The festive season is well and truly upon us but if you’re still feeling like the Grinch then check out these top things to do in Leeds that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit:
1. Visit a pop-up winter lodge at The Faversham
The Faversham
Known for its seasonal pop-ups, this year see the return of the The Faversham's its Winter Lodge – the perfect place to escape the chill with its cosy festive décor and winter warmer cocktails that include mulled wine and ‘spiked’ hot chocolates.
Previously available for hire for Christmas parties, the lodge will be opened to the public for the last time on December 16, so go and see what you've been missing!
2. Get merry on Pintura’s winter blend gin
If you didn’t think gin could get any better then we have some good news for you. Pintura Kitchen and Bar has teamed up with the award winning Portobello Road Gin to bring you its very own Winter Blend that is designed to smell and taste like Christmas!
Created by bar manager Matt Coates, Pintura’s winter gin is a warm blend of spices, full of festive cinnamon and orange flavours. It'll be available to enjoy as part of the restaurant’s signature drink – a large gin copa serve.
3. Watch 'The Nutcracker' at Leeds Grand and Opera House
Northern Ballet
The iconic Christmas production has come to Leeds Grand Theatre! Performed to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score and played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, David Nixon’s 'The Nutcracker' has received rave reviews and has everything you’d expect from this traditional favourite.
4. Take part in an 'Elf' quote-along at Leeds Town Hall
'Elf' is ultimate Christmas comedy – fact! And this year, super fans of the movie should head to Leeds Town Hall on December 21 for Sneaky Experience’s Elf Quote-Along.
This special screening will be presented by Buddy himself and will include plenty of fun stuff including spaghetti syrup eating contests and a talent competition for the best Buddy impression. Fancy dress is encouraged so dig out your elf onesie out and join in the fun.
5. Tuck into the ultimate alternative Christmas feast at Red's True BBQ
For those living on this hemisphere at least, a barbecue might not be the first thing that springs to mind at Christmas. Trust us though, because Red's True BBQ Festive Feast will bring Yuletide joy without a soggy sprout in site.
Available for groups of eight or more, there’s a whole banquet of Yuletide dishes including oak smoked turkey, pulled pork stuffing balls and divine sides such as candid yams and BBQ green beans!
6. Head off on a reindeer trail
Rudolph and friends have touched down in Leeds and now it's your job to find them on Leeds’ Reindeer Trail. Head to some of Leeds’ most iconic buildings such as the Corn Exchange and Victoria Quarter to discover the wonderfully decorated reindeers.
7. Sample Cielo Blanco’s Winter Garden
Cielo Blanco
Mexican restaurant and Tequila specialists Cielo Blanco has launched its very own winter pop-up, The Winter Garden and it’s the perfect place to soak in the festive spirit.
The restaurant’s spacious exterior terrace area has been transformed in to the perfect cold-weather hotspot, complete with large trees covered in warm fairy lights and baubles, lanterns that adorn the tables and snuggly blankets to wrap up in.
The Winter Garden will also be serving it’s own Mexican version of mulled wine – Ponché.
Find more Christmas events in Leeds.