Child Friendly Leeds Seasonal News Update

Pop-up Christmas

For many people, Christmas is about spending time with the people they love and giving gifts to one another, a tradition which has its origins in the Christmas story or nativity. Read about a rather special Christmas shopping opportunity in one of our recent blogs which provides important work experience for young people with special educational needs (SEND).

From Monday 6 to Friday 10 December 2021, 10am - 2pm, students from a variety of settings will be selling beautiful hand-crafted gifts such as bath bombs, Christmas decorations, cards and much more from £5 or less. Their Christmas pop-up shop can be found at Kirkgate Market (Unit 7) and is called ‘Compass House’. Please do call in, say hello and buy a few of their beautiful handicrafts. 

Baby Week Leeds Feedback

We're still 'catching our breath' from the 100+ events that took place in Baby Week in November. Baby Weeks also happened simultaneously in other areas across the UK including Bradford, Cheshire and Merseyside, who all celebrated giving babies 'the best start in life.' The week-long programme included many free and low-cost events include baby-friendly film screenings, sensory and messy play and baby first aid courses. This year Baby Week Leeds celebrated their sixth year and the theme explored 'strength and struggles'. Baby Week Leeds is supported by Child Friendly Leeds and Public Health at Leeds City Council (LCC), the NHS, Leeds BID, Leeds Community Foundation and this year with the help of Leeds Libraries, we gave Book Start packs to hundreds of attendees. The initiative aims to improve the health and care services, promote fantastic opportunities, bring sectors together across Leeds and involve parents-to-be and new parents with their little ones. Following the week, resources and blogs are being added to the Baby Week Leeds website and we encourage partners to get involved as we celebrate Baby Week 2022 nationally.

The Ice Cube is back at Millennium Square with a special festive edition. Glide your way into Christmas by visiting the city’s coolest attraction - open from now to Friday 24 December.

For the first time, the 400 sqm real ice rink has taken centre stage on Millennium Square for the run up to Christmas. Get those skates on and kickstart the festive season with a magical outdoor skating experience in the heart of Leeds city centre. The transparent marquee-styled roof means that you can enjoy skating, whatever the weather!

The popular Penguin Club, dedicated accessible sessions and one-to-one skating lessons are also available. Book your tickets online here.

Read more about the seasonal fun at Millennium Square and other iconic locations across the city centre here.