Updated on 31st October 2024
Written on Food and Drink Updated on 31st October 2024

The Electric Press offers drinking, dining and dancing options, along with a 350-seat theatre, live events and fun-filled experiences, right in the heart of Leeds.

Gather your friends, stick your out of office on and head to The Electric Press for the ultimate festive outing.

Looking for a venue for your big Christmas outing? Look no further. With six unique venues all under one roof, The Electric Press is the perfect spot to celebrate – and you won’t even need to brave the weather.

Step inside the historic Grade II-listed building and you’ll find a buzzing hub of festive cheer, all decked out and ready for seasonal celebrations. Here’s why you need to put The Electric Press on your Christmas list.

Sip seasonal cocktails at Be At One

Bar shelves with glasses next to shelves of spirit bottles, below a light bulb sign that says 'cocktails', at Be At One

Nothing says Christmas party like cocktails, and at Be At One you’ll find over 100 of them, including five very special festive serves. Will it be a Blue Christmas or will you be walking in a Whisky Wonderland?

Visiting in a group? Be sure to check out their drinks packages to bag big savings. For something different, their cocktail masterclasses are getting a seasonal makeover, so you can learn how to shake up all your favourite festive bevs.

Catch a festive panto at Carriageworks Theatre

A pantomime character on stage

Credit: Alex Boundy

Panto season is upon us, and Carriageworks Theatre have pulled out all the stops with their production of Beauty & the Beast. Showing from Friday 22nd November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025, it promises fun for all the family.

You’ll follow bookworm Belle and her band of merry characters on a journey to find out that beauty is more than just skin-deep. Expect stunning scenery, gorgeous costumes and plenty of audience interaction!

Celebrate Yule like a viking at Whistle Punks

Someone holding an axe behind their head at Whistle Punks Axe Throwing

Credit: Whistle Punks

If your idea of Christmas fun involves slinging axes at a target, boy do we have the venue for you. Whistle Punks is the ultimate viking-inspired activity bar, where you can learn a brand new party trick (don’t try it at home).

You’ll kick things off with an instructor-led training session, learning all the ropes, before you go at it alone and put all your new-found skills into practice. Afterwards, it’s time for pizzas and pints – axe throwing is thirsty work!

Tuck into a Christmas dinner at Revolution

A group of people toasting glasses at Revolution Electric Press

Revolution has been throwing unforgettable parties for over two decades from its home in the historic Electric Press, and now it’s getting a festive makeover just in time for Christmas. From lunch through to huge work dos, there’s something for everyone.

They’ve got multiple spaces available for private hire, and you can fuel your revellers with everything from festive canapés to a three-course meal. Prawn cocktail, turkey and trimmings and a chocolate brownie – now that’s what we call Christmas!

Or turn your back on turkey at Tavernaki

A plate of souvlaki at Tavernaki bistro in Leeds

© Copyright Leeds-List 2024

But if you’ve had your fill of festive food and you just want to relive the summer, head to Tavernaki for authentic Greek cuisine. Close your eyes and you’ll be transported straight back to the shores of Mykonos.

There’s everything from stuffed vine leaves and feta saganaki to beef stifado and moussaka, alongside chargrilled souvlaki served with pitta, chips and tzatziki. With plenty of Greek spirits, wines and beers to toast with, it’s the perfect choice for a Mediterranean-infused Christmas.

Go all out at Playroom

A DJ behind the decks at Playroom

Drinking, dining and dancing destination Playroom has set its sights on being Leeds’ number one Christmas venue, and with the ability to hire out the entire club, they might be on to something.

The gigantic space fits up to 500, and they’ll also throw in a photographer, flower wall, magician and a DJ playing any genre you like. On a smaller scale, their famous Back When brunches are continuing all through December, promising free-flow drinks and retro tunes.

Try something new at Red Chilli

A portion of authentic Chinese food at Red Chilli

When it comes to authentic Chinese food, you can’t go wrong at Red Chilli. From the moment you step inside the sprawling restaurant you’ll be hit by the aroma of tantalising dishes, kicking off a sensory journey into Beijing and Sichuan cuisine.

You’ll find tried and tested dishes like crispy duck and pancakes, and shredded Cantonese chicken, but in a place like this it pays to experiment – the spicy beef in chilli oil is a real treat, as is the fried sweetcorn with salty duck egg yolk.

*Red Chilli is temporarily closed for business.

Cover image credit: Electric Press.