can show off your skills and paint a picture of Annie Dalton’s Banksy Inspired Christmas Flying Balloon Girl – god that was a mouthful.
Grab a paint brush, your drink of choice and get creative.
You don’t need to be an amazing artist to come along to this event, everyone is welcome.
Plus, there’s also help available from an artist should you need it.
All art supplies are included within your ticket so you only need to bring yourself and the good vibes.
When you’ve done, you’ll have a finished canvas to hang up in your student flat or give to someone as a prezzie – you’ll sure save some pennies!
Paint Christmas is taking place on December 7th from 7:30pm-10:00pm, grab your ticket now.
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7. Cirque Du Soul Winter Wonderland
Beaver Works is a staple of Leeds nightlife and it’s no exception for the Christmas season.
Head down to Beavers on the 9th December for the Cirque Du Soul: Winter Wonderland, it’s gonna be one to remember!
Headlining the event is Barry Can’t Swim, Vibe Chemistry and Smokey Bubblin’ B with tons of other DJs set to perform across the 5 rooms.
Step inside this magical wonderland full of groovy decor, insane production, cheap drinks and the best feel-good atmosphere.
Groove the night away with your mates to House, Disco, DnB, Jungle, Hip Hop and Garage tunes.
We imagine tickets for this will sell out, don’t be a scrooge and get yours before they’re all gone.
Don’t forget your fave Santa hat for this one!
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8. So Fetch – 2000s Party Xmas Special
How to spend Christmas in Leeds? Head down to The Hi-Fi Club for a buzzing night out with a 2000s theme, duh!
Sort out your best Y2K look and party until the early hours at this event on the 10th December.
You can expect a booming playlist full of old classics from Rhianna, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, the list goes on.
Of course, we’re sure there’ll be some Xmas tunes thrown into the mix too.
Make the most of cheap drinks, sing your heart out and take tons of pics of your Mean Girls inspired outfit at this event.
If Christmas fun is what you’re after, you’ll certainly get it at this event.
You can’t complain with super cheap tickets, book yours now!
9. Christmas Bottomless Brunch
The most wonderful time of the year is set to get even better with this 90’s Xmas Bottomless Brunch.
Taking place at the vibrant Playroom, you can expect 90’s sing along hits, unlimited festive drinks and a range of delicious brunch dishes to choose from.
Sip on some iconic cocktails for 90 minutes, and when your slot is over you can still party on until whatever time you like – wooop!
There really is nothing quite like the atmosphere at this bar, if you love a brunch then sort out a ticket for this.
Tickets cost £44.99 per person, with the never ending drinks it’s certainly worth it, don’t you reckon?
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10. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory – The Musical
Leeds is a city that certainly pulls out all the stops when it comes to Christmas events.
If none of these activities have stood out for you, we’re sure that Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical will.
Experience the classic Roald Dahl tale on the big stage at Leeds Playhouse from the 22nd November until the 28th January 2023.
Who doesn’t love a good musical to get you in the festive spirit?
Make an evening out of it with your flatmates and immerse yourself in the story of the wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Book your golden ticket today!
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Celebrate the holiday season in style with these amazing events and activities taking place in Leeds.
The city really is overflowing with Christmas magic, experience it for yourself!
Celebrate Christmas within your luxury student accommodation, whether it’s having a Christmas party, making a festive dinner or baking some festive bakes, the list is endless.
We absolutely love to see you all having fun, don’t forget to tag us in any of your pictures @prestigestudentliving.
Leave the cooking for one night and take a read of our post on the 10 Best Places To Eat In Leeds.
