Well it’s still only November but the Christmas lights are up in the city centre, debate is well under way as to whether Buster the Boxer is better than Kevin the Carrot and Christmas fairs, events and lights switch ons have already started across West Leeds.
Here’s JILL BUCKLEY’S guide to planning where you will be in the run up to Christmas. And there’s plenty going on in the area for you to choose from!
Bramley
St Peter’s Church on Hough Lane will be holding their annual Christmas fair on Saturday the 26th November, with gifts, cakes, mulled wine, mince pies, raffle and tombola, games, face painting, carols and more. 11am until 2pm.
The Abbey Inn on Pollard Lane is holding an evening of carol singing on Tuesday the 20th December from 7.30pm.
Bramley parkrun will take place in its usual Saturday morning 9am slot on Christmas Eve. Fancy dress welcome!
Calverley
Calverley will have its own advent calendar this year. From December 1st a window in the village will be lit each evening at 5pm, and a new window each evening until Christmas Eve. The theme will be Christmas Carols or Songs and is being organised by Creative Calverley which is a voluntary community organisation. To download the map of the advent trail from December 1st visit www.creativecalverley.co.uk.
Calverley Christmas lights will be switched on December the 3rd at 7pm. But if you fancy some festive fun before that then wrap up warm for the return of Calverley Community Cinema which will be showing Christmas film Elf in the beautiful surroundings of Calverley Parish Church with doors opening at 4.30pm (the screening will start at 5pm to finish in time for the big switch on). Elf and seasonal costume is encouraged with a prize for the best costume. Bring your own refreshments and a blanket is recommended too for extra warmth!
Farsley
Farsley Christmas Lights switch on takes place on Wednesday 30th November between 6 and 8pm, with the parade starting at 6.30pm from the library and Fireworks at 7:30pm. There will also be a Christmas Market and Grotto at Sunny Bank Mills and the shops will be open late that evening for some festive shopping.
At Farsley Working Mens Club there’s plenty going on! On December 1st there’s a Christmas Fayre with a range of stalls including jewellery, candles, sweets, cakes and much more. On Sunday 4th there’s a Kids Christmas Party with dancing, face-painting and party games. Then on the 9th it’s Christmas Bingo with surprises and cash prizes up for grabs.
Kirkstall
Kirkstall Abbey welcomes the first Hidden Christmas Market between the 16th and 22nd December. The organisers invite you to “Step into another world, through the hidden doors… Explore our secret kingdom with fauns you can’t ignore.” There will be live acts, performances, cocktails, fizz and craft ales, locally sourced festive food stalls, For more information visit their website.
Pudsey
Troydale Recreational Club are hosting a Family Christmas Movie Marathon on Christmas Eve from noon until close with movies for all the family.
Rodley
The Owl are hosting a Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday 26th November with arts and crafts made by local residents, a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and of course mince pies. 10am until 2pm.
Rodley Christmas Lights switch on takes place at 6pm on Thursday December 1st. The event is organised by the Light Up Rodley committee and they are hoping to have a choir and brass band, fairground rides, local band the Sillie Billies and of course mulled wine.
The Church in Rodley is hosting the Rodley Christmas Fayre on Saturday 3rd December between 2 and 4pm with many stalls and of course mince pies!
There will be Carols by Candlelight featuring the Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band on Wednesday 14th December between 7 and 8pm at the Church Hall on Wesley Street, opposite the Crown and Anchor Pub.
Got any more events to add? Post them in the comments section below or email us news@westleedsdispatch.com.