What's On At Victoria Leeds For The Ultimate Christmas Experience In Yorkshire

Getting into the festive spirit isn't just about putting up a tree; it's about the feeling, the buzz, and making brilliant memories with the people you love. This year, it looks like Victoria Leeds is dialling up the magic with its massive Christmas campaign, ‘Your Christmas Stories Told’. It’s all about celebrating how everyone does Christmas differently, offering a whole load of festive fun, from a unique photo experience to luxury shopping and chances to win some cracking prizes. If you’re looking for a proper Christmas day out in Yorkshire, this could be it.

Step into your own festive tale at The Snowland Storybook

Forget trying to get a decent family photo against the living room wall. At the centre of the whole celebration is The Snowland Storybook, an immersive experience where visitors can literally step inside a giant storybook. It’s a beautifully styled, cosy setting designed to be the perfect backdrop for a festive photo that you’ll actually want to put on the mantelpiece. This isn't just for a traditional family snap, either. The whole point is to celebrate every kind of Christmas story. So, whether it’s a big family get-together with grandparents, a couple's first Christmas, a group of mates from a running club, or even proud pet parents wanting a picture with their dog, everyone's invited to capture their version of festive joy.

The Snowland Storybook opens to the public on Saturday 22nd November and will be bringing the Christmas magic right up until Sunday 14th December. And to make the opening weekend even more special, on the 22nd of November, some whimsical fairytale characters called the ‘Curious Creatures’ will be roaming around in amazing costumes, spreading a bit of extra sparkle. The whole experience is designed to create lasting memories. As Victoria Leeds’ Centre Director, Jo Coburn, puts it:

“At Victoria Leeds, Christmas means connection, with each other, our traditions, our communities and our memories. This year, our campaign celebrates the warmth of real Christmas stories, the small moments, the big gestures, and everything in between. We wanted to create something that feels truly inclusive and joyful, reflecting the many ways people and families come together at this time of year. The Snowland Storybook does exactly that, it’s about capturing memories that will last long after the decorations come down.”

A team will be on hand every weekend to help you get that perfect festive photo portrait. You can pop down on these dates:

• 22nd & 23rd November
• 29th & 30th November
• 6th & 7th December
• 13th & 14th December

More than just shopping this Christmas

The festive fun doesn't stop at the photo op. Every weekend brings more surprises. For anyone deep in their Christmas shopping, the ‘Uplift the Gift’ service is a game-changer. When shoppers spend £100 or more at Victoria Leeds, they can get their gifts beautifully wrapped for free. There’s even the option of handwritten calligraphy for that extra touch of luxury. You can get bespoke gift tags and table place cards customised, too. This brilliant service is running every Saturday from 22nd November to 13th December, between 12pm and 5pm.

And for a bit of classic Yorkshire fun, there's the ‘Parkin or Parking’ giveaway. Each weekend, some lucky visitors will get a little treat – either a free day of parking in January (which is always handy) or a slice of traditional Yorkshire parkin. Plus, everyone who enters gets a weekly chance to win a £250 voucher to spend at Victoria Leeds. That would certainly make the Christmas shopping a bit easier!

Christmas shopping and dining sorted

Of course, Victoria Leeds is a top spot for shopping and dining all year round, but it really comes alive at Christmas. With over 90 brands, there’s gift inspiration everywhere you look. You’ve got the big department stores like Harvey Nichols and John Lewis & Partners, perfect for finding something for everyone. Then there are the luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Mulberry for a truly special present. For stylish fashion and homeware, you can browse places like AllSaints, Wax London, and North Home. And for those lovely little stocking fillers or scents, there’s Jo Malone London.

Once the shopping bags are full, there are plenty of places to refuel. The selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars means you can make a full day of it. You could have a celebratory meal at The Ivy, grab a bite at The Cut & Craft, or simply relax with a coffee at Caffé Concerto. The fantastic range of dining options makes it the ideal place to meet up with friends and family for a festive celebration. It’s all about combining the practical task of shopping with the joy of the season.

Sharing the Christmas spirit with Zarach

This Christmas, Victoria Leeds is also focusing on the spirit of giving back by supporting Zarach, a fantastic Leeds-based charity. Zarach works to end bed poverty for children, providing families with essentials for a good night's sleep. They distribute ‘bed bundles’ to children who need them, which include a proper bed, duvet, pillow, bedding, and pyjamas. It’s an incredibly important cause, especially at this time of year. Visitors can help support this amazing work.

On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November, limited-edition Victoria Leeds Snow Hare or Reindeer soft toys will be available to buy for a £20 donation. Every single penny of that donation goes directly to Zarach. What’s even more heartwarming is that for every soft toy sold, another one will be gifted with a bed bundle, giving a child in need an extra bit of comfort and joy this Christmas. It’s a wonderful way for shoppers to share the magic of the season with children and families in the local community. The whole festive campaign feels like a complete experience, full of fun, luxury and a lot of heart.

Address: 44, Victoria Gate, Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7AU, United Kingdom