The Child Friendly Leeds winter guide!
The Child Friendly Leeds one-page guide to free and low-cost things to do this winter!
Booking information found below…
Meet the cast of the Christmas Pantomine
30 November between 12:00 and 13:00 at the Christmas Markets on City Square.
Join Gaston and the enchanted ensemble of Beauty and the Beast from the Carriageworks Theatre for a magical meet and greet at the City Square Christmas Market! Bring your family and friends to capture a special holiday memory and strike a pose with this beloved character, fresh from the panto stage.
Leeds Christmas Market
22 November to 22 December.
This year the traditional Christmas markets will take-over two prime locations in the heart of the city centre – City Square and Millennium Square, with a variety of festival stalls selling unique gifts, crafts and delicious treats from around the world. Soak up the atmosphere and tuck into a standout selection of food and drink options that embody the Christmas spirit we all know and love around this time of year. Find out more:
‘To Leeds, With Love’ Christmas animation
12 to 22 December, 16:30 to 17:30
LeedsBID is set to transform The Queens Hotel once again, as it hosts the return of its highly anticipated Christmas projection. This year’s festive spectacle will feature an original animated story entitled “To Leeds, With Love,” with a massive 187 showings across 11 days.
Narrated by renowned British actor Richard Armitage, this year’s animation reimagines “The 12 Days of Christmas” in a tribute to the famous song.
Christmas at Temple Newsam**
30 Nov – 23 Dec, included with admission
Admission costs: age 5-16 is £3.50; age 17+ is £8; family ticket is £19
Join us at Temple Newsam for Christmas events throughout December. From exploring our beautifully decorated mansion to taking a festive tour of Home Farm, there’s lots for families to enjoy. Father Christmas will be meeting children in the house to hear their Christmas wishes and give them an early present, and Mrs Claus returns with her interactive storytelling sessions. There will be crafts and activities across the estate, and plenty of mince pies to enjoy in our cosy tea rooms.
Festive Mystery Matinees (film screenings)**
17 December to 5 January (excluding 19, 23-26 December & 1 January). Included with admission
Admission costs: age 5-16 is £3.50; age 17+ is £8; family ticket is £19
Join us at Temple Newsam for Christmas events throughout December. From exploring our beautifully decorated mansion to taking a festive tour of Home Farm, there’s lots for families to enjoy. Father Christmas will be meeting children in the house to hear their Christmas wishes and give them an early present, and Mrs Claus returns with her interactive storytelling sessions. There will be crafts and activities across the estate, and plenty of mince pies to enjoy in our cosy tea rooms.
Story & Rhyme (for under 5s and parents/carers)
Join us at local libraries across Leeds for a weekly fun session of sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A great opportunity to meet with others and join the library as part of your visit.
Daily weekday sessions and various locations – follow the link for all details.
Week 1
1 December to 8 December
Christmas Playroom @ Christmas Market*
30 November and 1 December at Sunny Bank Mills
Join us in the Enchanted Forest for sensory play activities, and adventure into your imagination with local storyteller Liv. She runs interactive workshops and storytelling sessions that make you and your child a part of the story!
Suitable for all ages, children must be always accompanied by an adult. (suggested donation of £2 per person)
Code Club (Christmas themed)
Tuesday 3 December 15:30 to 16:30 at Halton Community Hub & Library
Start your coding adventure with Leeds Libraries! You will discover our easy-to-follow projects which will help you to learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations, and websites in a supportive environment.
Leeds Libraries Code Clubs are suitable for ages 8-12.
Meet and greet with Santa
Saturday 7 December 12:00 to 15:00 at Kirkgate Market
Come and say hi to Santa who will be visiting the market for photos. Grab a selfie on our brand new sleigh and say hi to the main man.
Santa will be walking around the indoor and outdoor market and making a stop for photos and handing out a treat for visitors.
The Museum of Roadside Magic
Saturday 7 December at Sunny Bank Mills
The Museum of Roadside Magic is the culmation of a dedicated period of research by museum custodian Libby Bove. Libby is currently exhibiting work in the Gallery as part of LORE – our exhibition exploring contemporary folklore. Visit the Mills during the first weekend of December to explore the Museum and chat to Libby. The Museum Van & Gift Shop will be parked opposite the sheep at the Weaver’s Yard car park entrance all weekend.
FREE
Santa at the Museum**
Saturday 7 December & Sunday 8 December 12:00 to 16:00 at Abbey House Museum
Booking required, £7 ticket plus admission (adult £6.80; Child (age 3-18) £3.30 ; family (up to 2 adults & 3 children) £15)
Make magical memories with a visit to Santa at Abbey House Museum. Chat to Santa about what you would like for Christmas, pose for pictures, and receive a gift. Experience our seasonally decorated Victorian streets. There will be silly hats for selfies, a letter to Santa to write and colour and storybooks for some quiet family time. Grab a craft bag on the way out to carry on the fun. General admission is payable on arrival at the museum.
Book here:
Week 2
9 December to 15 December
Code Club (Christmas themed)
Tuesday 10 December 15:45 to 16:45 at Compton Centre Community Hub & Library
Start your coding adventure with Leeds Libraries! You will discover our easy-to-follow projects which will help you to learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations, and websites in a supportive environment.
Leeds Libraries Code Clubs are suitable for ages 8-12.
Code Club (Christmas themed)
Thursday 12 December 16:30 to 17:30 at Compton Centre Community Hub & Library
Start your coding adventure with Leeds Libraries! You will discover our easy-to-follow projects which will help you to learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations, and websites in a supportive environment.
Leeds Libraries Code Clubs are suitable for ages 8-12.
