With the holidayseason fast approaching, there is an abundance of exciting things to do in Leicester for students looking to enjoy the festivities. Our city sparkles at this time of year, and there is no shortage of Christmas and New Year events taking place. Perhaps you’re looking to enjoy the magic of Christmas before heading home to stay with family and friends over the festive period. Or, you’re a student local to the area who wants to explore something exciting close to home to get into the spirit? In any case, our guide has you covered with details of the best festive things to do in Leicester.

1. Leicester Christmas Wheel of Light

The Festive Adventure Trail is one of the city’s main attractions, with a five-week long programme of festive events and exciting features to suit all ages. For students, in particular, we like the look of the Christmas Wheel of Light, a 110-feet tall Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the Christmas lights across the city centre. You can also enjoy a birds-eye view of our spectacular art mural if you’re early enough before night falls. The wheel is here for the entire Christmas period until 2nd January 2023, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the sights from way up high.

2. Jubilee Square Ice Rink

One of the other main attractions of the Adventure Trail is the Jubilee Square ice rink. The 680-square-metre rink is one of the busiest Christmas attractions in Leicester. The clear roof means you can take a whirl across the ice whatever the weather. New for 2022 is the Alpine-style bar, the perfect tonic for those wishing to relax and watch the skating rather than partake. You’ll be able to grab a treat or two with the wide range of wonderful festive street food on offer and choose from a selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic winter warmers. You can book tickets online, and prices vary depending on the time of day you intend to visit.

3. Paint to Pixel art exhibition

When looking at the festive things to do in Leicester, why not be adventurous and try something with a little quirky slant to it? The Paint to Pixel showcase will illustrate street art in the form of projected 3D murals created by some of the best international street artists. BID Leicester will be showcasing the projections, having teamed up with local art organisations Graffwerk and MBD to bring this unique project to the city, who each added their own twist to the artwork. The projections will be displayed from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm throughout December, until Christmas Eve.

4. Christmas Carol Services

For those that like a Christmas Carol singalong, then there’s no shortage of options available through December. Join the University Christmas concert on Sunday, 11th December, or there are a variety of carol services taking place right up until the big day itself. On 20th December, you can join the Cathedral Choir at St Nicholas’ Church and enjoy some traditional carols by candlelight.

5. Festive films at the Guildhall

Everybody loves a classic Christmas movie, but how about taking in a film whilst at the Guildhall in Leicester, enjoying a festive beverage and a roaring fire? Well, there’s never been a better time – as the Guildhall is showing an iconic Christmas classic: ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’. Tickets are just £5, book your tickets today.

Get ready for 2023 with St Georges Tower

Whatever your plans are this Christmas, there are plenty of things to do in Leicester this festive season. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and wish you a prosperous New Year. We have rooms available to rent from early 2023, or if you want to get ahead of the curve – why not consider reserving your room in plenty of time ahead of September 2023. Check out all our options available here.