Festive magic at Leeds Museums and Galleries

From festive carols in the ancient ruins of Kirkstall Abbey to a magical Christmas wonderland at Lotherton, Leeds’s museums and galleries are set to be full of seasonal cheer.

Here are few family-friendly events to take the little ones to this Christmas.

Abbey House Museum

Wander through the decorated Victorian Streets, listen to the carols, get creative with your Christmas list and visit Father Christmas in his winter wonderland grotto. Activities run all through December. Visit: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/abbey-house-museum/

Kirkstall Abbey

Carol singers will fill the abbey with festive sounds on December 8 from 2-3pm. The Heritage Singers will be joined by the Abbeylands parish. After Christmas there’s more festive fun with a trail to track down Santa and his reindeer in the abbey from December 27.

Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds Art Gallery’s family friendly Artspace will host festive fun activities inspired by the collections. Mash-up contemporary art and tradition and make festive decorations to hang up at home on December 14 from 11am-4pm. More details at: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-art-gallery/

Leeds City Museum

The museum will be home to festive Winters Trail from December 19 until January 3 where visitors can try and track down Jack Frost. The popular Etsy Made Local Market also returns from November 30 to December 1, 11am-4pm showcasing the best creative talent and locally carefully curated products. Details at: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-city-museum/

Lotherton

The breath-taking Christmas Experience returns from November 22 until December 23. Featuring a magical 12 days of Christmas woodland walk and Santa and his elves, this year the event will also include a Lotherton ice rink. The 12 Days of Christmas walk will be open until January 5. Visit to thechristmasexperience.co.uk

Temple Newsam

Throughout December visitors can find out discover how the mansion has got ready for Christmas through the centuries and how the Tudors, Georgians and Victorians celebrated the festive season. Visitors can also pay a visit to Santa in his workshop. Santa visits are priced at £5 (under 1s are free). Please call 0113 336 7460 to book.

ENDS