Christmas & New Year 2013-2014

In Great Britain, Christmas is a time of great celebration. You don’t need to be a Christian to enjoy the season! So whoever you are, you are very welcome to join any of the following events during the Christmas and New Year time 2013-2014 in Leeds. All the events on this list are free unless otherwise stated.

There will be a Facebook group for those University of Leeds students who will stay in Leeds with information about events going on in Leeds during this time. You’ll also be able to post your own events and find out who else is around. On Facebook, search ‘University of Leeds: Students in Leeds over Christmas 2013’ to get connected.

Please check also this website as all the events mentioned are open for ALL STUDENTS:

www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/giag (Both free and paid events.)


From Friday 8th November to Wednesday 18th December

  • “Christkindelmarkt” Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am-9.30pm & Sunday 10.30am-7.30pm on Millenium Square. This is one of the largest traditional German Christmas Markets, with over 40 authentic traders & festive funfair rides, creating a magical winter wonderland in the heart of the city centre. You can find: seasonal gift ideas, handcrafted toys, Christmas decorations, speciality food, drink and traditional German Bratwurst. More info visit www.visitleeds.co.uk or http://www.christmasmarkets.com/UK/leeds-christmas...

Saturday 30th November

  • ‘Finnish Christmas Carols’ 3pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 9 Alma Road, Headingley Leeds LS6 2 AH. Join for drama in English and listen to Christmas carols sung in Finnish. Refreshments to follow. More info: Seija Frears 07951 478960

Sunday 1st December

  • “Contemporary Carols” 10.30am, 5pm & 7.30pm at St George’s Church, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BR. A lively, modern event combining Christmas carols, modern songs & short talks about the meaning of Christmas. Free mince pies & mulled wine to follow. More info: www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk
  • ‘Mosaic Church Carol Service’ 5.45-7pm at Cottage Road Cinema, Headingley. There will be traditional carols, readings from the original Christmas story & a short talk about the meaning of Christmas – all followed by Christmas refreshments! Organized by Mosaic Church Leeds More info www.mosaic-church.org.uk.
  • ‘Traditional Advent Carol Service’ 6.30pm at Leeds Minster, Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ. Led by Minster Choir - All your favourite Advent hymns, Scripture Readings, Carols and other music for Advent. More info www.leedsminster.org

Tuesday 3rd December

  • ‘University of Leeds Carol Service’ 5.30pm in the Great Hall at University of Leeds. Lots of music and everyone singing carols! More info: www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy
  • Global Cafe Leeds Met: Christmas Special’. Learn about British traditions at Christmas & find out about the real meaning of Christmas. More info from: rhian.whiteley@friendsinternational.org.uk
  • 'Fair Trade Craft Fair’ 11.30am-3pm at Parkinson Bldg., Leeds University. A great chance to buy some Christmas gifts!

Wednesday 4th December

  • ‘International Students Club Christmas & New Year in My Country’ 6-7:45pm at Emmanuel Centre – Refreshments and an opportunity to share what Christmas and New Year celebrations are like in your home country. More info: www.iscleeds.org.uk or www.iscleeds.org.uk

Thursday 5th December

  • ‘Mandarin Carol Service’ 6.30pm at Emmanuel Centre, Chaplaincy, next to the main entrance in the University of Leeds, Organised by Leeds Chinese Christian Church. More info: Kim 0113-2935993
  • ‘Cooking & Friendship’ 5.30-6.30pm at Leeds Uni Union Refectory. TV’s Chef Simon will demonstrate wonderful Christmas themed recipes and you can try them & ask questions. More info from Anna a.spiegel@leeds.ac.uk
  • ‘Taize Service’ 5.30pm in Claire Chapel at Emmanuel Centre, University of Leeds. A service of prayer & song. More info: www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy

Friday 6th December

  • ‘English & Cantonese Christmas Gathering for Chinese students’ 6.30pm at Emmanuel Centre, Chaplaincy, next to the main entrance in the University of Leeds, Organised by Leeds Chinese Christian Church More info: Kim Chan 0113-2935993

Saturday 7th December

  • ‘Big Christmas Sing’ 7pm Blenheim Baptist Church, at the Rusty Building. A fabulous brass band will play traditional Christmas carols and fun holiday songs. Mince pies & tea/coffee at the interval. Free, with donation taken for Christian Aid. More info: www.blenheim.org.uk
  • ‘Global Community trip to Beamish Living Museum’ - University of Leeds students. It is an interactive open air museum in North East England which allows you to experience traditional life from past. There’s opportunity to go down an old mine, ride a restored tram, skate on an ice rink or visit a traditional farm. More info & to book your place: http://www.globalcommunity.leeds.ac.uk/events/arti...

