Discover More
Christmas in Leeds
With its rich background of art, culture and activity, Leeds is a joy to visit all year round. At Christmas, the city comes alive with truly incredible festive scenery, from wonderful decorations and events welcoming visitors into a unique winter wonderland. This year, Leeds will be packed with seasonal celebrations to discover, from bustling markets to spellbinding festivals. Here are a few of our festive favourites for you to see during your time at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa this Christmas.
Kirkgate Market
From arts and crafts by local traders to delicious festive food from seasonal specialists, Christmas markets are a highlight of the yuletide period every year. In Leeds, you’ll find several popular markets to explore. First, Kirkgate Market, one of the oldest parts of Leeds, will be home to one of Europe’s largest indoor markets. A Grade 1 listed building dating back to 1875 and the birthplace of Marks & Spencer, Kirkgate will be hosting a replica of the retailer’s original Penny Bazaar, along with over 150 independent traders selling festive favourites.
Distance from hotel by car
7.3 miles, 18 minutes
Chow Down Winter Village
Making its 2022 return, Chow Down’s famous winter village is a festive extravaganza of food, drink and entertainment. Spend your cold winter evening cosied up by the fire in one of the Christmas Tipis with a boozy hot chocolate. There’ll also be heaters and winter snugs to help ward off the brisk winter cold, and a festive bar menu including mulled wine & cider, craft beers and cocktails. The winter village will also be host to a wide variety of entertainment, including comedy nights and a Chow Down Quizmass, and will be showing matches from the World Cup for you to enjoy in comfort.
Distance from hotel by car
8.6 miles, 16 minutes
Christmas at Harewood House
A wonderful day out for the whole family, the beautiful Harewood House will be getting into the festive fun this year with a variety of events and decorations. This will include Long Live the Christmas Tree, an incredible transformation of the estate’s state floor with unique Christmas tree celebrations, with tree designs inspired by the natural world, winter rituals, and Harewood itself. The estate’s grounds will also be decorated with twinkling Christmas lights to create a stunning winter trail, along with activities for kids and seasonal treats from kiosks.
Distance from hotel by car
10.8 miles, 23 minutes
Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience
A spectacular day of fun to bring festive joy to all, Lotherton Hall's Christmas Experience invites visitors to travel back in time to Christmas past. Follow in the footsteps of the Gascoigne family and their staff, Lotherton's residents in the 1800s, to discover how this historic household celebrated Christmas in the Edwardian era. Light installations will guide you on your journey, as you'll enjoy a wintery woodland walk on the estate's grounds. you'll then visit the "North Pole" and take part in crafts workshops with some cheeky elves.
Distance from hotel by car
5.7 miles, 11 minutes