Christmas is officially on its way to West Yorkshire, and Father Christmas already has a packed diary across Leeds.
Whether you are looking for a quick, budget-friendly grotto visit while tackling the gift shopping or a full-blown theatrical North Pole adventure, we have rounded up 13 confirmed places where families can meet the big man so far in 2026.
Of course, it is still early in the festive season - and should Santa decide to squeeze any extra appearances into his schedule over the coming weeks, rest assured the Yorkshire Evening Post will be tracking his whereabouts and updating this guide.
Wink!
7. Santa Land Grotto (Woodbank Garden Centre)
No advance booking is needed for walk-in visits (£12.50 per child) to this West Yorkshire garden center grotto, where children can hand-deliver wish lists and watch a gift appear through Santa’s chimney 🎅 From November 28 | Iconic
8. Santa’s Tea Party (John Lewis Leeds)
Running for one weekend only, this city center tea party includes story time with Santa and his elves, hot chocolate, festive treats, and a PLUS-PLUS toy gift to take home (£25 per child, £8 per adult, plus booking fees) 🎅 December 4 - December 6 | Canva
9. Harewood’s Elf Village Father Christmas Experience (Harewood House)
This two-hour theatrical experience on the North Lawn features storytelling, Santa School, crafts in the Tinker Tent, and a North Pole Post Office before a personal family meeting with Father Christmas (£39.95–£49.95, or £19.95 for member adults) 🎅 Selected dates, December 5 - December 24
10. Santa’s Express (Middleton Railway)
Climb aboard a heritage steam train at the world’s oldest working railway as Santa hands out presents on board, followed by a grotto photo and complimentary mince pies, biscuits, and juice back at the station (£18 ages 3–10, £14.50 adults) 🎅 Selected dates, December 5 - December 24 | Iconic
11. The Elf Academy (Temple Newsam)
Youngsters can join Mrs Christmas inside the historic Leeds house to train as official elves, make reindeer food, decorate biscuits, and meet Father Christmas himself (from £16 plus general admission) 🎅 Selected dates, December 5 - December 23 | James Hardisty
12. Christmas Santa Experience (The Mansion)
Set inside Roundhay Park’s Grade II-listed Mansion, daytime and early evening sittings combine live entertainment and a festive afternoon tea buffet with a one-to-one Santa visit and gift (£26 per adult and child) 🎅 Weekends, December 5 - December 20