Code Club (Christmas themed)
Saturday 14 December 16:30 to 17:30 at Compton Centre Community Hub & Library
Start your coding adventure with Leeds Libraries! You will discover our easy-to-follow projects which will help you to learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations, and websites in a supportive environment.
Leeds Libraries Code Clubs are suitable for ages 8-12.
Meet and greet with Santa
Saturday 14 December 12:00 to 15:00 at Leeds Kirkgate Market
Come and say hi to Santa who will be visiting the market for photos. Grab a selfie on our brand new sleigh and say hi to the main man.
Santa will be walking around the indoor and outdoor market and making a stop for photos and handing out a treat for visitors.
Libellule Theatre presents…The Stolen Stories of Winterlight**
Saturday 14 Dec (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00) and Sunday 15 Dec (2 showings at 11:00 & 13:00) at Leeds Central Library
This year’s show has been created with accessibility at its heart. Audio description has been woven into the story, and sound used to creatively convey a sense of the people and places featured. These elements not only support children who are partially sighted, blind and neuro-diverse, but enhance the experience for everyone. The show lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Santa at the Museum**
Saturday 14 Dec & Sunday 15 Dec 12:00 to 16:00 at Abbey House Museum
Booking required, £7 ticket plus admission (adult £6.80; Child (age 3-18) £3.30 ; family (up to 2 adults & 3 children) £15)
Make magical memories with a visit to Santa at Abbey House Museum. Chat to Santa about what you would like for Christmas, pose for pictures, and receive a gift. Experience our seasonally decorated Victorian streets. There will be silly hats for selfies, a letter to Santa to write and colour and storybooks for some quiet family time. Grab a craft bag on the way out to carry on the fun. General admission is payable on arrival at the museum.
Book here:
Week 3
16 December to 22 December
Code Club (Christmas themed)
Tuesday 17 December 15:30 to 16:30 at Pudsey Community Hub & Library
Start your coding adventure with Leeds Libraries! You will discover our easy-to-follow projects which will help you to learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations, and websites in a supportive environment.
Leeds Libraries Code Clubs are suitable for ages 8-12.
Meet and greet with Santa
Saturday 21 December from 12:00 to 15:00 at Kirkgate Market
Come and say hi to Santa who will be visiting the market for photos. Grab a selfie on our brand new sleigh and say hi to the main man.
Santa will be walking around the indoor and outdoor market and making a stop for photos and handing out a treat for visitors.
Libellule Theatre presents…The Stolen Stories of Winterlight**
Saturday 21 December (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00) and Sunday 22 (2 showings at 11:00 & 13:00) at Leeds Central Library
This year’s show has been created with accessibility at its heart. Audio description has been woven into the story, and sound used to creatively convey a sense of the people and places featured. These elements not only support children who are partially sighted, blind and neuro-diverse, but enhance the experience for everyone. The show lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Santa at the Museum**
Saturday 21 Dec & Sunday 22 Dec 12:00 to 16:00 at Abbey House Museum
Booking required, £7 ticket plus admission (adult £6.80; Child (age 3-18) £3.30 ; family (up to 2 adults & 3 children) £15)
Make magical memories with a visit to Santa at Abbey House Museum. Chat to Santa about what you would like for Christmas, pose for pictures, and receive a gift. Experience our seasonally decorated Victorian streets. There will be silly hats for selfies, a letter to Santa to write and colour and storybooks for some quiet family time. Grab a craft bag on the way out to carry on the fun. General admission is payable on arrival at the museum.
Book here:
Make Your Own Lore (ages 6 to 11)**
Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December at Sunny Bank Mills
£6.50 per person
During this family friendly workshop, you will work together to create your own family folklore costume with arts engagement co-ordinator Sonia Moran.
Working together in our dedicated workshop space, you will create a family lore and design a costume that represents your folklore. At the end of the session, the participating children will model the costumes in the gallery space and have the chance to pose for photos in
Week 4
23 December to 29 December
Meet and greet with Santa
Monday 23 December 12:00 to 15:00 at Kirkgate Market
Come and say hi to Santa who will be visiting the market for photos. Grab a selfie on our brand new sleigh and say hi to the main man.
Santa will be walking around the indoor and outdoor market and making a stop for photos and handing out a treat for visitors.
Libellule Theatre presents…The Stolen Stories of Winterlight**
Monday 23 December (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00)
Tuesday 24 December (2 showings at 10:30 & 13:00)
Friday 27 December (2 showings at 11:00 & 14:00)
Saturday 28 December (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00)
Sunday 29 December (2 showings at 11:00 & 13:00)
This year’s show has been created with accessibility at its heart. Audio description has been woven into the story, and sound used to creatively convey a sense of the people and places featured. These elements not only support children who are partially sighted, blind and neuro-diverse, but enhance the experience for everyone. The show lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Week 5
30 December to 5 January
Libellule Theatre presents…The Stolen Stories of Winterlight**
Monday 30 December (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00)
Tuesday 31 December (2 showings at 11:00 & 14:00)
Friday 3 January (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00)
Saturday 4 January (3 showings at 10:30, 13:00 & 15:00)
Sunday 5 January (2 showings at 11:00 & 13:00)
This year’s show has been created with accessibility at its heart. Audio description has been woven into the story, and sound used to creatively convey a sense of the people and places featured. These elements not only support children who are partially sighted, blind and neuro-diverse, but enhance the experience for everyone. The show lasts approximately 50 minutes.
events with a * cost £1 to £5, events with ** cost £5 to £10
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[…] a busy time of the year but have a look at this Leeds guide for free and low-cost things to do this winter – from opportunities to meet Santa to a chance to enjoy a festive mystery […]
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