Christmas Cheer in City Centre: New Plans for Leeds Christmas Market Unveiled

Christmas markets have become a staple in almost every major city across the UK, with the likes of Birmingham Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London remaining some of the biggest in the world. However, students don’t have to travel too far from their own doorstep this festive season as the student favourite Leeds Christmas Market returns in only a few weeks.

For the first time, Leeds Christmas Market have been taken over by the minds behind Thor’s Tipi, known for regular residencies in neighbouring city York and in Leeds’ own City Square over the summer. Despite the change at the top, visitors from across Yorkshire will be able to expect a return to form in some areas, with the market still running from City Square up to Millenium Square and the beloved ice rink at the top of the market still returning.

The Christmas Markets will open on the 19th November and run until the 23rd December, with the market itself being open seven days a week from an early start at 10.30am running to as late as 8pm across the weekends.

Punters can expect over 60 retailers, with 75% of these being Yorkshire owned and based brands, proving the dedication from this year’s team to bring the Leeds Christmas Markets back home.

Students may recognise some of the announced traders already. Gab’s Wonderland, who have a shop in independent favourite Corn Exchange, will be trading as a retailer alongside the likes of the Yorkshire Candle Company. On the food front, local legend The Savvy Baker will be making the short trip from their store outside Leeds Trinity shopping centre down to City Square with other city centre staples like Cut & Craft.

Despite ownership under a new company, entry to the markets will remain free. Coupled with the introduction of scheduled live entertainment in the Thor’s branded Highland Lodge, this year’s Leeds Christmas Markets seem to be ever-growing in heights, and promises to be a strong festive event for those students looking to celebrate Christmas early before heading home for the holidays.

Words by Jess Cooper