No offence, Lapland, but there’s a new northern star vying for the “capital of Christmas” crown.

As other UK cities dig out the same old decorations and offer the usual high street headaches, Leeds is putting on its biggest and best festive extravaganza for visitors this Christmas.

To celebrate the return of "Christmas In Leeds”, we look at why the city is the perfect place for a winter weekend break, and highlight the best spots to feel super-seasonal while you’re at it...

1. The north’s best Christmas tree

You’ll be rushing to get this one on Instgram – Leeds’s colossal Christmas tree in City Square is the first thing you’ll spot as you leave the station.

And this year has the glorious Queen Hotel, above, lights as a backdrop. For fact fans, the tree is 50ft tall and boasts 24,000 lights.

2. Trinity’s top-notch shopping

The tremendous Trinity has hundreds of decent shops, restaurants and bars under a very impressive roof (seriously, look at it!) Not wanting to be outdone, the centre is home to Europe’s biggest Christmas tree. Take five to admire the ‘waterfall of lights’ on the beautiful Holy Trinity church, too.

3. The cosiest pub in England

Tucked away down an alley behind Trinity, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Whitelock’s ale house – the oldest pub in the city and the perfect pit-stop for a cosy Christmas pint. Check out the Turk’s Head next door for great food too – a real hidden gem.

4. This sweet piece of art

‘Candy Chaos’, by Alison M Smith, is a fab art installation at the Park Plaza Hotel (between City Square and Trinity). Observe the chaos and indulgence of Christmas with this artistic representation of sweet wrappers, decorations and wrapping paper. Plus enjoy 25% off drinks at the hotel when you show a printed or digital Christmas map.

5. A Christmas market with a twist...

The breathtaking Corn Exchange (worth discovering in its own right) is hosting the Festive Yard this year at the heart of the Grade I listed Victorian building. Enjoy festive food, drink, family entertainment, music and arts among the creative and quirky shops.

6. ...Plus the most beautiful market in the UK!

Next door to the Corn Exchange is the magnificently restored Kirkgate Market. To feel extra festive under its Instagram-worthy Victorian ceiling, check out the Night Market for hearty food and drink on Thursday 21 December.

7. A super-cool arctic bazaar

The city’s coolest arts hostel just got even cooler with a true taste of the arctic! Check out the Art Hostel on Kirkgate where you’ll find a curated marketplace, sweet bites to eat, hot chocolate and the traditional Finnish Christmas drink Glögi – from December 11th to 23rd.

8. This awe-inspiring Spirit installation…

The Victoria Quarter is a dazzling retail paradise – home to John Lewis and designer brands – but this year it also has a new resident… the huge, ethereal Spirit figure shining a festive light over shoppers bustling beneath through the Victorian splendour.

9. Park Square’s breathtaking lights

Take time out of the hustle and bustle and enjoy over 20,000 LED lights wrapped around the trees in one of the city's finest areas of tranquil green space, Park Square. Also look at the ‘First Blossoms’ – inspired by the natural formation of ice crystals and crafted from recycled commercial packaging materials donated by Leeds Art Gallery.

10. The Wishing Tree’s lovely idea

Inside the St John’s Centre, you’ll find a special installation by Jordan Harrison-Reader. Spread festive messages of goodwill, selflessness and hope to all by making a wish this Christmas to hang from this special tree. The messages written on seeded paper will be planted in the New Year to bloom in various city centre locations.

11. Leeds Arts Uni’s magnificent light show

Marvel at the artistic talents of Leeds Arts University students (animated in association with Lumen) as their festive light projections grace the historic lifting tower standing tall in the centre of Wellington Place.

There are 10 live dates from December 6th-22nd, from 4pm-7pm.

12. This cloud of wonder…

If you’re stopping for a bite to eat in the Light leisure complex, be sure to check out the Murmuration Cloud too. This sound-responsive installation complete with drum set responds to volume and pitch with people invited to take to the floor and play the cloud into an explosion of light.

13. Harvey Nichols Christmas Windows

We love a good shopfront at Christmas. Gaze upon the ever-impressive window displays dressed up for Christmas at one of just four Harvey Nichols retail outlets located here in the UK.

14. The brilliant German Christmas Market

Christkindlmarkt is one of the longest-running German markets in the UK and gets bigger and better every year. You’ll find it in Millennium Square, overlooked by the glorious Civic Hall. With everything housed in traditional wooden stalls, a Christmas carousel ride and twinkling colourful lights, you’ll feel full of the joys of Christmas.

15. Behold – Thor’s Tipi!

In the beautiful Victoria Gardens, you can feast on wholesome winter drink and fodder to celebrate Christmas in a Viking-inspired, pop-up tipi bar complete with log fires. Alternatively, enjoy the winter garden with Christmas trees, atmospheric lights and outdoor heating.

16. The views from the big wheel

Technically this won’t stop you in you tracks, as you’ll be moving (albeit very slowly) in a circle. But take a moment to escape the hubub for some quiet reflection while enjoying the best views of the city’s skyline. Don’t forget your wooly hat!

17. A jaw-dropping art gallery

After a mammoth two year restoration, Leeds City Art Gallery recently reopened to the public. If you’re tired of turkey sandwiches and the same-old sales, this splendid building provided the perfect escape from the usual seasonal shenanigans. The tiled hall is bound to impress, and be sure to get a snap of the neighbouring Town Hall – one of the finest Victorian buildings in the UK. Wonderful!