Christmas may fill you with joy, but it does empty the pockets. If you're staying in Leeds over the winter break, don’t worry, there’s plenty of affordable and enjoyable ways to make the most of the season. Here’s a few to keep you busy... 

Relaxed Christmas at Temple Newsam  

December 20th  

£9.50  

Explore the gorgeous sights at the Temple Newsam and mansion house at the most beautiful time of the year. Get involved with crafts, festive activities and the history of the grounds.  

Find out more and get your ticket here. 

Gather Round the Table for Friendsmas Dinner 

Celebrate with those you love, whether it’s at home or not. Grab your friends and have a Christmas dinner at your home away from home. It doesn’t have to be a traditional English dish, just choose your favourite!  

Check out Leeds List’s best restaurants.  

See the Farm Animals at ‘Come in from the Cold’ 

5th December – 5th January  

Temple Newsam 

£4.50  

What more could you want than looking at cute farm animals? Go and spot some of your favourite farmyard friends and warm yourselves by the fire in the Joiner’s Shop. 

Get your tickets here. 

Get Your Glam On for Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens  

January 10th  

LBSU  

£32 

The pantos haven’t stopped just because Christmas is over but watch out, this one’s got a bit of extra spice. Join Goggle box favourite and Queen of the Jungle, Scarlett Moffatt, alongside Celebrity Big Brother Winner, David Potts, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race icons, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas.  

Get your tickets here.  

Get Comfy at the Cinema  

It’s dark and cold outside so what better time to get comfy with a big bag of popcorn infront of the big screen? Give yourself a reward after a long semester and watch Wicked, Moana 2 or Sonic the Hedgehog. And even better you can catch the latest movies at a discounted price.  

Find discounts on selected cinemas on Students Beans.  

Plan a Day Trip  

Train tickets are as little as £3.40 and if you’re off to York, LNER offer 40% on UNiDAYS! 

The winter break is the perfect time to explore local towns like Harrogate, known for its cozy tea rooms, Knaresborough, for its legendary viaduct, or even York, for its medieval streets. Visit Leeds has some great options if you’re stuck for an idea! 

Or if any of these aren’t tickling your fancy, Leeds List and The Hoot are great places to check with fun things to do!