Campus is getting festive!

From twinkling lights to festive feasts, Leeds University transforms into a winter wonderland every December. Here’s how you can soak up the Christmas spirit without leaving campus!

Watch the Christmas tree go up! 

Every year, an incredible 35ft Christmas tree takes pride of place on campus, and the big moment is when the lights are switched on at Beech Grove Plaza. It’s a campus tradition you won’t want to miss! This year it's happening on 22 November. 

Why not make it a mini adventure? Go on a Christmas Tree hunt across campus and pick your favourite, there are plenty to discover in different buildings, each with its own decorations and flair.

Top tip: Grab a festive drink from one of our cafés before the countdown for ultimate cozy vibes.

Grab a Christmas Dinner at the Refectory 

If there is one thing we recommend, it's grab a Christmas Dinner at the Refectory!

The Christmas menu will be live from 1 December and includes everything you'd expect in a Christmas Dinner: from the stuffing to the syrup glazed vegetables - it's a festive must. 

If you're in a rush but still want to get in the Christmas spirit, there are three new sandwiches in the meal deal available from this week! These are the Turkey Feast Sandwich, Vegan Festive Sandwich and Pigs in Blankets Ciabatta - all part of the £4.50 meal deal which includes a main item, snack and hot or cold drink.

Get involved this festive season

Looking for festive fun? Here are some events to brighten your December you can get involved in:

Biscuit decorating: 4 December 2025

Biscuit decorating is a traditional activity done in England to celebrate the festive season. From icing to sprinkles, there's a wide variety of ways you can decorate your biscuit (and they taste great too!)  

Join as for an afternoon of biscuit decorating, we will provide the biscuits and decorations so all you need to do is drop in between 2.30pm and 4.30pm and have fun! 🎄

Winter Craft and Create:  9 December 2025

Join us for a craft mixer to tackle student loneliness over the winter period.

The crafts will surround making holiday-themed crafts or postcards to send to friends and family close by and far away - don't worry about posting them, we'll do that all for you, so you can focus on the creative fun.

Manchester Christmas Market: 13 December 2025

Take a trip to one of the UK's best Christmas Markets this December!

With over 200 stalls you will get the opportunity to enjoy food, drinks and holiday crafts! This year, there will also be exciting fairground attractions including a 50 metre high Ferris Wheel.

Bricks, Board Games and Brews: Lego Café: 15 December 2025

Take a break from the books and screens and join us for a cozy afternoon at the Residence Life Lego Café, now with board games!

Build with LEGO, challenge friends to a board game, sip on comforting tea, and enjoy tasty treats, all while meeting fellow students who will be around Leeds during the Winter Break.

Mince Pies and Melodies: 15 December 2025

Join us for some mince pies, mulled wine and a little sing-along, led by the wonderful Sharon Stacey Voice, as we create some feel-good energy to disperse the winter blues! 

Don't worry if you don't sing - this is all for fun so come along for some festive cheer 🎶🎄