Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds at Christmas during the 1960s.Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds at Christmas during the 1960s.
Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds at Christmas during the 1960s.

How Leeds celebrated Christmas during the 1960s

This gallery sure to provide Christmas cheer for a generation who remember festivities in Leeds during the 1960s.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 24th Dec 2021, 11:56 BST
Updated 24th Dec 2021, 12:37 BST

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They provide a fascinating insight into how a city came together with a sense of festive spirit in a decade which must-have presents included Barbie's Dream House, easy bake oven, Wham-O Super Ball, and Hot Wheels. Singles which made it to the top of the Christmas charts featured Moon River by Danny Williams, Return To Sender by Elvis Presley and four songs by The Beatles including I Want To Hold Your Hand, Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out and Hello, Goodbye. READ MORE: How Leeds celebrated Christmas during the 1970s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Christmas morning carol singing on Great Northern Street by members of Morley Friends' Adult School Men's Class in December 1961. PIC: David Atkinson Archive

1. Leeds at Christmas in the 1960s

Christmas morning carol singing on Great Northern Street by members of Morley Friends' Adult School Men's Class in December 1961. PIC: David Atkinson Archive Photo: David Atkinson Archive

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Christmas decorations at night looking south up Queen Street towards Morley Town Hall in December 1968. Shops are lit up on the left hand side of the road and Scatcherd Park can be seen on the right. PIC: David Atkinson Archive

2. Christmas in Leeds during the 1960s

Christmas decorations at night looking south up Queen Street towards Morley Town Hall in December 1968. Shops are lit up on the left hand side of the road and Scatcherd Park can be seen on the right. PIC: David Atkinson Archive Photo: David Atkinson Archive

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December 1966 and The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds, Alderman Joshua S. Walsh and his wife, attended the launch of the YEP's Christmas Toy Appeal. It invited people to place a toy on the Christmas tree to be given to children in need.

3. Christmas in Leeds

December 1966 and The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds, Alderman Joshua S. Walsh and his wife, attended the launch of the YEP's Christmas Toy Appeal. It invited people to place a toy on the Christmas tree to be given to children in need. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds, Alderman Joshua S. Walsh and his wife, at the launch of the Leeds Council of Social Service Christmas Appeal in December 1966. The display features a Christmas tree and a garden with a nativity scene.

4. Christmas in Leeds

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds, Alderman Joshua S. Walsh and his wife, at the launch of the Leeds Council of Social Service Christmas Appeal in December 1966. The display features a Christmas tree and a garden with a nativity scene. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Leeds traders were invited to see six colour illuminated lanterns which will give the city a "magic wonderland" touch during Christmas in 1962. Pictured in a Leeds bus garage is one of the lanterns - as tall as a double deck bus - and lit up for the visitors.

5. Leeds at Christmas

Leeds traders were invited to see six colour illuminated lanterns which will give the city a "magic wonderland" touch during Christmas in 1962. Pictured in a Leeds bus garage is one of the lanterns - as tall as a double deck bus - and lit up for the visitors.

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Shoppers laden with the fruits of battle queue on Briggate for the bus home on Christmas Eve in 1962.

6. Leeds at Christmas

Shoppers laden with the fruits of battle queue on Briggate for the bus home on Christmas Eve in 1962.

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