Get wrapped up and in the festive mood with our rundown of Christmas activities for kids in Leeds.
It might seem like Christmas comes earlier every year, but it’s never too soon to start planning and booking festive things to with the kids – and there’s loads on in and around Leeds this year. From Santa’s snug grotto to Crimbo shows and pantos, let’s get set for Yuletide…
Santa’s Cabin at the Merrion Centre
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
The Candy Cane Club are escorting Santa – the real one, obvs – back to The Merrion Centre during November and December. He’ll be ready to meet the kids of Leeds in his cosy winter log cabin.
It’s £5 to meet the big man, with upgrades available including a gift from Santa (£2) and a printed picture (£4). There are also dedicated SEND sessions to create a calmer environment for little ones with special educational needs.
Where? The Merrion Centre, Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NG.
When? Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th December 2025.
How much? £5 per child.
Book it: merrioncentre.co.uk
Christmas Adventure
Credit: James Glossop
You can always rely on Stockeld Park to take Yuletide seriously, and from late-November onwards, they’ve got loads of things for you to do if you’re planning a Christmas day out with the kids.
Winter illuminations will light up the forest, there’s a covered rink for ice skating, the electric train gets a festive makeover and Santa will be firmly ensconced in his grotto, awaiting visitors. And that’s just the start of it…
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS2 4AN.
When: Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th December 2025.
How much: Christmas Adventure packages range from £13 to £41.
Book it: stockeldpark.co.uk
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations
There’s a festive twinkle in the eye of Yorkshire Wildlife Park this Christmas, with 3km of lights and lanterns providing the perfect backdrop for a family walk.
The illuminations have an ‘A Wizard’s Quest’ theme this year, whisking you across worlds filled with wizards, witches and wicked snow queens as you take an illuminated trip to Warthogs School. It promises to be magical.
Where: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.
When: Selected dates from Saturday 15th November to Saturday 10th January 2025.
How much: From £13.19 per child and £16.19 per adult.
Book it: yorkshirewildlifepark.com
The White Rose Grotto
All aboard the White Rose Express for the perfect family Christmas visit to the shopping centre in south Leeds. This year, they’ve taken a vintage train carriage and built a grotto inside it.
You’ll need to book ahead, but every kid will receive a present from Father Christmas (age-appropriate, of course) and on Tuesday mornings, they have SEN sessions for a more chilled-out experience.
Where: White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8LU.
When: From Friday 7th November to Wednesday 24th December 2025.
How much: £6.50 per child plus a £1.50 booking fee per family.
Book it: white-rose.co.uk/grotto-24
The Ice Cube
Credit: Elouisa Georgiou
The Ice Cube is back in Millennium Square for the return of Leeds Christmas Markets – and it goes without saying that this is one of the best Christmas activities to do with the kids in Leeds.
Wander through the Bavarian-inspired Christmas market stalls, ride the funfair rides and, the main event, go ice skating. You can book lessons, take the kids to Penguin Club or just skate to your heart’s content.
Where: The Ice Cube, Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
When: Friday 21st November to Wednesday 31st December 2025.
How much: Prices start from £9.50 for kids under 13 years.
Book it: icecubeleeds.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty
Escape into the enchanting world of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas as the popular pantomime returns for another year. You can join in with the mayhem as you witness Princess Aurora’s plight to beat the curse placed on her by the wicked fairy Carabosse.
The show promises dazzling sets, captivating costumes, toe-tapping tunes and audience participation aplenty. It’s a festive family outing you won’t want to miss.
Where: Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Electric Press, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
When: Friday 21st November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much: Ticket prices start from £16.
Book it: carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
Aladdin: The Rock’n’Roll Panto
Ditch your traditional Panto for this rock’n’roll spectacular that’ll leave you thoroughly entertained. Aladdin: The Rock’n’Roll panto is a brilliant blend of audience participation, stitch-inducing cheesy jokes, high-energy rock anthems and chart-smashing hits.
The multi-talented cast will blow you away with their musical and acting prowess. It’s a festive extravaganza that more than deserves its place on your Christmas calendar.
Where: City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LW.
When: Friday 28th November 2025 to Sunday 11th January 2026.
How much: Tickets start from £20.50.
Book it: leedsheritagetheatres.com
A Glittering Invitation to Harewood House
Few places look as lovely as Harewood House does at Christmas, when its grand and imposing architecture gets a marvellous makeover. A day out here is an absolute festive highlight.
Siobhan Murphy is the designer behind the event, sprinkling plenty of festive splendour, conjuring up a unique family-friendly atmosphere using lights, immersive art and storytelling. It’s clever, it’s enchanting and the kids will adore it.
Where: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG.
When: Saturday 8th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much: From £27.95 per adult and £12.95 for children.
Book it: harewood.org
The Christmas Experience
Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries
Lotherton Hall doesn’t half look gorgeous come Christmas time, as decorations adorn the walls, gardens and grounds. Outside is enchanting, with interactive installations and light displays.
Head to the Elf Village for hands-on crafting with Mrs Claus and the elves, meet the fairies in the dell and get a one-on-one with Santa himself. A word of warning – it’s very popular, so book early.
Where: Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB.
When: Saturday 22nd November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much: From £7.50 to £16.95 for kids.
Book it: thechristmasexperience.co.uk
Christopher’s Christmas
As the Nibbles family settle into their Christmas Eve ritual, they learn some shocking news – Santa Clause is lost! Being the brave guinea pigs that they are, they decide to gather together and come up with a plan to save Christmas in Dandeville.
This family-friendly production is written specifically for 2-7 year olds, getting your tots in the seasonal spirit while teaching them important lessons about team work. Performances are Makaton friendly also, making them accessible to everyone.
Where: Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Electric Press, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
When: Sunday 14th to Wednesday 24th December 2025
How much: Tickets start from £9.75 (for groups 4+).
Book it: carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
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. There’s no better time than Christmas to enjoy a night at the ballet!
Where: Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU.
When: Sunday 18th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much: Tickets start from £23.
Book it: leedsheritagetheatres.com
The Wicked 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 Leeds – 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.
Where: First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BY.
When: Wednesday 29th and Tuesday 30th December 2025.
How much: Tickets start from £29.
Book it: firstdirectarena.com
Pinocchio
Credit: LIDOS Theatre
The award-winning LIDOS theatre troupe are back with yet another phenomenal pantomime. This time you’ll follow the old toy-maker Geppetto who, after years of longing, finally gets his wish of a son of his own.
Before he can relax into his new role as a father to the once-puppet-now-boy Pinocchio, he must protect his creation from the evil showman Stromboli. Will Pinocchio learn what it takes to be a ‘real boy’, before it’s too late?
Where: Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Electric Press, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
When: Friday 16th January to Saturday 24th January 2026.
How much: Tickets from £17.
Book it: carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
Northern Lights at Temple Newsam
Credit: Northern Lights Newcastle
Still kicking yourself that you missed the Aurora Borealis when it graced the Leeds skies? Well, never fear, as you and the little ones can experience the very best next thing at Temple Newsam’s Northern Lights experience!
The gardens will be split into 14 illuminated zones, with installations like Kaleidoscope and Glitter Ball Grove sure to wow both young and old alike. There’ll also be unique musical compositions, street food and festive drink to really make it a night to remember.
Where: Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE.
When: Friday 21st November to Wednesday 31st December 2025.
How much: From £15 for adults and £5 for kids.
Book it: northernlightsleeds.com
