From unmissable shows to gigs and family-friendly events, make December one to remember with these amazing events.
It’s going to be another jam-packed month in and around Leeds. There are loads of events taking place across the city, from West End shows to arena spectaculars, family-friendly fun and unforgettable days out. But that only scratches the surface of what’s going on this December, so grab your diary, call your mates and make plans for what will be a busy old month.
Leeds Christmas Markets. Of course, when it comes to December in Leeds, a visit to the Christmas Markets is a must. Until Sunday 21st December 2025, Millennium Square and City Square will be adorned with Bavarian-style stalls selling unique gifts, gorgeous grub and tasty tipples to get you in the festive spirit. Make time to drop by Ice Cube in Millennium Square for a skate, before swinging by Thor’s Tipi in Victoria Gardens to end your visit with a good ol’ dance.
Electric Six. Danger, danger, it’ll be high voltage at O2 Academy on Tuesday 2nd December 2025, as Detroit rockers Electric Six take to the stage. They’ll be bringing their distinctive styling of rock, punk and disco to get you moving and grooving, as they play all the favourites from ‘Gay Bar’ to ‘Dance Commander’.
Miss Saigon. Discover the theatre epic of Miss Saigon as the production comes to Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 13th December 2025. The spectacular musical production follows 17-year-old Kim in the final days of the Vietnam War. After falling in love with Chris, an American GI, she embarks on a three-year journey to be reunited with him after they’re torn apart by the fall of Saigon.
Snapped Ankles. Following the release of their ‘Hard Times Furious Dancing’ album earlier this year, post-punk outfit Snapped Ankles have been on their most extensive UK tour to date. And thankfully for Leeds fans, that includes a stop at Brudenell on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. Expect their unique blend of high energy, multi-media and performance art that adds up to an unforgettable communal experience.
House Gospel Choir. Discover dancefloor classics with a gospel twist at this Project House event on Thursday 4th December 2025. The vibrant choir group was formed by creative director Natalie Maddix in 2014 and it has since grown to be a 150-strong ensemble. Inspired by underground raves and the south London Pentecostal churches Maddix sung in, they perform house hits like you’ve never heard them before.
Christmas Movies by Candlelight. Held at the beautiful Grade-1 listed Leeds Minster and organised by London Concertante, this two-hour event is a cinematic sleigh ride that will take you dashing through a programme of films including Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually, Polar Express and many more. Don your Christmas jumpers and get ready for an unforgettable night of merry melodies on Friday 5th December 2025.
Wolf Alice. Brit Awards and Mercury Prize-winning British alt-rockers Wolf Alice will be electrifying the crowds at the first direct bank arena on Friday 5th December 2025. Their genre-blending style mixes indie, grunge and shoegaze to create dynamic tunes that have garnered devoted fans and critical acclaim alike. With tracks like ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’, ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ and ‘Lipstick on the Glass’, it’s not one to miss.
The Christmas Mindful Lock-in Night Market. Get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up at the Mindful Lock-in Night Market at Corn Exchange on Friday 5th December 2025. You’ll be able to browse independent makers and creators to find one-of-a-kind gifts, as well as soak up the fantastic atmosphere with festive decorations, live music and delicious food and drink offerings – it’s Christmas shopping with a conscious twist.
D-Block Europe. Rap fans of Leeds, be sure to add this one to your diaries. D-Block Europe duo Young Adz and Dirtbike LB will be filling the first direct bank arena with an electrifying atmosphere on Saturday 6th December 2025 as they play a mixture of fan favourites and new tracks from their PTSD2 album. Expect to hear hits like ‘Overseas’, ‘Darling’ and ‘Ferrari Horses’ – it’s set to be a big one.
Credit: Jonathan Ridout
Belgrave Feast. Arrive hungry to Belgrave Music Hall on Saturday 6th December 2025 and you’ll be spoiled for choice. Leeds’ longest running street food market is back with an extra special festive edition – and it’s completely free to attend. Expect the crème de la crème of traders, along with jazz, DJs and Open Play sessions with The Play Tent. It’s a great day out for the whole family – including your four-legged friends.
