The German-inspired Christkindelmarkt returns to Leeds, along with the Millennium Square Ice Rink, Corn Exchange Market and several smaller markets. For many, the Leeds Christmas Market at City Square remains the main highlight.
This guide covers the dates for 2024, opening times, locations, and what to expect.
Leeds Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Leeds dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: This year’s schedule was released in September. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Information obtained directly from the organiser is available here.
Note: The following details are for the German market. Scroll down for details on the other markets.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: City Square. Stalls are located across the city centre.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Highlights walking tour is the most popular sightseeing tour of Leeds.
Public transport: Train: Leeds Station. Buses run regularly.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Q-Park Albion Street is nearby.
Travel tip: There are many events and the ice rink taking place this year. Visit early in the day and during the week to avoid the expected crowds.
Where to stay: Quebecs Hotel is just around the corner from City Square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Lights: Switch on date: 1st November (unconfirmed).
Santa: Yes. Father Christmas Grottos are at every event.
Advent Calendar: Open every day during Advent.
Ice skating: Ice Cube at Millenium Square.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Hog roast, Italian chocolates, and German specialties like gluhwein, bratwurst and schnitzel.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed in outdoor areas.
Convenient Hotels
Millennium Square is north of the City Centre, with most hotels just to the south. Quebecs Hotel at City Square is good value in this area and is a 6-minute walk from Millennium Square.
Read my hotels in Leeds guide for more options on where to stay.
Discover more places to go with my UK Christmas Markets List and start planning your winter holiday break.
German Market Location
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
List of Locations
1. Leeds German Market
The main event starts at City Square and expands to 12 sites with independent and international traders.
Christkindelmarkt dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: City Square.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
2. Millenium Square
Ice Cube features winter rides, activities, and ice skating. Read the full details on what to expect at Millenium Square.
Ice Cube dates: 22nd November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Millenium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 9:30pm.
Friday: 12pm to 10pm.
Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Sunday: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Payments: Card payments are preferred for all rides and attractions. Cash is accepted.
Thor’s Tipi: Victoria Gardens. 21st November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed). Full details are available here.
Wheel of Light: Victoria Gardens. 21st November to 31st December (unconfirmed).
Starflyer: Millenium Square.
North Pole Funhouse: Millenium Square.
Festive rides and carousel: Cookridge Street.
Ice skating: Ice Cube at Millenium Square. Buy tickets online in advance or at the event on the day.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed in outdoor areas.
3. Corn Exchange Market
A key event for festive shopping, supporting independent businesses, local music, and food from local restaurants, plus products from artisan distilleries and breweries.
Corn Exchange dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Corn Exchange, Call Lane.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
4. Kirkgate Market
One of the UK’s largest indoor markets and the original site of Marks & Spencer. It hosts pop-up markets with handcrafted items and seasonal treats.
Kirkgate Market: Events each weekend from the 23rd November 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: 34 George Street.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm.
Sunday: Closed.
5. Briggate Farmers Market
Features Yorkshire farmers’ produce on the first and third Sunday of each month.
Briggate dates: 3rd and 17th November and 1st and 15th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Briggate.
6. Creative Makers Market
A pop-up market at Albion Place with 20-25 stalls.
Artsmix dates: 2nd November to 21st December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Albion Place.
Opening times: Saturday: 10am to 6:30pm.
Website: Full details available here.
7. Artisan Winter Market
Held at Harewood House, 25 minutes north of Leeds, showcasing local crafts and artisanal products in a historic setting.
Artisan Winter dates: 7th November to 10th November 2024 (confirmed).
Location: North Park Walk, Harewood House.
Opening times: 10am to 4pm.
Entry: £5 (free for Harewood members).
Website: Full details available here.
8. Sunnybank Mills
Artist and Makers Market at Sunnybank Mills Gallery, 25 minutes outside Leeds, featuring local artisans and independent makers.
Artist and Makers Market: 22nd to 24th November 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Sunny Bank Mills.
Opening times:
Friday: 2pm to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
Admission: £3 at the door.
Website: Full details available here.
What to Expect
In 2024, Leeds welcomes back the German-style market, Christkindelmarkt, set at City Square, Briggate, Dortmund Square, Albion Place, and surrounding streets.
The city also offers various seasonal events and markets. Ice Cube at Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens provide an ice skating experience under the city lights, with fun fair rides and attractions nearby on Cookridge Street.
The Corn Exchange hosts its annual market featuring unique gifts and artisan crafts. Kirkgate Market is lively with local produce and seasonal goods, which makes it ideal for food shopping.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Book a hotel in Leeds that uses renewable energy, such as wind or solar power, to support local sustainability efforts.
- Minimise Food Waste: To avoid food waste, choose smaller portions or share meals at local eateries and support businesses prioritising sustainable practices.
- Ethical Shopping: Purchase handmade or locally crafted items from markets to reduce environmental impact and support local artisans.
- Sustainable Dining: Dine at restaurants focusing on locally sourced or plant-based produce to support regional agriculture.
- Green Transport: To reduce emissions, use Leeds’ public transport system, including buses and trains, or walk and cycle.
- Support Local Housing: Stay in hotels instead of short-term rentals to help alleviate pressure on the local housing market.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Bring reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Many markets in Leeds have water refill stations to reduce single-use plastic.
- Explore Lesser-Known Areas: Visit less-touristy districts in Leeds to spread your spending across the city and support a wider range of local businesses.
- Engage with the Arts: Attend local theatre performances or visit art galleries to support the cultural scene.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
People are free to make their own choices. Many of us value the environment and are concerned about climate change. I’ve listed some small actions we can take to help lower our impact at this event.