Festive Events and Activities in Leeds This Christmas

Explore Free and Low-Cost Family Activities Across Leeds

Leeds is offering a range of festive events and activities over the Christmas period suitable for families and children of various ages. These include craft workshops, festive trails, storytelling sessions, and seasonal markets, many of which are free or low cost. Below is a summary of some of the key events taking place across the city.

Craft Workshops at Temple Newsam Home Farm

• Children’s Festive Craft Workshop: Stick Santas
  Date: 29–30 November
  Details: Children aged 7 and over can learn basic wood whittling skills to create Stick Santas using child-friendly tools and locally sourced materials.
  Cost: £3 plus farm admission (booking required)
• Children’s Festive Craft Workshop: Wood Slice Tree Decorations
  Date: 6–23 December
  Details: Suitable for children aged 3+, this workshop involves making wood slice decorations with natural materials and paint pens, with adult assistance.
  Cost: £3 plus farm admission (booking required)

Festive Trails and Storytelling

• Decked in History: Festive Trail and Storytelling at Temple Newsam Home Farm
  Date: 29 November – 4 January
  Details: Explore a festive trail featuring traditional handcrafted decorations and interpretive trees telling the history of the farm.
  Cost: Included in farm admission
• 12 Animals of Christmas at Tropical World
  Date: 1–31 December
  Details: Visitors can find 12 festive animal stars around the indoor zoo, learning facts about each species.
  Cost: Included in Tropical World admission
• 12 Days of Elfmas Trail at Leeds City Museum
  Date: 2 December – 4 January
  Details: A trail featuring elf characters in festive scenes throughout the museum, with a sticker reward at the gift shop.
  Cost: Donation-based (“give what you can”)
• Starry Winter Walk at Kirkstall Abbey
  Date: 6–24 December
  Details: A trail to spot stars hidden around the abbey ruins.
  Cost: Donation-based (“give what you can”)

Seasonal Performances and Markets

• Christmas at Kirkgate Market
  Date: 6–23 December
  Details: Festive markets, musical performances, pantomime shows, and Santa meet-and-greets.
  Cost: Free
• Fidget Theatre presents The Elves and the Storyteller at Leeds Central Library
  Date: 6–31 December
  Details: A family-friendly show featuring storytelling and songs, recommended for ages 3 to 7.
  Cost: Donation-based with a £3 minimum

Events at Abbey House Museum

• Santa at Abbey House Museum
  Date: 6–21 December
  Details: Santa will be available for meet-and-greets in a festive grotto.
  Cost: £7.50 plus general admission
• A Dickensian Christmas
  Date: 8 December
  Details: An event featuring Victorian Christmas traditions, Dickens-inspired objects, book readings, and music.
  Cost: £5.50 per person

Other Family Activities

• A Very Pom Pom Christmas at Leeds Industrial Museum
  Date: 20 December – 4 January
  Details: Pom pom trail, collage and card-making workshops, and family-friendly Christmas films under fairy lights.
  Cost: Included in museum admission

These events contribute to Child Friendly Leeds Wish 7, which aims to ensure children and young people in Leeds have access to diverse cultural experiences and activities throughout the city.

For more information and to book tickets where required, visit the official Leeds City Council website or contact the Leeds City Council Communications team.