Christmas can feel like a pricey time of year if you have lots of presents to buy and parties to attend, but it doesn’t have to be. We have scoured the internet to find you some cheap(ish) Christmas events in Leeds that will give you all of the sparkly lights, festive cheer, and Wham songs to keep you sated this season.

Read on to find out what’s on in Leeds for students…

 

Kirkgate Market

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a market to go to and this year Kirkgate Market has plenty of events happening throughout December. Our favourite bit is the free ice rink that runs from December 20 to 23, from 10am to 4pm each day. Each session is 20 minutes long and you can glide along beneath the giant Christmas tree before warming yourselves up with a mulled wine. Perfect.

 

Disco for grown ups

Student events in Leeds are often full of dancing and parties, but sometimes it’s good to venture outside of your union and the usual haunts. That’s why we like Disco for Grown-Ups. At £14 a ticket it’s not cheap exactly, but it does sound like a lot of fun, dancing away to disco, soul and pop from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Also, there are free mince pies and glow sticks on arrival. The dress code is glitter and Christmas jumpers, so we think there will be plenty of festive cheer available. The event takes place at Left Bank Leeds, in Cardigan Road, on Saturday December 10.

 

Outdoor cinema

Snuggle up under a rug with a flask of coffee and watch the free outdoor cinema showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol. What’s not to love? The Hyde Park Picture House is hosting the free event on Sunday December 18. Catch up with Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and the three spirits, and giggle away at all the Muppets’ silliness.

 

Yay Clay!

If all the festive celebrating is getting too much, enjoy some calm and quiet time in the Drawing Room at Leeds Central Library. The Yay Clay! Mindful Winter Workshop on November 29 is run by Elena Rubiu, a Sardinian ceramicist based in Leeds. She produces her own small batch functional stoneware ceramics and during this workshop she will help you to produce something beautiful. For £14 you can create up to four pieces to take home, such as a hanging planter, trinket bowls and bud vase – that’s your Christmas presents sorted. Booking in advance is recommended.

 

And another market…

The Leeds Corn Exchange will be transformed into a Christmas extravaganza from Friday November 11 onwards, complete with festive foodie treats, warming drinks and plenty of live music. Sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes with Lucy’s Pop Choir and the Joy Choir, and there will also be stalls from indie makers so you can get your Christmas shopping sorted early.

 

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