Babyshambles. Two decades after the release of their critically-acclaimed ‘Down in Albion’ album, and 11 years since their last tour, English indie-rock band Babyshambles are back. After months of speculation, the band announced they would be playing O2 Academy on Sunday 7th December 2025 as part of a string of shows this autumn and winter. Don your finest trilby and get ready to dance forever, if you don’t mind.
The Mega Record Fair. Got your heart set on a certain album? Looking for a specific vinyl for the music lover in your life? The Mega Record Fair will have you sorted. Taking place on Sunday 7th December 2025, it sees an array of different traders descend on Project House to showcase their records, books, paraphernalia and more. After a good browsing session, why not drop into neighbouring Galleria to refuel?
Bad Manners. Fronted by Buster Bloodvessel, English ska and two-tone band Bad Manners will be playing Brudenell as part of their 50th anniversary tour. Phenomenal demand saw their Saturday 6th December 2025 date sell out – but don’t worry, as an extra date has been added on Sunday 7th December 2025. Stir in special guest Max Splodge and you’ve got yourself a ‘Special Brew’.
Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics. Swap the cold Yorkshire weather for fiery Mediterranean vibes as Pete Tong brings one of the hottest music events to the first direct bank arena on Wednesday 10th December 2025. The critically acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, featuring long-time collaborator Jules Buckley, along with a host of special guest DJs and performers, will showcase reimagined house classics, combining orchestra and electronica for a night that’s sure to get you up and dancing your heart out.
Inspiral Carpets. Madchester legends Inspiral Carpets will bring their sophisticated brand of English rock to Leeds this December. Their musical journey has seen them update and evolve over the decades, ensuring they always feel fresh and exciting, whether you’re a diehard fan or a newcomer to their poetic discography. You can catch them at O2 Academy on Friday 12th December 2025.
Madness. Get your ‘Baggy Trousers’ on and secure your tickets to see one of Britain’s most loved bands. Madness will be playing the first direct bank arena on Friday 12th December 2025, performing huge hits from their iconic catalogue, from ‘One Step Beyond’ to ‘Our House’, ‘It Must Be Love’ and many more. Better still, the Nutty Boys will be joined by special guest Squeeze.
Jimmy Carr. If you’re after some laughs, then the man with the iconic chuckle has you covered. Jimmy Carr will be performing his new ‘Laughs Funny’ show at the first direct bank arena on Saturday 13th December 2025, and it’s packed with his trademark razor-sharp, edgy one-liners. Your cheeks will be hurting by the end of it.
Day Fever. Following several sold out events, Day Fever returns to Project House on Saturday 13th December 2025. The day party is the perfect event to burn off some steam and enjoy a nightclub atmosphere – and still get home in time for a good night’s rest. The event is for those aged 30 and up, and the vibes and music are specially curated for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. To mark the 20th anniversary of the release of their seminal album, ‘Howl’, Black Rebel Motorcycle will be playing O2 Academy on Saturday 13th December 2025. The enigmatic psych rock band from the West Coast will be performing tracks from the iconic album, along with fan favourites like ‘Beat the Devil’s Tattoo’, ‘Red Eyes and Tears’ and ‘Spread Your Love’.
Punk Rock Xmas. Tired of tinsel and the same old seasonal tunes? Shake up your festive celebration with Punk Rock Xmas at Brudenell on Saturday 13th December 2025. The event features a stacked card of bands – including the last ever Northern gig by Hard Skin – and is in benefit for Batley Food Bank, so attendees are encouraged to bring donations of cash, food and toiletries.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. It doesn’t feel like the festive season without an appearance from Jools Holland – and you can catch him with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra at the first direct bank arena on Thursday 18th December 2025. The musical maestro will be joined by special guests Imelda May, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka. It’s set to be a spectacular show that will have you boogie woogieing into Christmas cheer.