Sunday 8th December

  • ‘Otley Victorian Fayre’ 12-6pm Whole Otley town is involved with shop people dressing up Victorian-style clothes and street entertainment on offer. Bus X84, bus journey takes around 30min and is not expensive. More info www.victorianfayre.co.uk

Tuesday 10th December

  • ‘Carol Service’ Doors open at 6pm, concert at 6:45pm at Leeds Minster LS2 7DJ in aid of Epilepsy Action. Tickets are £8 for students. More info: www.leedsminster.org
  • ‘Open Mic Night’ 7.30pm at Emmanuel Centre, Chaplaincy. Interested in sharing your talent with other students? Bring a song, poem, dance or act to share or just come along to listen and be entertained. More info: www.leeds.ac.uk/chaplaincy
  • ‘Meal in a Local Home’ hosted by Global Café Leeds Met volunteers. Sign up in the Cafe a week before or email to book your place. More info rhian.whiteley@friendsinternational.org.uk

Wednesday 11th December

  • ‘ISC Christmas Celebration’ 6-8.30pm at Emmanuel Centre (just by the main entrance of University of Leeds) After refreshments there will be a short drama performance and we will sing some traditional Christmas Carols followed by a short talk about the meaning of the Christmas. A special Christmas gift will be available for everyone! Come enjoy some food, togetherness & a few games! More info: www.iscleeds.org.uk or www.iscleeds.org.uk
  • ‘Carols for a Choral Future’ 7pm at Leeds Minster, Kirkgate, Leeds 2 7DJ. A Gala Christmas Concert. Tickets from City Centre Box Office 0113-224 3801 and on the door £7.

Thursday 12th December

  • Film: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ 7.30-10pm at Leeds University Union, The Common Room. Come along to watch an old favourite for anyone’s Christmas viewing.

Saturday 14th December

Sunday 15th December

  • ‘Carols by Candlelight’ 5pm & 7pm at St. George’s Centre LS1 3BR. Join to sing carols with the church lit by candles, with traditional (sweet) mince pies and mulled wine served at 6.30pm. More info: www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk
  • ‘Carols in the Abbey’ at Kirkstall Abbey 2.00-3.00pm, Festive favourites in the atmospheric abbey ruins. This performance will take place outdoors, please wear warm clothing and warm shoes. Bus 33 will take you there. More info www.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallAbbey.
  • ‘Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols’ 3pm at Leeds Minster, Kirkgate Leeds LS2 7DJ. The City’s Carol Service’ All are warmly welcome! Please be seated by 2.50pm. Traditional and Greatly-loved Hymns, Scripture Readings, Carols by the Minster Choir. www.leedsminster.org
  • ‘Christmas Carol Service’ 6.30pm at Holborn Church, 62 Holborn Approach, Leeds LS6 2PD Very popular carol service by candlelight. The service will last for about one hour. More info www.holbornchurch.co.uk

Wednesday 18th December

  • ‘ISC Christmas Karaoke & ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ Quiz’ 6pm at Emmanuel Centre, Chaplaincy, near the main entrance to the University of Leeds. Come feast on toast, cakes & fruits, followed by a quiz and Karaoke. More info: www.iscleeds.org.uk or Anna a.spiegel@leeds.ac.uk

Thursday 19th December

  • ‘Lord Mayor’s Carol Concerts’ at Leeds Town Hall The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD, 6.30pm and 8.30pm Always a treat, celebrate Christmas at Leeds Town Hall’s annual family carol concert. Fee £2.50 for students. More info: www.leedsconcertseason.com

Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd December

Sunday 22nd December

  • ‘Family Nativity’ 10.30am at St George’s Church, Great George Street LS1 3BR. A service with a Christmas play, explaining the Christmas message. More info: www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk
  • ‘Community Carols’ 6.30pm at St Georges Church, Great George Street LS1 3 BR. Mince pies & mulled wine to follow. More info: www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk

‘Candlelight Carol Service’ 6.30pm at Blenheim Baptist Church, at the Rusty Building. Carols and readings by candlelight. More info: www.blenheim.org.uk

Monday 23rd December, Christmas Eve

Tuesday 25th December, Christmas Day

  • ‘Christmas Day Worship’ 11am at Blenheim Baptist Church, at the Rusty Building. More info: www.blenheim.org.uk
  • ‘Christmas Day Worship’ 10am at Holburn Church, 62 Holborn Approach, Leeds LS6 2PD. More info: www.holbornchurch.co.uk
  • ‘Christmas Day Worship’ 10.30am at St George’s Church, Great George Street, LS1 3BR More info: 0113-2438498 www.stgeorgesleeds.org.uk
  • ‘Christmas Day Family Service’ 10.30am at Headingley St Columba United Reformed Church on 70 Headingley Lane, Leeds LS6 2DH. More info:www.headingley-urc.co.uk
  • ‘Celebration of Christmas for All the Family’ 10.30am at South Parade Baptist Church, Headingley, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS6 3LF More info: www.spbc.org.uk
  • ‘Leeds Chinese Christian Church Open Day’ 2pm onwards at 155 Kirkstall Road, Leeds LS4 2AG. All are welcome! More info: Kim Chan 0113-2935993

Wednesday 8th January 2013

Wednesday 15th January 2013

  • ‘ISC Quiz Night’ with toast, fruits, cakes & hot drinks 6pm at Emmanuel Centre, Chaplaincy, near the main entrance to the University of Leeds

www.iscleeds.org.uk or www.iscleeds.org.uk

Friday 25th January – Sunday 24th February 2013

‘Ice Cube in Millennium Square in Leeds’ – Ice skating fun for all ages! Please see the web site for fees. More info: www.festiveleeds.com

Friday 31st January 2013 - ‘Chinese New Year’