We love winter in Leeds. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there’s lots of events happening across the city for you to get involved with this December. Here’s a little rundown of some of the stuff to see and do (this blog post comes with a warning…some of its content is pretty darn festive!).

34 Boar Lane – Inflatable Architectures and The Tool Emporium
Okay, we’re gonna do a shameless little East Street Arts plug here, but we promise it’ll be worth it. There’s a series of awesome events happening at 34 Boar Lane, the ground floor space just close to the train station. See some giant inflatable architectures from Leeds Art University on Friday 7 December (10am to 3pm) or check out an exhibition about the old tool emporium from Leeds Beckett students on Friday 14 December (5-6pm). Click here to find out more!

Thor’s Tipi at Victoria Gardens
It’s baaaack!! A beautifully comfy cosy pop-up tipi bar. Thor’s Tipi is hygge central with log fires, fairy lights and festivity in the form of mulled wine and hot cider. We’d recommend a walk around the Christmas markets (see more below) followed by a stop off here. It’s in place right through until Monday 31 December. It really is a winter winner!
www.thorstipi.com/leeds

Printer Wonderland featuring Christmas Cards by Ben Denning
Our good friends at Leeds Print Workshop is bringing back its Printer Wonderland (see what they did there?) this festive season. Showcasing the work of its members, you can pick up some fantastic prints from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 23 December – we know, just in time for the big day **wink**!

AND NOT ONLY THAT (!!!) Ben Denning is joining the merry Print Workshop brood for an extra special exhibition and publication launch. Since the early 1990s, Ben has created a new Christmas card print each and every year and he’s now showcasing them all in one spectacular extravaganza …good on you, Ben! You can see all of the cards in all of their glory throughout the dates mentioned above or head across for the launch of his Christmas Card publication on the 5th! You’ll even be able to buy yourself a copy. Ben’s being supported by East Street Arts too…whoop! Find out more, here.

Leeds Christkindl Market, Millennium Square
The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted we hinted at this one earlier in this post…but we couldn’t have put together a December what’s on round up without including this little ditty. Claiming to be one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK (nice!), expect wooden stalls, festive greenery and more fairy lights that you can shake a bratwurst at! Millennium Square is absolutely transformed by this treat and becomes the perfect place to enjoy the winter festivities. Head there before Saturday 22 December to boost those wintery vibes!

MorMor at Sheaf Street
Right, this one isn’t really that festive at all (thumbs down) BUUUUUT, it’s certainly blinking well delicious. MorMor is doing a lovely little takeover at Sheaf Street every Thursday, Friday and Saturday right up until the end of January. Share with your best buddies or enjoy some time on your own away from the December chaos with large and small plates of street food on offer. Inspired the cuisines of the Middle East, North Africa and the Med, it’s the very best spot to get fed this winter (thumbs up).
www.sheafst.com

Cinderella Rock ‘n’ Roll panto
We promise this one isn’t just for families! The City Varieties’ panto is simply fantastic and should become an annual tradition. An evening of music, dancing and “he’s behind you” fun – this one is good for everyone! If you’re staying at the hostel this December, we’d recommend you book your tickets in advance as this one fills up fast. The gorgeous venue is really worth it – you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time. You have until 13 Jan to catch it.
www.cityvarieties.co.uk

#Kirklate Christmas Party
Right up our street, literally! Head across the road to Kirkgate Indoor Market on Thursday 6 December for its uber festive #Kirklate Christmas Party! Any event with a hashtag for a name gets us going! From 7-9pm there’ll be live music, good food, cocktails and wait for it…close up magic!!! Awesome!
www.leeds.gov.uk/leedsmarkets

The Snowman and Nutcracker live at Leeds Town Hall
Finally, finally, finally…this one is pretty sensational. Leeds Town Hall is set to play host to the orchestra of Opera North on Sunday 16 December for a live rendition of The Snowman during a screening of the animation. There will also be an extra special performance of The Nutcracker! Book your tickets, here.

What have we missed? How will you be spending your December?