Credit: Leeds City Museums and Galleries
Christmas Evenings at Temple Newsam. Feel the full magic of the season at the historical Temple Newsam. Christmas Evenings on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th December 2025 invite you to enjoy exclusive late-night entry, where you’ll be enchanted by the decked out grand halls, twinkling lights and centuries-old traditions that inspire yuletide joy. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate, but be sure to book your ticket, as spaces are limited.
Cian Ducrot. Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot will be gracing the crowds of Leeds with his heartfelt genre of indie pop. Following a rise to popularity on Tik Tok for his song ‘All for You’, he released his second album ‘Little Dreaming’ earlier this year, which is sprinkled with shimmering nostalgic sounds and authentic songwriting. You can catch him at O2 Academy on Thursday 18th December 2025.
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Join Clara on her Christmas adventure as she gets swept away to a Winter Wonderland by the charming Nutcracker Prince. There’ll be dazzling dancing snowflakes, the sweeter-than-candy Sugarplum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King threatening to ruin the fun. In true Northern Ballet style, the magnificent music will be played live, the set design will be spectacular and the choreography and costume breathtaking. It will be playing at Leeds Grand from Sunday 18th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
Credit: Emily Nuttall
Fell Out Boy + Black Charade + Ultimate Green Day + Meteora. Relive your finest emo days with this tremendous tribute night at O2 Academy. Clear your diary on Friday 19th December 2025, apply your thickest eyeliner and get ready to dance the night away to Fell Out Boy, The Black Charade (My Chemical Romance tribute), Ultimate Green Day, and Meteora (Linkin Park tribute). It’ll be a night worthy of your Facebook top friends list.
Nirvana UK + Pearl Scam UK + Smashed In Pumpkins. If grunge is more your bag, then take a step back to the 90s at O2 Academy on Saturday 20th December 2025. World renowned tribute band Nirvana UK are one worth catching – from their sound to their style, they strive to be as close to the real deal as possible. They’ll be joined by Pearl Scam and Smashed In Pumpkins for the ultimate rock throwback.
Callum Simpson vs Troy Williamson. Witness boxing history in the making when two rising young stars clash at the first direct bank arena on Saturday 20th December 2025. Barnsley’s own Callum Simpson will go head-to-head with Troy Williamson to determine who will walk away with the British, Commonwealth and European Super Middleweight Championship. Get ready to ruuuuuuumble because this is going to be a fierce fight.
The Grinch: Live-Hosted Christmas Movie Experience. Pay a visit to Whoville at Left Bank on Tuesday 23rd December 2025, with a very special screening of the 2000’s Jim Carrey Grinch movie, hosted by a full-costumed Grinch character. Along with the silver screen festive classic, there’ll be cheeky meet & greets, live performance moments, interactive games and plenty of popcorn and festive treats to tuck into.
Chuckie & Taser’s RNB & Slow Jams Experience the Xmas Edition. See the final weekend of 2025 out in style with this massive RnB and Slow Jams show at O2 Academy. Following a sell-out run across the city, this event will deliver big with impeccable vibes, high energy and sing-a-long tunes covering the biggest RnB anthems. Warm up your vocal chords and we’ll see you on the dancefloor on Saturday 27th December 2025.
The Wizard of Oz – A Cirque Spectacular. In the Emerald Circus, Cirque and pantomime combine for an incredible performance that defies all expectations. The producers of Elf the Musical are bringing their latest theatrical venture to first direct bank arena on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th December 2025 – a high-flying trip down the yellow brick road. Prepare to be mesmerised as the familiar tale of Oz is reimagined with incredible acrobatics, fabulously festive panto-style production and plenty of surprises along the way.
Want to bring in 2026 in style in Leeds? Check out our guide to the best New Year’s Eve events.
