Affordable Christmas Events and Activities in Leeds

Enjoy Festive Music, Markets, Shows and More Across the City

Leeds offers a variety of free and low-cost events this Christmas season, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy festive celebrations without significant expense. From musical performances and theatre shows to markets and family activities, the city has a diverse programme running throughout November and December 2025.

Musical Performances Across Leeds

From 29 November to 20 December, Kirkgate Market will host free musical performances featuring groups such as the Leeds Phoenix Choir, Leeds Phoenix Band, Leeds Rock Choir, and Leeds Concert Band. These concerts provide entertainment for shoppers and visitors to the market.

Additional performances include:

• Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Bridge St Brass quintet at Leeds Conservatoire on 3 December, presenting festive arrangements including “Fairytale of New York” and music from “The Polar Express”.
• The Community Choir at Leeds City Museum on 5 December performing festive songs.
• The Choirs of Leeds Cathedral performing Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols along with seasonal favourites on 15 December.
• The annual Lord Mayor’s family carol concert at Leeds Minster on 18 December, with tickets priced at £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for concessions.

Brass bands, choirs, and entertainers also perform free of charge most Thursdays to Sundays at the Leeds Christmas market on City Square and Bond Court.

Theatre and Screenings

Leeds Central Library will present The Elves and the Storyteller by Fidget Theatre from 6 to 31 December. This show is a pay-what-you-decide event suitable for children aged 3 to 7 years.

From 12 to 24 December, Leeds Heritage Theatres will screen Christmas classics including The Snowman, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and The Muppet Christmas Carol, with tickets starting at £2.50.

Kirkgate Market will host free performances of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk on 22 and 23 December.

Christmas Markets in Leeds

The Christmas Market at City Square runs from 21 November to 21 December, featuring over 60 chalets offering artisan gifts, seasonal food and drink, and traditional Glühwein.

Other markets include:

• Little Bird artisan market at Bond Court every Thursday to Sunday from 20 November to 21 December, showcasing independent Yorkshire producers.
• Compass House SEN School market at Kirkgate Market from 8 to 12 December, selling unique handcrafted goods.
• A traditional Christmas Market at Kirkgate Market from 18 to 20 December.

Festive Activities and Family Experiences

Leeds museums and heritage sites offer various festive activities:

• Abbey House Museum hosts A Dickensian Christmas on 8 December, featuring Victorian traditions, book readings, music, and mince pies. Tickets cost £5 plus booking fee.
• Temple Newsam’s Home Farm runs decoration workshops from 6 to 23 December, with a £3 fee plus admission.
• Festive trails include the 12 Days of Elfmas Trail at Leeds City Museum (donation-based), the Christmas Tree Trail at Temple Newsam House (£10 for adults, £4.40 for children), and the Decked in History: Home Farm Trail (included in admission).
• The Merrion Centre offers free festive activities where children can meet characters from Christmas stories.
• The Royal Armouries Museum provides free entry and seasonal shows such as Nutcracker vs Mouse King.
• Mill Hill Chapel hosts free family craft sessions on 6 and 13 December from 2pm to 5pm.

Photo Opportunities Around the City

Leeds is decorated with festive lights and installations suitable for photography. Highlights include:

• The Snowland Storybook at Victoria Leeds, available until 14 December, with professional photographers present on weekends.
• Festive light-up wings on Sidney Street near Victoria Gate.
• Photo booths at Leeds Christmas Market.
• Decorations at local hotels, including nutcracker displays at The Queens Hotel and a sleigh at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

These events and activities offer a range of options for those seeking to celebrate the Christmas season in Leeds while managing costs.