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Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience: Lotherton Hall hosts the ultimate festive day out, packed full of Christmas magic and cheer. The events takes inspiration from traditional story-telling and spreads throughout the estate and Edwardian house. Visitors will enjoy a magical Twelve Days of Christmas Walk, an Elf Village where you’ll find that Santa’s taken up residence to meet the children visitors, plus you can uncover a secret fairy hideaway in the rock garden and enjoy an Edwardian Christmas Weekend in the house.
Have a Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park this year, as Yorkshire’s most unique attraction welcomes guests for a blend of active outdoor fun, theatre, magical illuminations and unique sculpture. Get closer to the magic of Christmas with special events such as an exclusive breakfast with Santa himself and a chance to get that dream present this year at Santa’s Grotto. In addition to the four adventure zones, enjoy the dazzling lights and sights of Stockeld Park’s diverse range of Christmas trees.
Join the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Santa specials at Oxenhope, Haworth or Keighley Stations for a ten-mile return journey on our steam train, lasting around an hour. Do your part in spreading the good will to the world. With special discounts on offer, enjoy a festive day out on an iconic symbol of Yorkshire: the steam train.
Try out ‘Santa, Elves and Sleigh Bells’ at Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre: Experience a classic Christmas at the Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre! Visit the nativity scene in the cosy stable, meet friendly farm animals and take a peek in the manger. Hitch a ride aboard a magical sleigh on your way to meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto. Sip a warming glass of mulled wine, sample delicious hot chocolate and homemade festive goodies and then browse a selection of festive stocking fillers in the Jungle Gift Shop.
Christmas is panto season and there are plenty for you to choose from in Leeds. Two of them stand out though. The Rock and Roll Panto has become a festive tradition in the city, bringing together loud gags and sing-along-worthy tunes. This year they’re doing Sleeping Beauty, complete with a tremendous boulder fight. And if that’s not big enough for you, the grounds of The Tetley will be home to a big top tent, where the White Rose Theatre Company will be putting on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with Geordie Shore’s Scotty T as the Prince, Brookside’s Louis Emerick as the Royal Tax Collector and Corrie’s Tupele Dorgu as the Wicked Queen.
If you want to make your Christmas shopping a little more exciting, you need to go to the Hidden Market at Kirkstall Abbey. Not only is it in a stunning location, but you’ll be stepping into an undercover world inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia. Created by Sneaky Experience, you can expect live music, theatricals and craft stalls. Tuck into festive treats from their street food stalls or enjoy mulled wine, fizz cocktails and craft ales at the bar. This unique experience is family-friendly by day and adult-only by night, so there’s something for everyone. The Hidden Market is at Kirkstall Abbey from Friday 16th to Thursday 22nd December 2016. Booking in advance is recommended.
What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than by meeting Santa’s reindeers in the flesh? You’ll find them at The Merrion Centre, where the kids will have a chance to pet them, before heading off to visit two more festive attractions. They’ve got Santa’s Christmas Post Office, where the little ones can write letters to the big man, as well as the Bauble Grotto where they can meet him in person and pick up a present.
Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman is a Christmas classic that everyone has seen at one time or another – but not like this. The Orchestra of Opera North will bring it to life this December with a live orchestra playing the music as you watch the movie on the big screen. But that’s not all – you’ll also be treated to readings of two nursery rhyme favourites, as John Savourin presents Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs with a big screen picture book.
Every year, Millennium Square is transformed into a traditional German Market. It boasts 40 wooden stalls, filled with everything from jewellery and decorations to chocolate, coffee beans and honey. But it’s not just shopping – they’ve got a trio of bars and restaurants for you to pick up a tasty bite in, and you can also treat the kids to a festive extravaganza. The German Market is open from 10.30am to 9.30pm until Sunday 18th December. New this year is Thor’s Tipi Bar, a Viking inspired drinking den that’s the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry. You’ll find it at Victoria Gardens, where two massive tipis offer a warm place to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or ale. They have street food too, with local favourites The Churro Hut and The Mussel Pot serving up their tasty treats – the latter are set to showcase their new grill offering, think burgers cooked up on the outdoor barbecue. Don’t worry, it’s heated out there, in case you want to tuck in under the stars. Thor’s Tipi Bar is at Victoria Gardens from Friday 18th November 2016 to Saturday 31st December 2016.
Let Leeds would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!
