Leeds' six most festive streets with the city's best…

Leeds' six most festive streets with the city's best displays

Aside from present buying, our high streets get us in the Christmas spirit with their lights and displays.

Impressive illuminations and innovative shop window displays are half the fun of Christmas shopping – or all the fun if you don't like shopping. Visit Leeds, the city's official tourist board, has compiled a short list of the most festive streets this year.

Some in the heart of Leeds city centre won't be a surprise but there are a couple of places on the city fringes that are worth a look. In fact, the number one most festive street in Leeds is one such place: Stone Brig Lane, Rothwell.

Dubbed the best Christmas light road in the city, Stone Brig Lane, Rothwell, has fast become a Christmas attraction in its own right. It features dozens of houses lit up for the festive season, from Santa grottos to real-life gingerbread houses and everything in between.

This year residents of Stone Brig Lane are raising money for three local charities with their light displays, so you can donate while you enjoy the festive illuminations.

2. Briggate

Leeds main shopping street is a place for some of the best street and window displays.

James Glancy Design have reimagined Kate Ryrie’s poem, ‘Dear Leeds’, into a neon light installation that hangs proudly above the street while two Thor’s Tipis allow passersby to grab a festive drink.

3. Millennium Square

The square or indeed, the city may not be hosting the famous German Christmas Market this year (again) but there is an ice rink, fairground rides and street food stalls. New for this year is the Ski Bar, complete with gondolas, chairlifts, skis and a four-metre-high illuminated ski bear.

4. Market Place, Otley

Otley's famous Victorian Fayre has passed but there's still time to see the town's great illuminations and window displays.

5. Victoria Quarter

There's stuff to see in the upmarket Victoria Arcades and the Victoria shopping mall. There's a huge lit-up reindeer standing outside Victoria Gate, while inside there are Christmas lights and towering trees. Nearby at Victoria Quarter, you’ll find the Victorian arcades illuminated by Christmas lights, beautifully-decorated trees and fun photo opportunities.

6. Trinity

Leeds' main central shopping centre has been transformed into a wintry apres-ski chalet. Ski-themed decorations adorn the space, as well as neon signs, Christmas trees and festive lights from top to bottom.

As well as getting your shopping done, Trinity Leeds is hosting Apres-ski weekenders throughout the festive season, where there'll be DJs and giveaways.

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