West Yorkshire Gears Up for Festive Season 2025

A range of Christmas events and markets planned across the region

As the festive season approaches, West Yorkshire is preparing a variety of Christmas-themed events and markets across its towns and cities. From traditional Christmas markets and pantomimes to illuminated trails and cultural celebrations, the region offers activities for residents and visitors throughout November and December 2025.

Leeds Christmas Events

Leeds will host its annual Christmas Market from 21 November to 21 December, centred around City Square and Millennium Square. The market features over sixty stalls offering gifts, crafts, and international food. Additionally, the Little Bird artisan markets will operate in Bond Court on weekends during the market period, with the ArtsMix Market at Albion Place providing further arts and crafts options.

The Ice Cube Christmas Experience returns to Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens between 21 November and 31 December, including a traditional carousel, a big wheel, and an outdoor ice-skating rink. Food and drink stalls will also be available.

Leeds’ City Varieties Music Hall will present a Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime of “Aladdin” from 28 November to 11 January 2026, combining audience participation with rock music.

Historic Houses and Illuminations

• Lotherton Hall: The Christmas Experience runs from 22 November to 4 January, featuring decorated halls, light displays, and a visit from Father Christmas.
• Temple Newsam: From 6 to 20 December, festive activities include storytelling with Mrs Claus, crafts, and a Christmas Tree Trail on weekends.
• Harewood House: The Grand Christmas Ball event takes place from 8 November to 4 January, recreating a Regency-era festive celebration.
• Northern Lights Leeds: An immersive illuminated trail at Temple Newsam from 21 November to 31 December offers interactive light displays and a Christmas Village.

Festive Highlights in Bradford

Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre will stage “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” pantomime from 6 December to 18 January, featuring well-known performers. The city centre will host a Christmas Market in the Courtyard from 7 to 13 December, alongside Darley Street Market and the BID Wheel attraction from 18 November to 21 December.

In Haworth, festive activities will take place on weekends throughout December, including a Torchlight Parade, Christmas Music Weekend, and Nativity Weekend. Visitors can also explore the Brontë Parsonage Museum and ride the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway with special festive trains.

Ilkley will feature Christmas Teepees at the Rugby Club from 5 to 21 December, offering a seasonal setting with food and drinks. Saltaire will present its Living Advent Calendar from 1 December to 1 January, with illuminated windows across the village.

Bradford Museums will host several events, including Deck the Halls at Bolling Hall, a Victorian Christmas Market at Bradford Industrial Museum, and Christmas at the Castle at Cliffe Castle Museum on selected dates in November and December.

Calderdale Seasonal Events

• The Piece Hall Christmas Markets: Fridays to Sundays from 14 November to 21 December, featuring independent producers and artisan makers.
• Halifax Minster Christmas Tree Festival: From 5 to 8 December, displaying over 40 decorated trees with live music and refreshments.
• Hebden Makes Christmas: From 5 to 7 December, local artists and craftspeople open studios and hold fairs in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd.
• Shibden Hall: Traditional Christmas decorations and historical displays on 12 and 13 December.
• Beauty and the Beast Pantomime: At Victoria Theatre, Halifax, from 12 December to 4 January, including signed and relaxed performances.

Kirklees Festive Programme

Huddersfield will hold the Merry & Bright Winter Celebration on 29 November, featuring storytelling, puppetry, a Christmas market, and a town-wide illumination event. Dewsbury’s Christmas event is scheduled for 6 December with live music, theatre, workshops, and a Christmas market.

Opera North will perform a Christmas Gala Concert at Dewsbury Town Hall on 11 December. Family-friendly sessions with Santa at Oakwell Hall in Birstall are planned for 20 and 21 December, designed to accommodate children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre will stage “Beauty and the Beast” from 1 December to 4 January 2026, featuring a mix of music, comedy, and audience participation.

Wakefield Christmas Activities

Wakefield’s Light Up Wakefield event will take place from 21 to 23 November, including a Christmas lights switch-on, a lantern parade, and interactive installations. The Hepworth Wakefield will host its Festive Market on weekends in late November, with over 75 stalls and family activities.

Nostell Priory will present a Narnia-inspired Christmas experience from 1 December to 5 January, featuring themed decorations and appearances by Father Christmas on weekends.

The Christmas Cé