What's on in Leeds: November and December 2026

November 2026

3 November: Hidden in Plain Sight

Tuesday 3 November, 6pm to 7pm | History and cartography talk | Leeds City Museum | Book through the museum.

James Cheshire shares discoveries from UCL's map library, including secret wartime maps and unusual ways of representing the world.

4 November and 2 December: Stitch Art

Wednesdays 4 November and 2 December, sessions at 10.30am and 2pm | Adult textile workshop | Leeds Art Gallery | Give what you can; pre-book.

Use the gallery's artworks to inspire textile art in a friendly group. Materials and refreshments are provided. Tickets are released one month before each session.

7 and 8 November: World Pianist Weekender

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, 11am to 4.30pm | Music, crafts and community activities | Leeds City Museum | Give what you can.

Try piano-themed crafts, hear short performances or join the open mic. Saturday includes a family singing session; Sunday brings new Leeds Piano Trail compositions and a community choir workshop.

7 November and 5 December: Real Markets at Lotherton

Saturdays 7 November and 5 December, 10am to 4pm | Food and makers market | Lotherton woodland village, near Aberford | Included in general admission.

Browse local and speciality produce alongside carefully selected handmade products. Lotherton is outside central Leeds, so allow time for the journey and check estate admission before travelling.

From 19 November: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Selected performances from Thursday 19 November 2026 to Saturday 16 January 2027 | Family musical | Leeds Playhouse | Ticketed; choose your performance online.

The Grinch plots to spoil the Whos' celebrations in a new UK production of the Dr Seuss musical. His dog Max narrates a story about discovering what Christmas means beyond presents.

From 19 November: Leeds Christmas Market

Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December, open seven days a week | Festive market and entertainment | City Square, Leeds LS1 2ES.

Find gifts and seasonal food from more than 60 retailers, with free live entertainment. The City Square market is separate from the ice rink at Millennium Square. Check the organiser for daily opening times.

From 19 November: Ice Cube at Christmas

Thursday 19 November to Thursday 31 December | Ice skating, rides and festive food | Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street | Free site entry; skating and selected attractions are charged.

Book a covered outdoor skating session or explore the seasonal stalls and winter bars. The programme includes Penguin Club and accessible skating sessions; check individual times and prices before booking.

From 20 November: Northern Lights Leeds

Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December, timed entry from 4.15pm; closing times vary | Outdoor light trail | Temple Newsam estate, Leeds | Ticketed; prices vary by date.

Follow a mile-long illuminated route themed around The Lost Light of Christmas, with installations inspired by fairy folklore. The Christmas Village has food, drinks and fairground attractions. Choose a timed slot on the organiser's website.

25 November, 2, 9 and 16 December: Willow wreath making

Wednesdays 25 November and 2, 9 and 16 December, 1pm to 2.30pm | Craft workshop, ages 18+ | Joiner's Shop, Temple Newsam Home Farm | £30 per person; booking essential.

Create a willow wreath from natural materials beside the workshop fire. Beginners are welcome, with tools, materials and guidance provided.

December 2026

From 5 December: The Elf Academy

Selected dates 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 23 December | Family Christmas activities | Temple Newsam House | Book timed tickets; accompanying adults need general admission.

Help Mrs Christmas with festive preparations, make reindeer food, decorate biscuits and meet Father Christmas. A separate relaxed version is offered for families needing a quieter visit. Use the booking system for session times and current prices.

From 12 December: Katie Saves the Day!

Selected performances Saturday 12 to Thursday 31 December | Interactive theatre, ages 2 to 7 | The Studio, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds | Standard £12; concessions and group rates available.

Katie travels to the North Pole to help recover stolen presents in Topsy Turvy Theatre's puppet and storytelling adventure. The show includes Makaton and lasts about an hour. A dedicated relaxed performance is listed for 21 December at 11am.

From 18 December: A Christmas Carol

Selected performances Friday 18 to Thursday 24 December | Musical storytelling | Howard Assembly Room, Leeds | From £27.50 including £2.50 booking fee; approximately 75 minutes.

Members of the Chorus of Opera North, a narrator and a small instrumental ensemble retell Scrooge's ghost story with arrangements of Victorian carols. Matinee and evening performances are listed on the booking page.

19 December: Leeds Punk Rock Xmas

Saturday 19 December, doors 3pm | Live music and food-bank benefit | Brudenell Social Club, Leeds | £20 in advance plus booking fee.

Dirt Box Disco, Pizzatramp, The Mau Maus and Geoffrey Oi!Cott feature in a benefit for Batley Food Bank. The organisers invite donations of food, toiletries and cash. The advertised time is doors, so check the running order before travelling.