With assignment season taking over, there's only one thing to look forward to...Christmas! There's so much to do in Leeds to celebrate the festivities and something for every budget! Check out our Christmas faves and tag us in any festive posts. We can't wait to see what you get up to!
Mooch around Leeds Christmas Markets
21st November to 21st December, City Centre
Wrap up warm, head over to City Square, Bond Court and Millenium Square and have a mooch around Leeds Christmas Markets. With over 60 decorated chalets and stalls, watch Leeds become a Christmas Wonderland. Plenty of mulled wine, street food and sweet treats as well as games, rides and an ice skating rink, it’s the perfect day out this December!
Cook up a Storm for you Friends
The perfect wholesome way to end the first semester is to cook a Christmas dinner with friends. This semester can be tricky, the cold weather, mountains of assignments and with summer still feeling so far away, it’s a nice way to get together, eat great food and reminisce all the good times you’ve had this term.
Secret Santa Swap
No Christmas dinner with friends is complete without a Secret Santa swap! Set a budget, pull some names out of a hat and get creative with your gifts. If you’re struggling for ideas check out our Secret Santa gift guide on Instagram!
Check out The Hive’s Christmas Menu
Feeling festive (and hungry)? Head over to The Hive to try the brand new Christmas menu! Think loaded stuffing fries, a brie and cranberry panini and a maple spiced hot chocolate that tastes like December in a cup. With affordable prices and a prime spot right on campus, it’s the perfect treat between lectures. Check out the full menu here!
Cosy up with a feel-good film
Nothing says cosy season like a Christmas film night. From Christmas classics to new releases, there’s nothing quite like watching the magic unfold on the big screen. Round up your friends or treat yourself to a solo night, and make sure to check if there are any student discounts you can use!
Day trip to York
Need a break from Leeds? York’s calling! Just a short train ride away, you’ll find cosy cobbled streets, festive decorations and the famous Christmas markets, packed with handmade gifts and festive treats. Don’t forget to snap a picture by the Minster before heading back to Leeds!
Blue Christmas Service
24th November
Acre Room, James Graham Building, Headingley Campus, 1pm
The holidays aren’t always easy and that’s okay. The Blue Christmas Service offers a supportive space to pause, reflect and find some peace in what can be a tough time of year. Join us on November 24th at 1pm for candle-lighting, poetry and music, whatever your faith or background. Find more details here.
Carol singing
Kick off December with some festive tunes and good vibes! Join us for a Christmas carol singalong on 4th December at 1pm at the Leslie Silver Building and help us fill campus with Christmas cheer. We’ll also be carolling our way over to the Rose Bowl and SU bar and collecting donations for St George’s Crypt too. The more voices, the merrier! Get all the info here!
Shop ‘til you drop this Christmas
Tackle all your Christmas shopping right here in Leeds! Head over to the Trinity Centre for all the high-street favourites, then check out the Corn Exchange for those unique, artsy gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a festive coffee, throw on a Christmas playlist and make a day of it! If you need a festive energy boost mid-way, then look no further than a brie and cranberry panini or some loaded stuffing fries at The Hive!
Northern Lights Leeds at Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam Estate
21st November – 26th December
Tickets from £15
Step into a real life wonderland at Northern Lights Leeds! Head to Temple Newsam for an amazing light trail filled with music, glowing displays and festive vibes. Stroll through the woodlands, take some pics, then warm up with a hot chocolate at the Christmas Village for a picture-perfect Christmas night.