Christmas events Leeds 2020: all the festive light displays, Santa’s Grottos and winter festivities coming to Leeds and Yorkshire this year

Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus restrictions, we will all be experiencing Christmas a little differently. However, there are still several exciting events to take part in this year. From Murder Mysteries to the Elf Village, there’s something for everyone in Leeds or within an hour's drive across Yorkshire:

The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall

Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB

Returning this year is The Christmas Experience, with several activities for a festive trip out.

The 12 Days of Christmas Woodland Walk is an interactive experience that takes you along twinkling paths through to the Captains Wood.

Visit the hideaway Fairy Dell and listen out for the whispers and giggles of the local fairies, and if you’re lucky enough to score a ticket you can visit Santa and his elves in the Elf Village for either a 40 minute ‘Under the Wishing Tree’ experience for families, or for little one’s, pop into Santa’s Cabin during weekday lunchtimes for a present from Santa himself.

And for a more mature audience, visit Wildlife World for a story about the world’s natural heritage, and meet the playful Humboldt penguins as they splash and play in their pool.

Dates: 27th November - 3rd January

Upon a Christmas Wish at Harewood House

Harewood House Trust, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG

Step into the festive season as Harewood recounts a Christmas tale and the House reveals it’s magic. Created by Lord Whitney, the House will share its favourite memory of when a little girl was granted a festive wish.

Take a walk through beautifully decorated rooms to relive the story, with theatrical Christmas sets and starlit rooms, this is a lovely day out for the family.

Dates: 3rd December - 3rd January

Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

Wetherby Road, Wetherby LS22 4AN

The award-winning Enchanted Forest is back, with dazzling effects and a captivating soundscape that comes together with animated installations to help light up the sky.

The event takes place from dusk and will help the stars come to life over almost a mile of ancient and beautiful woodland.

Open to all ages, this is a light show that you won’t forget.

Dates: 21st November - 3rd January

Heaney and Mill Christmas Market

50 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AL

An outdoor Christmas market on the terrace of a restaurant and bar.

It will sell takeaway food mirroring that of traditional Christmas markets, including schnitzels, burgers, bratwurst and churros.

Dates: December 1 - December 31

Vegan Winter Market

Leeds Kirkgate Market

A unique event featuring over 60 stalls offering a variety of festive vegan produce, including Christmas cakes, mince pies and chocolate.

Entry is from just £5 (under 16’s free) and this includes entry to all areas and activities. Standard tickets are purchased on the day. VIP tickets are £15 and include fast track entry and a goody bag full of vegan products, samples, discounts and offers can be purchased in advance.

Dates: December 13 from 10.30am to 4.30pm

'Dear Leeds' Lights

Leeds Briggate

A festive light installation on Briggate with messages which tell a story to work together or apart.

Depending on which way you're walking down the street, the messages will tell a different story.

Dates: From December 2 throughout the festive period

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Wish Upon A Frozen Star at Castle Howard

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

The Walled Gardens have been turned into a winter wonderland by Jack Frost, leaving a beautiful enchanted world behind.

A light show will be projected onto the side of the house, telling the story of how Father Christmas managed to save Christmas with the help of festive cheer and joy.

With festive illuminations and an immersive soundscape, this is a beautiful event like no other for all the family to enjoy.

Dates: 28th November - 31st December

Santa’s Grotto at Tong Garden Centre

Tong Garden Centre, Tong Lane, BD4 0RY

For a classic Christmas experience, book in your visit to the Tong Garden Centre for the chance to meet Santa himself.

You’ll be escorted by elves down magical pathways, and the little ones can have their pick from any toys from the North Pole toyshop.

Dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th November and 2nd - 6th December and 9th - 24th December

Bedale Christmas festival

Market Place, Bedale / Bedale Hall

An outdoor street market at Market Place and an indoor shopping event at Bedale Hall for a Christmas festival redesigned.

You'll have the chance to meet Santa in his Grotto at the outdoor street market.

Dates: Outdoor street market December 19 / Indoor shopping event December 4 and 5.

Sleigh Rides at Piglets Adventure Farm

Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST

A magical sleigh ride to Santa's Woodland Village.

Santa's elves will take you to the grotto to help you meet Santa in a safe way.

Dates: November 21 - December 24

Santa Reimagined at North Yorkshire Moors Railway

War Office, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 12 Park Street, Pickering, YO18 7AJ

Meet Santa’s helpers and travel on a heritage steam train in your own private compartment, whilst listening to Jingle Bells FM radio.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your family as you travel to Levisham Station, return.

Dates: 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December

Alice in Wonderland Christmas Lights Trail at Lightwater Valley

Water Lane, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT

Lightwater Valley will be home to Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Humpty Dumpty and many more in a lights trail this Christmas.

Watch the Mad Hatter prepare for his crazy tea party, marvel at a four-metre tall Alice lantern and come face to face with the infamous Queen of Hearts herself.

Dates: 4, 5 & 6 December, 11, 12 & 13 December, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 December

Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Branton, Doncaster DN4 6TB

Featuring over 2,400 metres of illuminated trails filled with awe inspiring giant lanterns themed as animals, mystical creatures, Jurassic dinosaurs and more, this shimmering spectacle promises an experience unlike anything seen before.

Colourful magical sculptures and tunnels of light with delicious festive food and drink and more, making these Winter Illuminations a family experience to remember.

Dates: December 2020 - January 2021

Chocolate Christmas Workshop at York's Chocolate Story

3-4 Kings Square, York YO1 7LD

Join a chocolatier for hands on festive fun and learn how to make chocolate based festive fare including tree decorations, Christmas canes and snowball rolling.

This experience lasts 90 minutes and includes a signature hot chocolate each for you all to enjoy.

Dates: 6th, 11th & 13th December

Christmas Event and Fairy Trail, Northwood Trail

Unnamed Road, York YO41

Enjoy a glass of hot punch (alcoholic or non-alcoholic available) before going to the woodland grotto to make a wish and hear a short story for the whole family.

A magical Christmas experience far away from crowds and chaos.

Dates: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 17th-23rd December