What Are the Festive Activities at Trinity Leeds this Christmas?

The final countdown to Christmas has begun, and the usual hustle and bustle is taking over the Leeds city centre. For anyone looking to make their shopping trips a bit more magical and a lot less stressful, Trinity Leeds has a whole host of festive activities planned throughout December. It’s not just about getting through those Christmas lists; it’s about creating a fun experience for everyone. The shopping centre is buzzing with festive cheer, complete with a brand-new turkey-themed scavenger hunt, extended opening hours, and opportunities to support the local community. It looks like Christmas at Trinity Leeds is set to be a big one.

Go on a turkey hunt with the 12 days of turkeys trail

Forget a partridge in a pear tree; this year is all about the turkeys. From the 13th to the 24th of December, Trinity Leeds is hosting its first-ever 12 Days of Turkeys Trail. This isn’t just a walk around the shops; it's a proper family-friendly adventure designed to get everyone involved. Twelve cheeky turkeys have been hidden all around the shopping centre, and it’s up to visitors to find them all. It’s a brilliant way to keep younger shoppers entertained while the grown-ups figure out what to buy for Auntie Susan. This event promises to be one of the standout festive activities this year. The hunt for these turkeys is on! Finding them is only half the fun. Each of the hidden turkeys is holding a letter. Once all twelve are found, the letters spell out a special festive word. Think of it as a Christmas-themed puzzle scattered across the entire building. And it’s not just for bragging rights. Solving the puzzle leads to a pretty decent reward, turning a simple shopping trip into a memorable quest for a festive surprise. It’s these kinds of imaginative events that build a real sense of community during the festive season.

How the trail works and what people can win

Getting started on this turkey trail is dead simple. Families can head over to Guest Services on the first floor (it’s just opposite H&M) to pick up a free trail map. Alternatively, maps are available near the iconic Christmas tree in the main atrium, which is looking as sparkly as ever. With map in hand, the search for the twelve turkeys can begin. But wait, there’s more. Each colourful turkey doesn’t just have a letter; it also reveals a secret seasonal fact or an exclusive offer for one of the shops. So, while people are hunting, they might just stumble upon a discount that helps them tick another present off their Christmas lists. It’s a clever way to add an extra layer of magic to the day. Once the word is solved, it’s back to Guest Services to spin the prize wheel. Every spin wins a special festive surprise, giving everyone a little treat for their detective work.

Get your gifts wrapped for a good cause

One of the most tedious jobs at Christmas is wrapping all the presents. The floor gets covered in paper, the sticky tape gets stuck to everything, and it never looks as neat as it does in the shops. Well, from the 20th to the 24th of December, the popular gift-wrapping service is back at Trinity Leeds. Shoppers can get their presents beautifully wrapped at the gift-wrapping station, located at Guest Services between 1 pm and 5 pm. This service isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving back. The gift-wrapping is raising money for Leeds Children’s Hospital, a brilliant local cause. People can use the service by either spending £50 or more in the centre’s stores or by making a simple £3 charity donation. It’s a fantastic way to get a chore done, make presents look amazing, and support the wider community all at once.

Steven Foster, the Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, shared his excitement:

“Christmas at Trinity Leeds is always a special time, and this year we’re thrilled to be hosting our biggest and most exciting programme of festive activities yet. From our Win Your Wishmas spectacular last week, to our new 12 Days of Turkeys Trail launching this Saturday, we want to help make this Christmas truly memorable for all our visitors.”

New shops and festive treats to discover

Alongside the turkey trail and gift-wrapping, Trinity Leeds has also welcomed a load of new independent and seasonal brands. It’s a great chance to find unique gifts that aren’t available everywhere else. Pop-ups include J. Fragrances by Janan, O’Donnell Moonshine, Yankee Candle, and the Chilli & Cheese Co. There's also a Calendar Club for getting organised for the new year. On the Link Bridge, there’s a lovely selection of local makers, including Yorkshire Candle Company, Luke Horton Art, and Yorkshire Blankets. It’s a fantastic showcase of local talent. Plus, for anyone with a sweet tooth, The Savvy Baker has just opened its permanent City Centre store at Trinity Leeds, perfect for a mid-shopping treat. With so many options, from big brands to local artisans, those Christmas lists should be sorted in no time.

Christmas and new year opening hours

To make sure everyone has enough time to shop, hunt for turkeys, and soak up the festive atmosphere, Trinity Leeds has extended its opening hours during the festive season.

• 15th December – 23rd December: 9 am – 8 pm (Mon-Sat), 11 am – 5 pm (Sun)
• Christmas Eve, 24th December: 9 am – 5 pm
• Christmas Day, 25th December: CLOSED
• Boxing Day, 26th December: 9 am – 6 pm
• 27th December: 9 am – 8 pm
• 28th December: 11 am – 5 pm
• 29th & 30th December: 9 am – 8 pm
• New Year’s Eve, 31st December: 9 am – 5 pm
• New Year’s Day, 1st January: 9 am – 6 pm

It's always a good idea to check with individual stores, as their times might be slightly different.

More than just a shopping centre

Trinity Leeds, owned and operated by the property company Landsec, has become much more than just a place to shop. It’s a proper destination. With over 40 restaurants and bars, there are plenty of places to refuel. Visitors can also check out the striking artwork, like the iconic Equus Altus packhorse sculpture, which is a nod to the city's history. And for entertainment, the Everyman Cinema offers a comfy spot to catch a festive film after a long day. It’s this mix of retail, dining, and entertainment that makes Christmas at Trinity Leeds a full-day experience, bringing a real buzz to the city centre during this special time of year.