The festive season is well and truly underway, and we have an exceptional selection of Christmas films and events to preview for you. As well as big seasonal releases at multiplex cinemas citywide, you'll find fantastic alternative Christmas celebrations in some of the Leeds city region's most unique venues.

The Snowman and Cinderella with live score from the Orchestra of Opera North 
The Snowman gets the full orchestral treatment at Leeds Town Hall, with a live score from the Orchestra of Opera North. Based on Raymond Briggs's storybook, this is an all-time seasonal favourite. Narrator John Savournin tells the story of Cinderella with music and illustrations to begin the evening. Tickets
Sun 17 December, 3pm. Leeds Town Hall

Culture Vulture & Scalarama present Jingle Bell Rocks!
Culture Vulture and Scalarama Leeds are getting together for a full Christmas do with an evening of events across two venues. First up, two local authors get together to present their favourite Christmas Stories, before Jingle Bell Rocks! a documentary that goes in search of the soul of Christmas music. A night of festive dancing follows with DJs from Jumbo Records and more. 
Tickets | Trailer 
Fri 15 December, 5pm. Hyde Park Picture House & Hyde Park Book Club

The League of Gentlemen return for Christmas
BBC's much-loved black comedy The League of Gentlemen returns with three new episodes next week, and features scenes shot on location in the Leeds city region, including Sowerby Bridge. Set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey, the series was last seen in a 2005 feature film outing, and welcomes back characters including Local Shop owners Edward and Tubbs. Find out more 
Mon 18 - Wed 20 December. BBC2

It's a Wonderful Life
It wouldn't be Christmas without It's a Wonderful Life. Screenings of this 1940s classic always sell out, so get your tickets early. When a downhearted man is visited by his guardian angel he learns everything that life can be, in a film that never fails to lift your spirit. Trailer
Various times. Everyman Leeds, Hyde Park Picture House, Vue Cinemas & Wetherby Film Theatre. 

Square Chapel: Elf & More
Halifax's newly renovated Square Chapel Arts Centre is putting its two cinema screens to excellent use, with a programme that features Miracle on 34th Street and Elf, as well as a selection of animated films by Raymond Briggs. Find out more 
Now screening. Square Chapel, Halifax

Festive Films at The Palace Picture House
December brings the chance to see a different festive film every Saturday in the historic Palace Picture House in Armley Mills Industrial Museum. Each film will be a surprise, in this cosy and unique 1920s setting. Find out more
Every Saturday, 2pm. The Palace Picture House, Armley

Big releases citywide Star Wars: The Last Jedi & more
With the newly opened Cineworld arriving in south Leeds, there are more places than ever to choose from to see some of the season's biggest releases. As well as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, 1995's Jumanji finally gets a sequel with Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle, and The Man Who Invented Christmas tells the story behind the writing of Dickens' Christmas Carol.

New Year's Eve: Charlie Chaplin double bill
Hyde Park Picture House 's final film event of the year is a double bill of City Lights and The Great Dictator. These two classic comedies from one of America's most famous immigrants make for a poignant end to 2017. Find out more
Sun 31 December, 4.30pm. Hyde Park Picture House

We'll be back in January with news about some of the most highly anticipated film releases arriving in the new year...