'Panto, skating and markets': I asked ChatGPT for the perfect festive day out in Leeds
What did our special guest tour operator, ChatGPT, suggest as they took us through a festive walking tour in Leeds this Christmas?
- With so much to do in the city this festive season, why not let modern technology guide you with your planning?
- We asked ChatGPT to become a tour guide and plan out the ‘perfect’ festive day out in Leeds this Christmas.
- Benjamin Jackson was taken on a whirlwind trip of Leeds, by virtue of his tour guide on this occasion, Greg Peter Thompson
Indecision is an affliction that affects some of us; what to eat, what to drink and quite often where to go for a day out.
But with the advent of new technology, from being told what I should be listening to this morning to what I should watch on streaming services, that indecision should hopefully be a thing of the past.
When it comes to what to do in Leeds over the festive period, that indecision - so I’ve been told - can easily be abated by asking for the help of someone else who may offer some incredible ideas for the ‘perfect’ festive day out in the city before the big day arrives in... a week and a half?
Wow, that has come around quickly. Have you sorted your Christmas tree out yet? Me neither.
Rather than going to Citizens Advice or, ahem, checking out what we here are the Yorkshire Evening Post have suggested throughout the festive season, I decided instead to ask that oracle of knowledge, that fountain of information that many people seem to rely on these days; ChatGPT.
But instead of just referring to it as an AI tool, why not have some fun with it? I used the following prompt:
“Hi there! you are going to be the tour operator of a walking trip around Leeds this Christmas. You are going to take me to some of the best places, in your estimation, to make the most of the few daylight hours I have, and much like a coach trip tour operator, you’re going to whisk me and my entourage to those essential places in Leeds. Oh, and also because I can ask you to do this - your name is now Greg Peter Thompson, so we can keep things nice and informal.”
This is, for better or for worse, the conversation I had with “Greg” regarding an ideal day out in Leeds over the Christmas period, including those mandatory breaks you more often than not find yourself occupying time with during those coach trips.
The perfect Leeds festive day out: Greg Peter Thompson's itinerary
10:00am: Morning Tea (M1: The Cosy City Refuel)
We start the day by ensuring you are fully prepared! Our first stop is a central city café for a necessary recharge.
On this occasion, we’re settling into Laynes Espresso, strategically located right near the train station entrance for maximum efficiency. Picture settling in for a quiet moment with a robust, artisanal coffee and a warm, freshly baked pastry. This is the calm before our festive storm—the gourmet fuel we need before we hit the sparkling streets for our day of exploration!"
10:30am: Activity 1 (A1: The Victorian Christmas Glow-Up at the Arcades)
Our first essential activity takes us straight into architectural beauty at the magnificent Victoria Quarter (The County Arcade and Queen Victoria Street).
This is more than shopping; it is a pilgrimage to Victorian elegance. You'll walk beneath the breath-taking glass-domed roofs, which are expertly dressed in cascading lights and rich, traditional garlands. It's a genuine festive showstopper that sets an impossibly high standard for the rest of our day.
11:30 AM: Activity 2 (A2: The City Square Festive Hub & Chalet Collection)
Next, we head directly to the heart of the city's seasonal buzz: City Square.
Forget tradition—Leeds is doing Christmas its own way! Here, you'll be greeted by the sheer scale of the majestic 45ft Christmas tree towering over a collection of artisan chalet stalls.
This is the place for unique local gifts, speciality treats, and soaking up the lively atmosphere that defines the modern Leeds market experience.
1:00 PM: Lunch (M2: A Quick Luxury Lunch)
Having worked up an appetite browsing the City Square stalls, it's time to pause for a vital re-energising break!
We can’t simply grab a sandwich—this is a luxury tour! We'll head indoors to a chic, central restaurant, and for today's elegant refuel, we'll choose Browns Brasserie & Bar in The Light.
They have a fantastic, seasonally focused menu in place, offering the perfect combination of speed and style. This is your moment to enjoy quality cuisine—be it traditional turkey or their excellent everyday menu—ensuring your batteries are fully charged for the excitement of the Ice Cube this afternoon!
2:30 PM: Activity 3 (A3: Glide-Your-World on the Ice Cube)
Ready for some action? We’re heading to Millennium Square for a key seasonal attraction: the thrilling Ice Cube outdoor rink!
Whether you're gracefully gliding or embracing the comedy of holding the barrier, skating under the winter sky, surrounded by the city's grand architecture, is an exhilarating and essential festive experience you won't soon forget.
4:30 PM: Afternoon Tea (M3: Decadent Festive Afternoon Tea)
Perfect timing to escape the early afternoon chill! We're moving from the bustle of the streets to pure, luxurious indulgence.
We'll settle into the stunning Ivy Victoria Quarter Brasserie for a truly traditional and highly decadent Afternoon Tea. This moment of indulgence involves festive pastries, perfectly warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and endless tea or perhaps a glass of celebratory bubbly.
The Ivy offers a dedicated Christmas menu for this exact experience! It's the perfect moment of refined luxury, recharging our batteries before the lights truly come on for our grand evening finale.
6:00 PM: Activity 4 (A4: Trinity's Tree and Terrace Views)
As twilight settles and the streetlights illuminate the city, we’ll move to the modern heart of Leeds, Trinity Leeds. This destination is a brilliant architectural contrast to the Victorian elegance we saw this morning.
Our mission here is two-fold. First, you get to witness the magnificent, multi-story Christmas Tree—an unmissable, towering beacon of modern festive design that truly captures the contemporary Christmas spirit of the city. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we’ll head up to the central terrace level.
7:30 PM: Activity 5 (A5: The Grand Panto Spectacular)
The spectacular climax of our day takes us to the legendary City Varieties Music Hall! Forget the standard celebrity line-up; this is a truly unique, quintessential British festive tradition: the spectacular Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime!
We’ll be seeing Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, where the cast aren't just actors—they're multi-talented actor-musicians performing every iconic rock anthem and chart-smashing hit live on stage! Prepare yourselves for an intoxicating blend of dazzling sets, hilarious cheesy jokes, and high-energy audience participation.
10:00 PM: Dinner (M4: Post-Show Indulgence)
After the final curtain call at the City Varieties and the last cheer, we need a destination that matches the energy of the show! We’ll take a short, invigorating stroll to Gaucho Leeds on Park Row.
This stunning Argentinian steakhouse is reliably open until at least 10:45 PM for kitchen orders, ensuring we can settle in without rushing. You can expect luxurious, contemporary dining, an extensive wine list, vegan options and a truly celebratory atmosphere—the perfect spot to relax, reflect, and toast to the success of your perfect, well-curated day out in festive Leeds!
Would you undertake the same itinerary as Greg... sorry, ChatGPT has offered us on this occasion for the perfect festive day out in Leeds? Leave a comment on Facebook or send an email to the writer of this article with your suggestions.