By Adele Rae
Each December, Kirkstall’s streets welcome a familiar sight: Santa’s sleigh making its way through the community, stopping at parks, churches, and local landmarks to greet children and families.
What started in 2021 as a small, pandemic-era initiative has grown into a well-loved tradition, thanks to the dedication of staff, volunteers, and the support of local organisations.
The event is organised by the Kirkstall Valley Development Trust (KVDT), with help from a network of community partners.
The goal was simple—bring a bit of festive joy to families who were feeling the strain of lockdown. Santa’s sleigh, pulled by volunteers, made scheduled stops across the ward, handing out gifts and spreading cheer.
Now in its fifth year, the sleigh ride has become a fixture of Kirkstall’s festive season. In 2024, Santa visited six locations, including Queenswood Social Club, Kirkstall Forge, and Hawksworth Wood, where enthusiastic KVDT volunteer Sam Esterine welcomed the sleigh outside her house.
A delighted Sam said: “In our community we know that, for too many families, a trip to Santa is unaffordable. That is, until KVDT comes along in December.
“They bring the magic and restore hope. Smiling, giggles, laughter, happy faces, and the feeling that someone cares enough to go out of their way for us. It’s remarkable and humbling.”
The final stop of the night is at Kirkstall Valley Farm, where neighbours gather for carol singing, warm drinks, and food.
Over 400 hand-crafted presents are given out, generously donated by the Hookers and Clickers Knitting and Crochet group, who meet weekly at the KVDT hub. Families are also treated to free ice cream from the Mr Whippy Leeds husband-and-wife team, who join the Santa convoy each year.
The event is open to all—no booking, no barriers. It’s a celebration of what makes Kirkstall special: people coming together, looking out for one another, and creating moments of joy in the heart of winter.
The sleigh ends its tour at Kirkstall Valley Farm, a project of KVDT, where—rumour has it—it might be tucked away until next Christmas. At the final stop, farm volunteers will be serving mulled wine and mince pies during the last veg pick-up session of the year, offering a warm and festive close to the season.
KVDT CEO Adele Rae says: “The sleigh ride is my favourite event of the year.
“We do it to spread love and remind people—especially children—that they are valued. It’s about joy, connection, and showing that someone cares enough to go out of their way. That’s what makes it so special.”
This year, the sleigh will also be making its debut in Bramley, bringing the same festive spirit to even more families.
For details of both sleigh rides, follow KVDT on Facebook, and for the Bramley tour, keep an eye on the Bramley and Stanningley News Facebook page, where stop locations will be announced very soon.
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