The best Winter events in Leeds 2021

Mulled drinks, twinkly lights, winter woollies…is there a more wonderful time of year than this?

If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate the season we’ve got you covered with our round-up of winter family events in Leeds.

Light Night Leeds

Been living in Leeds for a while? See the city in a totally different light when it plays host to a spectacular array of glowing displays, projections and performances.

Lighting up landmark buildings like Leeds Civic Hall and the Arena, and with installations in Holy Trinity Church, Millennium Square and Northern Ballet, it’s not to be missed.

Light Night Leeds, 14^th & 15^th October, 6.30 to 10.30 pm

Firework displays in Leeds

Guy Fawkes’ Day is a key event on the winter calendar, but Bonfire Night in Leeds is looking a little different this year. Unfortunately, the big council displays aren’t taking place, meaning that many of the private ticketed events are already sold out.

There is still, however, some firework fun to be had. Calverley Golf Club’s pay-on-entry bonfire and firework display is on Saturday 6^th November, as is Yeadon Cricket Club’s. Or head to Garforth and District Lions Club Bonfire with Fireworks on Friday the 5th.

A little further afield is Wetherby Community Bonfire on Saturday the 6th. With delicious refreshments and fairground rides, you can buy tickets now from various locations in Wetherby or pay on the day.

Leeds International Film Festival

If you like to spend cold winter nights in the cosiness of the cinema, you’ll love The Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF). Shown at screens across Leeds and Bradford, you can see best of independent and foreign language films, along with documentaries, anime, horror and sci-fi. Not to mention previews of more traditional cinema fare.

You can get tickets for individual films or treat yourself to a festival pass and see as many films as you like.

The full programme is launched on the 13^th October and you can grab a copy from venues across Leeds.

Leeds International Film Festival, 3^rd to 18^th November

Winter Illuminations at Stockeld Park

A walk through Stockeld Park’s Enchanted Forest will instantly transport you to a magical winter wonderland. As dusk falls, the forest and lake are lit up with dazzling light shows and installations.

From enchanted trees and trolls hiding under bridges, to a fairy village, this is a charming fairy-tale experience that will entertain little and big kids alike.

Stockeld Park Winter Illuminations, 20^th November – 4^th January

Magical Christmas Nights at Harewood

See Harewood House shine bright with festive light this winter. Stroll along the Terrace and around the grounds to look at the Christmas decorations and the twinkling lights reflected on the lake. Treat the kids to a hot chocolate at the Bothy café — they’ll love toasting marshmallows by the firepit.

The ticket price also includes entrance to the house, where you can explore Upon a Christmas Wish, an immersive experience featuring starlit rooms, music and poetry, all set within the stunning interiors of the house.

Magical Christmas Nights, selected nights in November & December, from 5pm

A festive illuminated trail at Temple Newsam

The expansive grounds of Temple Newsam will be resplendent with spectacular colours this winter, thanks to the new illuminated winter trail starting in November.

Walk underneath giant baubles, through tunnels of light and past a mesmerising fire garden. It’s a sure-fire way to get into the seasonal spirit. Don’t forget a hot chocolate to warm you up along the way!

Christmas at Temple Newsam, 26^th November to 2^nd January

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