Boxing Day in Leeds doesn’t have to be all about shopping and sales.
If you’re looking for enjoyable, free things to do with the family on 26 December, the city offers plenty of festive fun and fresh air for all ages.
Take a Bracing Winter Walk
Wrap up warm and head out for a scenic walk through one of Leeds’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Roundhay Park is perfect for a family stroll, with wide paths, lakes and plenty of space for children to run about. For woodland trails and a quieter atmosphere, Golden Acre Park offers peaceful routes and nature spotting opportunities.
Explore Canal Paths
The Leeds–Liverpool Canal towpaths provide a lovely route for a Boxing Day wander. Start near Granary Wharf and enjoy views of the water, locks and historic buildings as you stretch your legs and let little ones burn off some energy.
Visit Local Parks and Play Areas
Leeds is home to many great parks with play areas that stay open all year round. Temple Newsam Park and its wide open fields make for a great family picnic if you’ve packed leftovers, while Potternewton Park offers play equipment and plenty of space to kick a ball or throw a frisbee.
Take in the Festive Lights
Many of Leeds’s festive lights and decorations remain up over Boxing Day. A stroll through the city centre, especially around Briggate and Victoria Quarter, is a lovely way to continue the seasonal sparkle and enjoy the city in a calmer, quieter moment after Christmas Day.
Enjoy a Family Scavenger Hunt
Make your own fun with a family scavenger hunt around your local neighbourhood or favourite park. Create a list of festive items to find — like a red leaf, a robin, or a shiny bauble — and set off together for some playful exploration.
Boxing Day in Leeds can be a memorable, active and budget‑friendly day out for all the family. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or savouring the last of the Christmas lights, there’s plenty to keep everyone smiling.
