By December is all about Christmas for a lot of Leeds dwellers, and with so much excitement – spending time with family and friends, visiting the German Christmas Market in Millennium Square, Christmas shopping, taking young ones to visit Santa, eating and drinking until you pop – January can seem like quite a dull month on comparison, and quite a shock to the system. Because of this, I decided to compile a collection of ideas of fun things to do in the Leeds area post-Christmas. You don’t have to stay in all month, even if your bank account took a bit of a hit over the festive period.
Aladdin, The Carriageworks – Leeds City Centre
Throughout December 2015 and until 9th January 2016 (various times)
Ticket prices range from £9.50 to £18.50
January TV is often a let down after the excitement of Christmas TV specials involving love, births and deaths, so why not head out to the Carriageworks theatre and see a fun, classic pantomime on the stage instead? Aladdin and his magic lamp could be just what you need to cheer your January up. He’s behind you!
The Feast Wagon, The Tetley – Leeds City Centre
Open now until 10th January 2016 (open 11am-6pm Mon-Weds & Fri-Sat; 11am-8pm Thurs; 11am-4pm Sun)
This exhibition is FREE to visit
This exhibition takes up the entire first floor of gallery space at The Tetley, and explores the history of spectacular touring shows, including the ideas of exchange and migration. Quite a unique exhibition, with roots in Leeds, as you will find out if you visit.
Ice Cube, Millennium Square – Leeds City Centre
Friday 22 January to Sunday 21 February 2016 (opening times yet to be announced)
Prices yet to be announced
The popular outdoor ice rink with accompanying fun fair rides is back this January and February in Millennium Square, so why not get your skating boots on and give a twizzle or a waltz jump a go! Make sure to wrap up warm, as it’s not so fun if you fall, get soaked through, and then freeze for the next few hours in a wet t-shirt.
Stephen K. Amos – The Laughter Master tour, City Varieties – Leeds City Centre
25th January 2016 (7:30pm)
Tickets are £18.60 each, plus booking fee
What could cheer January up more than a good session of laughter? Stephen K. Amos is coming to City Varieties in Leeds, to make us smile. If Stephen isn’t your thing, there are other comedians playing Leeds venues in January too, such as Sarah Millican, and Katherine Ryan.
Drink & Draw, The Bowery – Headingley
29th January 2016 (6pm-8pm)
£10 each, plus booking fee
This is exactly what it sounds like; aimed at beginners, but all are welcome, you can draw, paint and print at Drink & Draw whilst enjoying the music, indulging in a glass or two of wine (it’s BYOB), and having a natter. How better to spend a Friday night in Leeds in dreary January?
25 Years of Reeves & Mortimer, First Direct Arena – Leeds City Centre
30th January 2016 (7:30pm)
Ticket prices range from £33.05 to £39.20, plus booking fee
This is Vic & Bob’s first live tour since 1995! If you like these guys and their comedy, this show is a must see, as in it they will be working their way through their favourite bits of their collaborations over the past 25 years, from Vic Reeves’ Big Night Out to House of Fools, and everything inbetween. You may even witness the ‘dove from above’!