From charming Christmas markets to picturesque landscapes, these destinations are the perfect place to start if you fancy venturing outside of the city.
Whether you're craving the warmth of a cosy pub, or fancy a shopping trip along a quaint, historic street, our list has something for everyone.
So, without further ado, here’s our guide to escaping the hustle and bustle of Leeds this Christmas and discovering the winter charm that awaits in these beautiful local destinations –
So, without further ado, here’s our guide to escaping the hustle and bustle of Leeds this Christmas and discovering the winter charm that awaits in these beautiful local destinations –
![This year's Christmas Market in York is nothing short of unmissable. The historic city is a short train journey away from Leeds and so would make the perfect December day trip. Explore landmarks like York Minster and the narrow lanes of The Shambles, which have been decorated in festive fashion for its appearance on your Instagram page. There are alpine chalets filled with twinkling lights, unique gifts, delectable street food and handmade crafts at this year's Christmas Market.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmNmOWIxNTIyLTliOTctNGJkMy05YmY0LTYxZDc0YWY3OGQ1MDo2NDJmNzU2OC1hMDhmLTQ2MGQtYjM1Zi1lOTU3ZGMzMjNmNGQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. York
This year's Christmas Market in York is nothing short of unmissable. The historic city is a short train journey away from Leeds and so would make the perfect December day trip. Explore landmarks like York Minster and the narrow lanes of The Shambles, which have been decorated in festive fashion for its appearance on your Instagram page. There are alpine chalets filled with twinkling lights, unique gifts, delectable street food and handmade crafts at this year's Christmas Market. Photo: Simon Hulme
![The Yorkshire Dales are especially magical at Christmas - and can be found a train ride away from Leeds. It becomes a winter wonderland at the season's peak, so don't forget wellies. Each part of the landscape has a unique character, so visitors will never get bored. The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle railway, one of England's most spectacular train journeys, cuts through the National Park with tunnels and viaducts, including the awe-inspiring Ribblehead. Here, snow has been pictured on the fells above Middleham near Leyburn.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQzMTk4NjY5LTBkMTktNGRmOS05ODUyLWJiNjU0NTI0ZTJjYTo4M2U4NmFmYS0xN2EwLTRiOTktOWViMy0wMjNkOThmYjE1YTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are especially magical at Christmas - and can be found a train ride away from Leeds. It becomes a winter wonderland at the season's peak, so don't forget wellies. Each part of the landscape has a unique character, so visitors will never get bored. The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle railway, one of England's most spectacular train journeys, cuts through the National Park with tunnels and viaducts, including the awe-inspiring Ribblehead. Here, snow has been pictured on the fells above Middleham near Leyburn. Photo: Tony Johnson
![The beautiful coastal town of Scarborough is brimming with Christmas cheer in December. Just a leisurely train ride away, you could take in the historic Scarborough Castle before indulging in fish and chips on the beach - but wrap up warm! The journey takes around an hour and a half, making it easily accessible from Leeds. The Scarborough Sparkle event, on North Bay, brings people from across the country to try mulled wine, listen to Christmas music, and warm up by log fires. Pictured here is the festive hot roast chestnuts stand at a recent edition of the event.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjY2OTFiYTdmLThhNjItNDUwNS1hZDZiLTYxYTdlNmI3YjdiNzpiZjU5ZmI2YS0zMDkxLTRhMzctYmJmNi00MTI1YTk3MjBjYmQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. Scarborough
The beautiful coastal town of Scarborough is brimming with Christmas cheer in December. Just a leisurely train ride away, you could take in the historic Scarborough Castle before indulging in fish and chips on the beach - but wrap up warm! The journey takes around an hour and a half, making it easily accessible from Leeds. The Scarborough Sparkle event, on North Bay, brings people from across the country to try mulled wine, listen to Christmas music, and warm up by log fires. Pictured here is the festive hot roast chestnuts stand at a recent edition of the event. Photo: Richard Ponter
![Halifax is not far from Leeds and can be reached by train. There are bustling markets and an array of shops and eateries to explore this Christmas. The beautiful Piece Hall dazzles each year with a huge Christmas tree and a traditional carousel, along with family shows and live music. Here's a shot from this year's Christmas Parade in Halifax that saw thousands of visitors flock to see the Illuminated puppets brought to life by local company Handmade Productions.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjFlMGM2MjVlLWYyNWEtNGY0MS05OWZiLWE2NTVhYzUxZTZkYjo5MWZiYjE1MC05NjhkLTQyNDctYjcyMi0zMTA4M2IwNDFjOTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. Halifax
Halifax is not far from Leeds and can be reached by train. There are bustling markets and an array of shops and eateries to explore this Christmas. The beautiful Piece Hall dazzles each year with a huge Christmas tree and a traditional carousel, along with family shows and live music. Here's a shot from this year's Christmas Parade in Halifax that saw thousands of visitors flock to see the Illuminated puppets brought to life by local company Handmade Productions. Photo: Tony Johnson
![Not strictly outside of Leeds, but worth a day trip nonetheless, Sunny Bank Mills is a former textile mill that includes an art gallery, a cosy tearoom and historic ambiance. It would be perfect for picking up Christmas gifts - and even wowed the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on a recent visit. It can be reached via Northern Rail to New Pudsey, followed by a short walk or bus ride.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmUyNGU2N2VjLTNiMTktNDA2MS1hNjRjLWM3ZDYxNGM1Y2FiMzo1MGVjNDZkNC1lMmVmLTQ2NGMtYjZjMS03MGRjNTE1MDcwZTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
11. Sunny Bank Mills
Not strictly outside of Leeds, but worth a day trip nonetheless, Sunny Bank Mills is a former textile mill that includes an art gallery, a cosy tearoom and historic ambiance. It would be perfect for picking up Christmas gifts - and even wowed the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on a recent visit. It can be reached via Northern Rail to New Pudsey, followed by a short walk or bus ride. Photo: Simon Hulme
![Whitby is the perfect seaside town for a December day trip, offering a Christmassy escape from Leeds. Embark on the Dracula Experience along the seafront for a festive fright, or ascend the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, where ancient ruins command breath-taking views. Here, the iconic building stands enigmatically on the North Yorkshire landscape.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZmNjZjN2RkLTVhYzgtNGU1ZS1iMmZlLWZmYWM1NmQ5NzMzMzowNjdlODMwMS00ZGRiLTQwZmQtOTBlNC1hMmM0ZTExMGM2MTE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
12. Whitby
Whitby is the perfect seaside town for a December day trip, offering a Christmassy escape from Leeds. Embark on the Dracula Experience along the seafront for a festive fright, or ascend the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, where ancient ruins command breath-taking views. Here, the iconic building stands enigmatically on the North Yorkshire landscape. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe