Families Leeds & West Yorkshire November/December 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Oh yes it is!
Ok, so there may be times when we grown-ups paint on a panto dame smile and grit our teeth as we set about making sure everyone has themselves a merry little Christmas.
But I hope all the parents and carers are able to relax and enjoy plenty of festive fun too.
One way to take the pressure off is to go out and do something together – even a family walk to see all the lights and decorations is really special.
And we have some amazing events, shows and activities on our doorstep at this time of year. From the trusty pantomimes, ice rinks, special visits to see Santa, to crafts and trails, Christmas markets and much more.
Check out our Christmas highlights on pages 6-7 and find even more in our What’s On guide on pages 14-15.
Let’s face it, when children are around, the magic is real. And it is infectious, even to the weariest of festive spirits.
So, I hope you enjoy this November and December, and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Claire Bottomley, Editor
Last year’s visit to Santa – with the class bear!
Turning Things Around
A Leeds mum and SEND practitioner has launched a new service to support parents and settings to have a better understanding of Autism and ADHD.
Rebecca Herbert has specialised in teaching autistic children as well as leading a city-wide autism outreach service. Her personal as well as professional experience has inspired her, and she is keen to help change the thinking around neurodivergence to see it as a difference and not a deficit.
Rebecca said: “Does your child mask all day at school and then as soon as you’re in the car or get home start to explode? To a certain extent, all children will be holding it together and conforming all day at school and all will let off steam when they get home, even grown-ups do this too. However, when your child is exploding at home and you’re seeing them very dysregulated, that’s when you need to dig deeper and start to look at what support could be put into place, both at home and at school.”
She added: “Understanding children’s behaviour and re-framing it is key. Also realising that when children are dysregulated they are having a hard time, they do not mean to be giving you a hard time. Parenting neurodivergent children requires a different kind of parenting, one which starts with compassion, connection and understanding.”
As part of the service, she has set up Parent Connect, a FREE support group.
“I wanted to reach out and feel connected with others who might be feeling the same,” she said. “The group offers a listening ear, support, no judgement and above all a chance to feel part of a community where others get how tough it can be.”
If you have a child who is struggling and you need support, you can sign up to the mailing list at turningthingsaround.org where you can access more information and find out about useful webinars coming soon.
WIN Ice skating tickets and £50 voucher for White Rose Shopping Centre!
We have four skate tickets and a £50 White Rose gift card to be won by one lucky reader.
White Rose Shopping Centre’s magical Christmas ice rink is returning due to popular demand this festive season, hosted in partnership with JD, which will be opening its bigger and better store at White Rose this November.
Made of real ice using special rapid-freeze technology, the fully-covered ice rink is suitable for skaters of all ages and is accessible for all. Special events include disco skate evenings, parent and toddler sessions and quiet skate times.
To enter, visit www.bit.ly/familiescomp by November 18. For Terms and conditions, visit www.bit.ly/WRTC24
Top gift idea: Clip 'n Climb vouchers
Are you looking for a fun Christmas present that will cut down on plastic and give a child a great experience?
Vouchers for Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley can be bought online at clipnclimbilkley.co.uk, or at the climbing centre, in Ilkley train station.
A session made up of two parts allow toddlers to explore adventure playtime on bouncy castles, soft play, ride ons and more. Followed by themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows.
For ages 13 months to 5 years
Siblings under 13 months are FREE!
Each week there is different equipment and a different theme; meaning both toddlers and grown ups are never bored!
Text Lou on 07870275916 www.toddlersense.com/northleeds
Become a foster carer with Foster4Leeds
Can you help a Leeds child blossom? Foster4Leeds is urgently looking for new people to become foster carers and offer a safe and loving home to children and young people in Leeds.
If you are over 21 and have a spare bedroom, you could be eligible to foster. There are different types of fostering which could suit your lifestyle, including long-term and short-term care, emergency care, parent and child, supported lodgings and more.
The Foster4Leeds team will support you on every step of your journey, and you'll have access to exclusive benefits for you and your family.
Andy and Tracey have been with Foster4Leeds for 16 years and have done a variety of types of foster care including short and long-term sibling groups, emergency care, respite care and more.
On what they love the most about fostering, it’s simple: “We have really loved seeing the changes you can make by giving children love, care, boundaries and guidance and watching them blossom.”
And when asked to give a message to prospective carers, they say: “That feeling you get in your heart when a young child or person hugs you for the first time, or that they achieve something they are proud of, or do something that they never would have done before because they now believe in themselves, somehow it makes it all seem all worthwhile.”
To find out more about Foster4Leeds, hear from current carers, learn more about benefits and support and see upcoming information event dates and locations, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/foster4leeds.
WIN a family ticket for Ice Cube at Christmas
We have a family ice-skating ticket to give away! Ice Cube at Christmas glides into Millennium Square in Leeds from November 22 to December 31. Enjoy family fun at the indoor ice rink, surrounded by festive stalls, rides and more.
The ticket covers four people, who can be one adult and up to three children or two adults and two children.
To enter, visit www.bit.ly/ familiescomp by November 18. For Terms and conditions, visit www.bit.ly/IC24TC
Get set for Baby Week Leeds, Bradford and Calderdale
Celebrating all things baby friendly, Baby Week will take place across West Yorkshire from November 14 to 20.
Events in Leeds include Leeds Dads Stay and Play, a Roots and Rhymes creative workshop and Baby Friendly Days at John Lewis.
In Bradford, there’ll be family fun days, with the Wiggle Room Play Bus parking up at different locations each day, plus woodland walks, nature play and more.
In Calderdale, Baby Week will be showcasing activities and support available for expectant families and families with babies and toddlers, in partnership with Calderdale Family Hubs.
On November 14 there will be a free national conference aimed at professionals and on November 20 a national online introduction to baby first aid.
For more information, visit www.babyweek.co.uk
Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Fun
Carriageworks Theatre
Beauty and The Beast
November 22 to January 5
In a tale as old as panto-time, enjoy all the traditions of audience participation with whole host of colourful characters. Join bookworm Belle on a journey to discover that true beauty is more than just skindeep.
The Lost Present… A Christmas Adventure
December 14 to 31
Perfect seasonal theatre for little ones aged 2 to 7. It’s Christmas Eve and having tumbled to earth through the night sky, Elva sets out on a journey to find her best friend. Performed in Carriageworks Theatre’s cosy studio space with cushions and comfy seats, this Makaton-friendly show creates a relaxed and welcoming environment for all children.
Harewood
Mischief at the Mansion
November 15 to January 5
A troop of not-so-angelic cherubs have escaped from the Christmas tree and Harewood House sparkles into life with singing baubles, swirling ceilings and gossiping statues. Marvel as the House
tells you festive tales of bygone times. Combine the show with winter walks in hundreds of acres of festoon-lit grounds and festive fare. Book separately for Santa.
Temple Newsam
Christmas
November 30 to December 31
Explore the beautifully decorated House and be transported back to the festivities Temple Newsam experienced over the past 500 years. Families are invited to join in festive crafts and activities, dress up like former residents and discover how the servants got the House ready for Christmas. Book separately to visit Mr or Mrs Claus.
Leeds City Centre
Ice Cube at Christmas
November 22 to December 31
WIN aticketfamily
Details on page 5
For a cool yule tide day out, Ice Cube at Christmas returns to Millenium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street bringing an outdoor covered ice rink, Christmas market food and drink stalls and winter-themed rides.
Bradford City Centre
Nutcracker Trail
December 2 to January 5
Get out and about in Bradford City Centre for some free, festive fun. Find all 10 nutcrackers on the trail map, which can be picked up at Waterstones in the Wool Exchange. Collect the letters of the festive anagram and post your answer in the letterbox back at Waterstones to be in with a chance to win a £100 Bradford City Centre Gift Card.
Lotherton
The Christmas Experience
November 23 to January 5
Step into an enchanting world – take a Festive Woodland Walk and visit an Edwardian House in all its Christmas splendour. Drop-in to the North Pole, where you can get crafty with the elves, hear story time with Mrs Claus and see a magic show. Booking essential. Book separately and early, to see Santa.
City Varieties Music Hall
Jack and the Beanstalk the Rock n Roll Panto
November 29 to January 12
If you haven’t experienced the Leeds legend that is The Rock n Roll Panto, you
Harewood
Carriageworks Theatre
Ice Cube at Christmas
Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Fun
are missing out! All the best pantomime ingredients are paired with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers performed by super talented actormusicians. Oh yes they are!
White Rose Ice Rink
November 21 to January 5
Get your skates on at this magical ice rink, suitable for all ages and abilities. Ice skates are available to hire, as well as penguin and seal skating aids for the little ones – or those wanting an extra hand with their balance.
Don't forget to say you saw these events in Families Leeds Magazine!
WHERE TO FIND SANTA
Father Christmas is super busy at this time of year - he manages to meet a lot of children all over West Yorkshire! Here are some great places to catch him. Many venues offer slots for younger children and quieter sessions for children with additional needs.
Eureka!
Santa’s Grotto
In the comfort of a very snuggly grotto, see the big man himself and an elf helper or two, for a discussion about how naughty or nice you’ve been.
Harewood
Father Christmas Experience
Mischief at the Workshop
Father and Mrs Christmas invite you for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of their festive workshop.
Lotherton
The Christmas Experience Journey to Santa’s North Pole, get crafty with the elves and meet Santa in his log cabin.
Temple Newsam
Meet Father
Christmas
Mrs Claus will be there too, with an interactive festive story time experience.
White Rose Centre
Express Grotto
DON'T FORGET
Tickets usually need to be bought advance.in
Visit Santa in his vintage train carriage en route to the North Pole.
Find more of Santa’s stops in our What’s On listing of pages 14-15.
Eureka!
Your Christmas stocking filler gift guide
By Sarah Lindsley
Yes, it’s that time of year again! Along with decking the halls, meal planning and panto ticket booking while the children are beside themselves with excitement, let’s not forget the presents. We are here to help! Our Christmas stocking filler gift guide offers you inspiration in the lead up to the festive season. With each gift coming in under £15 there may even be some of the Christmas budget left over to treat yourself!
Ladybird Baby Touch: My First Book £10.99
A perfect first book for your baby and suitable from birth with its soft, padded pages. With simple black-and-white illustrations and a touch-and-feel experience on every page, this beautiful book is designed to capture babies’ attention and even claims to help develop their eyesight. Providing fun, multi-sensory stimulation for babies, this is a lovely first book for your newborn.
Ages 5+
Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle Play Set
£11.99
Bring the beach to your kitchen with this brilliant magically moving play sand set. Made with larger grains of natural sand, it moulds easily and never dries out. Kinetic sand is a unique sensory experience that encourages hours of independent play. Unfold the box to discover a sandy play area complete with cutting, digging and raking tools so your child can make some seriously super sandcastles. The sand sticks to itself and comes with a tray for storage so even cleaning up is easy.
Orchard Toys Games
£9.75/£12/£6
Ages 3-6
Doggy Doggy Woof Woof! is an energetic, hilarious new matching and memory game where players pair doggy heads and bodies. In Peter Rabbit™ Don’t Wake Mr. McGregor, join Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy and Mopsy and race to collect the most fruit and vegetables! But don’t wake Mr. McGregor or you’ll have to return to the start! In a festive, travel-sized Elf Lotto, collect all the cheeky elves and be the first to fill your board with matching characters.
Hy-Pro Size 2 Skills Trainer Football
£11.99
Get World Cup-ready with this brilliant skills trainer football from Hy-Pro. Perfect for any young football enthusiast to practise their ball control and core skills. The ergonomic handle is easy to hold and the handheld cord linking the PVC football can be adjusted depending on both the age and the skills being practised. Ages 8+
Crayola 24 Super Tips Washable Markers £8
Crayola’s 24 Super Tip markers are the perfect pens to get creative with, whether making big brush strokes in a favourite colouring book or creating detailed, fine lines for drawings and art projects.
Ages 4+
Ages 5+
Ages 5+
This LEGO® City Police Car set, featuring a cool police patrol car and accompanying police officer figure complete with torch and hat, will keep your child busy for hours as they zoom around the living room chasing the baddies. You can even use the LEGO® Building Instructions app to access the interactive building guide with amazing zoom and rotate viewing tools. Your kids will become master builders in no time.
Usborne A Sticker Dolly Story Christmas Mystery £5.99
It’s Christmas Eve and the Christmas Dolls get a call from Mission Control: all the presents have been stolen from Santa’s workshop and one of the elves is missing! It’s now up to the Christmas Dolls – Star, Robin and Clara – to save Christmas. A Christmas special in the new Sticker Dolly fiction series, the book comes with a sheet of colourful stickers to dress the dolls and keep the daring detective in our child busy over the holidays.
First Aid Tips for Christmas
Local First Aid expert Helen Underwood shares some advice which may be good to know among the chaos of wrapping paper and excitement…
Your child has put something in their ear/nose
Little hands are designed to explore - it’s more common than you think! For an ear, if you can see it, turn them on their side and see if gravity will help. With the nose the temptation is to get them to blow their nose, but younger children tend to inhale and if the item moves further into the nasal cavity it can get more firmly lodged or even cause a choking incident.
If it can’t be seen your best option is Children’s A&E.
Swallowed a toy
• STAY CALM – or you’ll make your child panic!
• Encourage them to lean forward so gravity is on side and look in their mouth – see if they will spit it out. DON’T try and get anything you are not sure about, or attempt to remove anything you cannot see.
• Monitor the child’s airway and breathing for any signs of deterioration – if their airway becomes compromised treat as for a choking incident.
• Note the time of them swallowing the toy, and what you think it was.
• Arrange urgent transport to Children’s A&E where you can’t see the toy in your child’s mouth or if any airway compromise.
Choking
If a child is coughing and spluttering, they still have an airway. Lean them forward so that gravity is assisting them and encourage them to cough. Even children under 1 year will copy a cough if you do a fake one – try it!
If the child is silent (their colour will quickly start to change too) this is a bad sign as it means their airway is blocked. You need to stay calm and act promptly. For children it’s up to five back blows followed by up to five abdominal thrusts. For infants under 12 months it’s back taps followed by chest thrusts. These techniques are best learnt through a first aid course.
For first aid advice visit www.underwood-training.co.uk
Dangerous things for children to swallow are button batteries, magnets and water beads – it’s crucial that any child who has swallowed these items is taken straight to Children’s A&E.
Sat 14 – Tue 31 Dec
See website for performance times THE STUDIO
TOPSY TURVEY THEATRE PRESENTS
Written especially for children and brought to life using handmade puppets, original music and delightful storytelling, The Lost Present is an enchanting tale about true friendship. It really is the perfect gift for Christmas.
Age guidance: 2–7
Getting to grips with handwriting
By Zuzu Jordan
In an age where screens and voice automated systems are at our fingertips, it can be hard to convince children of the importance of handwriting. Yet the National Curriculum states that children need to learn to hold a pencil correctly and form letters, starting and finishing in the right place. Children should learn to write with speed and fluency, ensuring their writing is legible.
Everyday playtime activities can help your child develop their fine motor skills, such as threading beads, playdough and 3D modelling, using tweezers to pick up small objects. Ahead of writing, children practise mark making by using any object such as a paint brush, feather or stick. Learning how to draw straight, curved and zig zagged lines is a great stepping stone to writing legible letters.
Being shown how to hold a pencil correctly from the beginning helps prevent bad habits from creeping in. Children must ‘pinch’ the pencil with their thumb and forefinger and tuck the other three fingers underneath. Using a pencil grip can help children who struggle or ask your child to hold a coin with the three ‘tucked in’ fingers. This will demonstrate the required tripod position.
A good sitting position is crucial too. Children should sit in the middle of the chair, feet firmly on the ground and close enough to the table that they don’t need to stretch.
Probably the most valuable piece of information when teaching handwriting is understanding which letters belong to which handwriting families.
Tall letters: b, d, f, h, k, l, t.
Explain that these are referred to as tall letters because they must be significantly taller than all the other letters except capital letters.
Short letters a, c, e, i, m, n, o, r, s, u, v, w, x, z.
All these letters must be the same height and half the size of the capital letters and tall letters.
Tail letters: g, j, p, q, y.
These letters must reach below the line that they are sitting on.
Capital letters
All sit on the line and are all larger than every other letter.
Zuzu is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for 18 years and is director of Arnett International. For free resources and tips, find her on Instagram edumate_uk
Left handed children
Being left handed raises unique challenges. If your child is left handed, you may wish to try a few of these strategies to help them thrive.
Teach your child to tilt the paper slightly to the right so they can fully see what they are writing or drawing.
Encourage a pencil grip which is comfortable with pencil held slightly below the tip and the hand resting below the writing line to prevent smudging.
Consider pens that do not smudge easily and left handed tools such as scissors with reversed blades.
Ask your child’s teacher if they can sit on the left side of the desk to prevent them bumping into a right handed neighbour. Utilise videos on the internet created to help with any challenges.
Finally, remember not to label left handedness as a problem; instead celebrate it as a unique trait.
where we help your child be the best you can be with the g ifts that you have
Clubs & Classes Directory
Toddler Sense
Classes are available for children from 13 months to five years. Explore adventure play time on bouncy castles, soft play, rides and more. Enjoy themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows. Different equipment and theme each week.
Text Lou on 07870265916 or email northleeds@toddlersense.co.uk
toddlersense.com/northleeds
Music
Bugs
Sensory, play-based music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
The 40 minute sessions provide your children with a lovely opportunity to socialise and develop in a creative and stimulating environment.
Call 0844 5781043
Musicbugs.co.uk
Baby
Sensory North Leeds
Helping you to make memories with your baby whilst supporting their cognitive development. Baby Sensory stimulates all of the senses with different weekly themes, set in a fantastic Baby Sensory Centre, the perfect place to meet others and have fun with your baby.
Call 07841437205 northleeds@babysensory.co.uk
babysensory.com/north-leeds
Debutots
Providing interactive storytelling and dramatic play sessions for ages six months to seven years.
Fun, exciting classes develop children's language skills, promote their confidence and creativity.
Friday afternoons at the Beehub Farsley during term time and Monthly Sunday mornings in Pudsey.
Call 0113 8591130
debutots.co.uk/leedswestandcentral
Babyballet® Leeds North
Fun and informal dance classes for ages 18 months to 6 years. Through an imaginative syllabus children are taught basic ballet steps but will have fun expressing themselves whilst developing skills such as balance, co-ordination, rhythm and more! Classes in Alwoodley, Yeadon, Bramhope and Rawdon.
leedsnorth@babyballet.co.uk
Hidden Village
Allow your child's imagination to flourish in this immersive role-play village.
As the kids are thoroughly entertained, parents can unwind and observe the fun from the comfort of the side-view café. These exciting role-play sessions are available daily in Leeds City Centre.
hello@thehiddenvillage.co.uk
thehiddenvillage.co.uk
Number Train
Number Train is a fun and interactive introduction to maths for preschool children designed and delivered by an experienced primary maths specialist. With a different theme each week, sessions keep your child engaged with games, action songs, art and craft.
Call 07852 989523 numbertrain@hotmail.com
numbertrain.co.uk
Razzamataz
A unique blend of dance, singing and acting classes.
Razz Minis (4-5 years), Razz Juniors (6-8 years), Razz Inters (9-11 years) and Razz Seniors (12 years and up). Saturdays during term-time at excellent Carr Manor Community facilities.
Call 07788 646029
leeds.razzamataz.co.uk
Little Seedlings
Little Seedlings run pregnancy, baby and toddler classes that focus on development in a fun, easy way.
Each class includes messy play, rhymes and activities that cover all areas of learning, focusing on both the adult and child.
lucy@littleseedlingsuk.com littleseedlingsuk.com
Keeping tweens reading
By Tanith Carey
Does it feel like you’re fighting a losing battle maintaining your tween’s interest in reading? Does your child always seem more interested in the quick fix of screens than books?
It’s understandable that parents worry. The human brain is wired for novelty and the bright lights and quick rewards of going online can feel immediately gratifying.
But it’s worth persevering. Books are a key way to help your child feel happier and less stressed. A National Literacy Trust survey found that keen readers between the age of 8 and 13 are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental well-being, compared to those who don’t engage with books at all. With books, kids learn to concentrate for longer and improve emotional intelligence as they empathise with the characters.
In a largely digital world, what’s a modern parent to do? As is often the case, part of the answer lies in taking action before your child hits tweenhood.
For ages 2 to 5, try limiting tech learning games to just ONE of your child’s many play options. Consciously cut down the digital babysitters because pre-schoolers need to develop their reading brains first.
After that, help kids become ‘bilingual.’ This means providing text both on screen AND on the printed page. Point out the difference between accessing information quickly online and deep, concentrated book-reading. Show them how to do both side by side.
As a Gestalt psychotherapist-in-training – which focuses on experience in the body – one of my favourite ways to do this is
by helping children recognise how screens and books make them feel different.
As an example, help your child notice how immersive video gaming makes them feel tense and jumpy. Then notice how curling up with a good book and being able to take in information at their own pace makes them feel calmer. Role model book reading yourself and talk about how it makes YOU feel.
Make phone-free family time a treat rather than deprivation. For example, hold a phone amnesty where you ALL go to a café for a hot chocolate with your favourite books for half an hour’s reading.
When kids realise how good books can make them feel and how they bond you together, it marks the start of a life-long habit.
‘All my friends have a phone!’ is one of the 75 real world scenarios tackled in What’s my Tween Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, by Tanith Carey with Dr Angharad Rudkin, published by DK books.
A Nursery for Everyone
What's On
Have you got an event you’d like to share with us? Email it to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk
We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.
REGULAR EVENTS
ONGOING
Junior Parkrun
Sunday mornings at 15 parks across Leeds and West Yorkshire Fun, 2k run for 4 to 14-year-olds and their families. Check website for details. FREE event. Register online.
Local Library Events
Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield Libraries
Check the website for various ongoing FREE events for children and families at libraries across West Yorkshire, including Story and Rhyme, Coding Club, Lego Club, Comic Club and much more.
Museums for Play and Growth Bradford Museums and Galleries
FREE drop-in sessions for children 0–5 years old, held on: First Saturday of the month in Bradford Industrial Museum, second Friday of the month in Cartwright Hall, third Wednesday of the month in Bolling Hall and fourth Thursday of the month in Cliffe Castle.
First Tuesday of the Month Toddler Tuesdays at The Hepworth Wakefield
For families with children aged 1-4. Enjoy a playful morning with your little ones and join specialist early years artists to explore The Hepworth Wakefield. 10.30am12pm.
Second Thursday of the Month Mums Meander in Roundhay Park Meet 7pm at the Lakeside Café. Enjoy a chat with other mums.
Fridays (exc December 27)
Tiny Tigers at Leeds City Museum
Creative, messy sessions for under 5s and their carers. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome. FREE, drop in, no need to book. 10am to 11.45am.
Saturdays (exc December 28)
Rory’s Saturday Club at Leeds City Museum
Looking for something creative to do with kids in the city? Head to Leeds City Museum for Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. FREE, drop-in. 11am to 12.15pm.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (term time only)
Storytime at The Little Bookshop, Chapel Allerton
Enjoy a cosy story time featuring delightful books for young children. For ages 2 to 5 years. 11am to 11.25am. FREE.
Tuesdays in Term Time
Toddler Tuesdays at Castleford Museum
Join Charlie Bear for a lively session of storytelling, crafts and rhymes, inspired by a different museum object each week. 10am to 11am. FREE. Ages 2 to 5.
Saturdays until December 21
Family Fun at Wakefield Museum, Castleford Museum and Pontefract Museum
Come rain or shine enjoy FREE, fun crafts every Saturday. With different themed activities each week. All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards! 11am to 3pm.
NOVEMBER
November 8
Farm Tour Friday at Temple Newsam
Find out more about the animals and what life is like on a working farm.
November 8
Music and Firework Spectacular at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Live music, fireworks, local street food and hot drinks.
November 9
Community Bonfire at Boston Spa Community bonfire event featuring large firework display, hot food, children’s tombola, rides and games.
November 9
LS18 Rocks Leeds Libraries at Leeds Central Library
FREE Join a family-friendly fun day of music making and first gig at Leeds’ newly refurbished music library. Listen, learn and join in with a mix of live music performances and taster workshops throughout the day led by music school LS18 Rocks. Workshops for ages 7 to 11, morning and ages 11 to 17 afternoon.
November 14 to 20
Baby Week Leeds, Calderdale and Bradford
Bringing sectors and services together to promote the best start in life. See website for individual events.
November 15 to 17
Light Up Wakefield
See a spectacular trail of installations and experience the city in a whole new light. Three days of light installations, craft activities, Christmas Market, street entertainment and more.
November 15 to January 5
Mischief at the Mansion at Harewood
See pages 6-7 for details. On specific Wednesdays throughout the season there will be Relaxed Festive Afternoons at Harewood.
November 18 to January 25
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Leeds Playhouse
This breath-taking stage show of C S Lewis’ classic novel returns to Leeds Playhouse following a successful West End and UK tour.
November 21 to January 5
Ice rink at White Rose Centre
See pages 6-7 for details.
November 22
Meanwood Christmas Lights Switch On
November 22 to January 5
Beauty and the Beast at Carriageworks Theatre
See pages 6-7 for details.
November 22 to December 31
Ice Cube at Christmas in Leeds City Centre
See pages 6-7 for details.
November 23
Ilkley Christmas Lights Switch On Weekends from November 23 to December 22
Santa Underground at the National Coal Mining Museum Descend 140m underground to visit Santa in his one-of-a-kind, enchanting grotto.
Various dates from November 23 to December 24
See Santa at the Merrion Centre
Find Santa, his helpers and all of their presents in his magical winter log cabin.
November 23 to January 5
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton
See pages 6-7 for details.
Various dates from November 23 to December 23
Father Christmas at Bolton Abbey Join Father Christmas for a bushcraft adventure in his wild winter wonderland.
November 26 to January 5
Cinderella the Pantomime at Theatre Royal Wakefield
This marvellous tale of rags-toriches is guaranteed to thrill all the family and bring a touch of magic to your festive celebrations.
November 29, December 6 and December 13
Christmas Toddler Days at Eureka!
See pages 6-7 for details.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 29 to December 15
Santa’s Grotto at Eureka!
See pages 6-7 for details.
November 29 to January 12
Jack and the Beanstalk: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall
See pages 6-7 for details.
November 30 to December 24
Reindeer Trail at Kirkstall Abbey
Can you help find all the deer in
time for Christmas? Explore the abbey ruins looking for the herd of seasonally decorated reindeers.
Various dates from November 30 to December 24
Santa Express at Whistlestop Valley
Take a train ride to the North Pole and to meet Santa in his cosy grotto.
Various dates from November 30 to December 24
Father Christmas Experience at Harewood
See pages 6-7 for details.
November 30
Children’s Festive Craft Workshop at Temple Newsam
Sign up for a space by the fire in the Joiner’s Shop at Home Farm and enjoy an hour long craft workshop making lovely things to decorate your holiday home.
