If you’re looking for some cheap or FREE Christmas activities and events in Leeds with your family, here are some ideas of things to do in and around Leeds that are free or low cost and will provide some extra entertainment this festive season for all ages.
Free Santa’s Grotto at St Johns this ChristmasFREE ENTRY to meet Santa and his elves at St Johns Shopping Centre in Leeds City Centre, every Saturday from 25th November to 23rd December, 11am-4pm.
St Johns Centre, Merrion Street, Leeds LS2 8LQ
Elf on the Shelf at John LewisDecember 1-24
Can you find The Elf on the Shelf? Visit John Lewis Leeds between the 1st-24th of December to find The Elf on the Shelf hiding on posters all over the store. Find all six to receive an official Minis collectable while stocks last.
John Lewis Leeds, Victoria Gate
Free Elf Trail at Leeds City Museum1 December- 7 January
We need your help to seek out the location of the Noel the Elf who has been causing mischief. He’s escaped from the naughty corner at the North Pole and we can’t find him.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to report the location of the runaway. Pick up a trail at the museum and search high and low for clues! Please note, the museum will be closed on 25 & 26 Dec, and 1 Jan. We will be open 11am – 3pm on 24 & 31 Dec.
Leeds City Museum, Millenium Square, Leeds
Christmas Markets around LeedsGet in the Christmas spirit by visiting a local market and soaking up the festive atmosphere! Entry is usually free, so you can spend your hard-earned cash on supporting the many local businesses that operate at these events!
See our round-up of Christmas markets here
The Queens Hotel, City SquareThere’s a great Light Show at the Queens Hotel every Half Hour between 4.30pm and 8.30pm until 23rd December, perfect for a post-shopping freebie!
You can see it from most places in City Square, but head behind the market stalls to get a full view!
Do you believe in fairies? We think we’ve spotted some here in Leeds, dancing among the trees – and maybe even fluttering down the paths in our parks. Download the FREE Love Exploring app and search for the Fairy Walks at a location near to you.
Cost? FREE
When? From Saturday 17 DecemberWhere? Middleton Park, Roundhay Park, Cross Flatts, Armley Park, East End Park and Temple Newsam.
16th December- 7th January
Can you find the 24 Elves that are hiding in the woods around the Woodleas LS6 4SN?
Follow the Facebook page here.
With many of the festive light switch ons happening all around the city, take your pick to go and explore the festive lights any night of the week.
Don’t forget Stone Brig Lights on Stone Brig Lane in Rothwell. If you fancy the trip it is well worth it and arguably one of the most famous festive streets around Leeds. Running every day from 3.30-9.30pm From 3rd December 2021 until 1st January 2022. There are free public car parks nearby so you can easily peruse the street at your leisure. Raising money for charities there are many donation buckets along the way.
For inspiration for where to find Christmas Lights around Leeds click here.
Cost? FREE
When? Throughout November and December
Where? Various locations
Christmas @caphouse Friday 24 November- Sunday 7 January
Seasons Greetings! Travel 140m underground to find Santa in his atmospheric grotto, join our Lantern Parade and see Caphouse lit-up, and enjoy a fun-filled programme of events over the Christmas period, including crafts. Read more here.
Other activities also include our Nature Trail, Blacksmiths Demonstrations, Horsekeeper talks and much more!
Hope Pastures rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses, ponies and donkeys. They also provide the opportunity for people to meet the animals and learn about them and how to look after them. You can visit everyday free of charge 10am to 3pm. The visitor centre is open at weekends and bank holidays providing refreshments.
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a working farm with a wide variety of animals, market gardens and woodland walks. Also visit the cafe, farm shop, and adventure play area for under 12’s. Accessible site, toilet facilities. Open daily, small admission charge.
A family run farm, providing an excellent farm shop. You can take a walk around the outside animal area and feed the animals (£1 per person), they even have Alpacas!. There is also an indoor sandpit and small play area (£2 per child) with ride-ons and Little Tikes slide etc for children. There is lots of free parking and a special picnic area.
Meet the wonderful team of donkeys – they love to meet new people and you can discover their unique characters and stories. They have a good value cafe,great play area inside and out . Themed events run throughout the year including grooming days and interactive sessions. Open 365 days a year from 9am until dusk. Admission and parking are free.
Selling great Yorkshire Produce, with a Deli counter and Butchers Shop. Hot drinks available. Courtyard seating area. Visit the animals of the farm, and buy a bag of animal feed for 70p at the shop.
We have a number of fantastic free playgrounds around Leeds, have a look at these blogs!
These fabulous local attractions have some great activities running this festive period!
Enjoy unlimited bus travel all day with First Bus great value group tickets!
Up to 5 people can get unlimited travel across all of West Yorkshire on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays with our FirstDay Weekend Group ticket for just £6.00. Put your parking money towards treating your little ones and get out and about with First Bus! Download the First Bus App from your app store to buy your ticket and plan your journey.
Travelling during the week? Up to 5 people can get unlimited travel across all of West Yorkshire Monday – Friday (after 9:30am) or on bank holidays with our FirstDay Group ticket for just £8.75!
If you need some downtime or the weather isn’t playing ball, here are a few ideas of festive things to do at home.
For more ideas have a read of our blog indoor fun on rainy and snowy days!
Hopefully, some of these ideas will help you entertain the children without costing a fortune.
Hope you have a great Christmas!
* Information correct at time of publishing, please check all events/activities before travelling in case of last minute changes and for more details on session times and prices.
