Child Friendly Christmas things to do in Leeds City Centre

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… The Christmas Experience in Leeds just got bigger and better! At this time of year our city sparkles as the streets come to life with Christmas Markets, cosy tipis, spectacular shows, twinkling lights, ice-skating, hot chocolates and traditional fairground rides.

Nutcracker Trail

Can you locate all the Nutcrackers in Leeds City Centre and solve the mystery Christmas word? As part of Leeds Christmas Markets we have placed Nutcrackers in various locations around the City Centre. Locate all the Nutcrackers to solve the mystery Christmas word for your chance of winning a voucher. Simply scan the QR Code on any Nutcracker and follow the instructions provided. Alternatively, you can find the trail map inside our Children’s Activity Booklets located at Leeds City Museum, Central Library, The Carriageworks and Leeds Playhouse. Please return your completed trail map to the Leeds Christmas Markets Office located at the Corn Exchange Christmas Chalets.

Child Friendly Pop-Up Activities

Throughout the festive period, we have many fun choirs, bands, artist and Christmas carols performed around the city centre during weekends. To make it an experience not to forget, you may come across an inflatable Santa and reindeers walking around or the amazing gingerbread characters. In addition, we have the following activities happening:

• Roaming face painter in Leeds City Centre on 2, 10,16 December from 12 – 4pm.
• Crafting & Biscuit Decorating at Leeds Central Library (Children’s Area) on Saturday 2 December 12 – 3pm.
• Face paint and crafts at The Light – upper balcony level on Sunday 17 December 12 – 3pm.
• Balloon Modellers at Dortmund Square on Friday 22 December from 5 – 8pm.
• Santa will be visiting Leeds Corn Exchange every day to open a new door on the giant advent calendar. Say hello and you may receive a gift between 5 – 5.30pm weekdays 1 – 1.30pm weekends.

Christmas Markets are a magical experience that help get everyone into the Christmas Spirit and are held in many countries all over the world. The Market Place have put together this Child Friendly Education Passport as their way of welcoming you to the Market and helping you to find out more about it and it includes the Nutcracker Trail Checklist. You can collect a printed copy of this booklet from either the City Museum, Central Library, the Carriageworks and Leeds Playhouse or download the digital copy below.

The Ice Cube returns

The popular Ice Cube at Christmas will once again be bringing some winter magic to Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street this festive season. Ice Cube will be open every day, Monday to Friday 12pm to 9.30pm (10pm on Fridays), 11am to 10pm on Saturdays and 11am to 7pm on Sundays (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) up until New Year’s Eve.

The magnificent outdoor covered ice rink takes centre stage on Millennium Square. The hugely popular Penguin Club for children aged under 9 will be available every weekend at 10.30am and on selected weekdays during half term.

Families and thrill-seekers alike can also look forward to a festive funfair experience with the return of the thrilling 30m high Starflyer, together with the traditional Golden Gallopers carousel ride on Cookridge Street and the 110ft Leeds Wheel of Light on Victoria Gardens as well as a selection of children’s winter-themed rides and games.

Magical Nights at the Queens

From the 15th to December 23rd, 2023, we invite you to see the magical Christmas projection on the iconic Queens Hotel in Leeds. Leeds BID, one of our favourite city centre ambassadors who brought you Leeds Jurassic Trail & Leeds Bear Hunt bring you a Spectacular Christmas Projection as the Queens Hotel building is brought to life, with Hollywood actress Celia Imrie to voice stunning new city centre animation.

The landmark installation is set to showcase the arrival of Christmas at The Queens Hotel, taking spectators on a tour around their many festive rooms with the help of a very special guest – The Gingerbread Man.

Things to do at Leeds Kirkgate Market

• Leeds Compass house Christmas Market. Compass House is a pop-up shop work experience project for students who attend specialist schools in Leeds selling hand made crafts.  Monday 11th – Friday 15th December 10am-2pm.
• See Santa walking around Kirkgate 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd Dec 11-3pm
• FREE Roller Rink! LS-TEN presents Leeds Christmas Roller Rink. 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December 11am to 3pm. Free 30 minute sessions bookable online.

Visit Leeds this December

Other festive places to visit in Leeds

• The Christmas Experience at Lotherton is back. Are you ready for a magical journey through the enchanting world of Christmas. From visiting Santa in the North Pole to crafting in the Elf Village, there’s something for all the family. Explore the Christmas Traditions Woodland Walk, and Fairy Dell. Marvel at Lotherton’s splendour in the Hall and lit gardens. Full details about The Christmas Experience here.
• Leeds List present their guide with festive things to do including Santa’s Grotto at White Rose Shopping Centre and The Santa Claus Experience at The Mansion in Roundhay Park. More details by Leeds List here.
• Leeds Mumbler have shared their Christmas days out ideas, events and activities in and around Leeds for kids and families in 2023. They have included all the events, places to see Santa, Christmas parties, pantomimes and festive activities for you and your children to enjoy. You can view the full guide on the North Leeds Mumbler Page here.
• Yorkshire Tots have presented their best Christmas days out in Yorkshire that are fun for the full family. You can view more details here.