Christmas is just around the corner, and to really put you in the Christmas spirit, the most festive streets in and around Leeds have been revealed.
New research from Destination management organization for the city of Leeds, Visit Leeds has identified six of the most festive streets in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area, to pop on your Christmas to-do list this year. Even better, visiting them is totally free!
Stone Brig Lane, Rothwell
Dubbed the best Christmas light road in the city, Stone Brig Lane in Rothwell has fast become a Christmas attraction in its own right. With dozens of houses lit up for the festive season, from Santa grottos to real-life gingerbread houses and everything in between, it’s not one to be missed. Plus, residents of Stone Brig Lane are raising money for three local charities this year with their light displays, so you can do good while enjoying the festive illuminations. All will be revealed from Sunday 4th December at 4pm.
Briggate, Leeds
Walk down the main shopping street in the city, and you’ll be transported into a Christmas haven. The team at James Glancy Design have reimagined Kate Ryrie’s poem, ‘Dear Leeds’, into a neon light installation that hangs proudly above the streets of Briggate, and it’s being showcased for the second year running. Not only that, but one of two Thor’s tipis in the city is on Briggate this year, allowing passersby to grab a festive drink and take some respite from the busy streets around them. For festive fun in the hustle and bustle of the city, you can’t skip a stroll down Briggate.
Millennium Square, Leeds
If it’s festive fun you’re after, you can’t miss the happenings at Millennium Square. A staple for Christmas fun in the city for the past few years, the Ice Cube ice-skating rink is back for 2022, so you can put your skates on and enjoy a glide (or steady walk!) across the ice with friends and family. Millennium Square is also host to a special festive fun fair too, including the Wheel of Light ferris wheel, Golden Gallopers carousel and fun Starflyer ride. With Christmas lights decorating the area and plenty of food and drink stalls to help warm you up, Millennium Square is one of the best Christmassy streets you can visit.
Main street, Otley
A little out of the center of Leeds lies the beautiful town of Otley, and the Victorian Christmas Fayre at Otley transforms the town’s main street into an old-school Christmas paradise, taking you back in time to the Victorian era. Matching Otley’s old Victorian buildings and courtyards, many people dress up for the event to really transform you to the late 19th century. There will be stalls of Christmas food and gifts to buy, rides for the children, a special parade and performances of Punch and Judy too. For something a little different this year, take a trip to Otley for their Victorian Fayre on Sunday 4th December.
Victoria Leeds, Leeds
Victoria Gate is one half of Victoria Leeds, and is recognized as the premium shopping area in the North of England. Not only will you find high-end brands, high street giants and independent boutiques to tick some presents off your Christmas list here, but it’s one of the most festive areas in the city. There’s a huge lit-up reindeer standing outside Victoria Gate, while the inside of the arcade has been transformed by Christmas lights and towering trees. Nearby at Victoria Quarter, you’ll also find the shopping haven lit up by Christmas lights, beautifully-decorated trees and fun photo opportunities. So, don’t miss out on all the festivities at Victoria Leeds.
Trinity, Leeds
The main shopping centre in the city of Leeds has been totally transformed into a wintry apres-ski chalet this Christmas. Ski-themed decorations adorn the space, as well as neon signs, Christmas trees and festive lights from top to bottom. As well as getting your shopping done, Trinity Leeds is hosting Apres-ski weekenders throughout the festive season, where there will be DJs and exciting giveaways, and a totally free Smores pop-up event on Sunday 4th December for you to make your own delicious festive treat. Don’t miss out!
To find out even more events happening at Leeds this Christmas, please visit: https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-leeds-christmas-2022/