November 30 to January 4
Mr Snow at Leeds Playhouse
Mr Snow is an enchanting festive adventure for all the family. You’ll have a (snow)ball! Ages 3+.
November 30 to January 5
Christmas at Thackray Thackray Medical Museum will be transformed into a stunning winter wonderland throughout December. Every weekend, local award-winning theatre company Wrongsemble will add an additional dose of medical magic with pop-up performances of theatre and song.
Weekends from November 30 to December 23
Christmas at Temple Newsam
See pages 6-7 for details.
Weekends from November 30 to December 23
Visit Father Christmas at Temple Newsam
See pages 6-7 for details.
Weekends from November 30 to December 23
Experience Festive Storytime with Mrs Claus at Temple Newsam
See pages 6-7 for details
DECEMBER
Weekends and Christmas Eve from December 1
Santa Special at Middleton Railway
Take a magical festive train ride to the grotto.
December 1
Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre Stalls, costumes, fairground, entertainment and much more.
Jack and the Beanstalk: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall
2ND DEC TO 5TH JAN
Christmas at Temple Newsam
December 1
Pudsey Christmas Lights Switch
On
December 2 to 31
Dick Whittington the Pantomime at Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield
Grab your tickets and get ready for a show that'll leave you feeling magical!
December 2 to January 5
Nutcracker Trail Bradford City Centre
See pages 6-7 for details.
December 6
Farm Tour Friday at Temple Newsam
Find out about the animals and what life is like on a working farm.
December 7
Horsforth Christmas Lights Switch on and Festive Market
December 7, 12 & 14
Who Stole the Christmas Pud?
A brand-new Christmas show, suitable for ages 3+. Prepare for audience interaction, comedy, live original music with just a sprinkling of magic. December 7 at SCRAP Farsley, December 12 at HEART
Headingley and December 14 at Boston Spa Village Hall.
December 7 to January 19
Pinocchio the Pantomime at the Alhambra Theatre
Pantomime will be making a magical return to Bradford with the spectacular new panto adventure, Pinocchio. Comedy sensation and Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce leads the cast as toymaker Geppetto.
December 8
Carols in the Abbey at Kirkstall Abbey
The Heritage Singers give their annual concert of carols in the abbey.
December 11 to 15
Wind in the Willows at Halifax Playhouse
The adventures of Mole, Ratty and Toad. A Main Stage production by Halifax Thespians.
December 14 to January 5
Peter Pan the Pantomime at Victoria Theatre Halifax
Expect hilarious slapstick comedy, stunning scenery and costumes, magical musical numbers and plenty of audience interaction.
December 14 to 31
The Lost Present… A Christmas Adventure at Carriageworks
Theatre
See pages 6-7 for details.
From December 17
Sports Heritage Trail at Leeds City Museum
Follow this FREE sports trail around the museum to find out about Leeds's sporting icons.
December 17 to January 4
Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand Theatre
Dickens’ timeless tale is reimagined through dance, music and storytelling which will transport you to Victorian England and leave your heart aglow.
December 17 to 22
Festive Mystery Matinees at Leeds Industrial Museum
Enjoy festive family favourites in the Palace Picture House during the run-up to Christmas.
December 19 and 20
Father Christmas Early Years Experience at Harewood
See pages 6-7 for details.
December 20
Relaxed Christmas at Temple Newsam
A day for families who would prefer a quieter and more relaxed Christmas event. Father Christmas visits and story time with Mrs Claus.
December 21, 22 and 23
Children’s Festive Craft Workshop at Temple Newsam
Sign up for a space by the fire in the Joiner’s Shop at Home Farm and enjoy an hour long craft workshop making lovely things to decorate your holiday home.
December 23 and 24
Elf the Musical at Leeds Arena
A heartwarming stage adaptation of the family-favourite film.
December 27 to 31
Come in from the Cold at Temple Newsam
The animals will all be snuggled up in the farm buildings over the colder months, so this is a great time to go along and spot some of the farmyard friends.
