After four years on hiatus, the German-inspired Leeds Christmas Market, affectionately known as Christkindelmarkt, is back with much fanfare for its 20th-anniversary celebration. The city is buzzing with anticipation, ready to revive this cherished tradition.
Alongside the market’s return, the city continues to host the beloved Millennium Square Ice Rink, adding a dash of wintry fun. The Corn Exchange Christmas Market remains a staple event, offering unique gifts and local crafts.
In this guide, you’ll find the dates for 2023, opening times, locations and what to expect after such a long break.
Leeds Christmas Market 2023
In 2023, the city of Leeds warmly welcomes back the German Christmas Market, Christkindelmarkt, after a four-year absence.
The festive, German-style market is set to make its grand return, likely taking centre stage at Millennium Square and adjoining streets in the heart of Leeds.
Beyond the Christkindelmarkt, various festive events and markets spring up throughout Leeds for the holiday season.
The historic Corn Exchange is hosting its annual Christmas Market, brimming with unique gifts and artisan crafts.
Ice Cube @ Christmas returns to Millennium Square, providing a unique ice skating experience beneath the city lights.
The vibrant Kirkgate Market is bustling with festive goods and local produce, a perfect stop for your holiday food shopping.
Lastly, the Artisan Winter Market showcases a plethora of handmade goods and local crafts, ideal for those seeking distinctive and thoughtful gifts.
Full details are below.
Dates and Location
Leeds Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 24th November to 22th December 2023.
Location: Millenium Square, Leeds.
Opening times: 12pm to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 24th November 2023.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Ice Cube at Millenium Square.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Presented in collaboration with Frankfurt Christmas Market, this market has much of the authenic Christkindelmarkt atmosphere that you would expect to experience in Germany.
Specialities: Classic German Christmas specialties like gluhwein, bratwurst, schnitzel but also the unique to Leeds, festive buffet breakfast.
Recommended tour: Highlights walking tour – The most popular sightseeing tour of Leeds.
Travel tip: There are several Christmas 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 a highly-rated hotel, 6 minutes from Millenium Square.
Hotels near Leeds Christmas Market
Millenium Square is located to the north of Leeds City Centre. Most of the city’s hotels are located just south of here.
A good value option in this area is the Quebecs Hotel. This hotel is only a 6-minute walk to the Christmas market yet also close to City Square and some great eateries.
If you’d prefer to stay elsewhere, I have a full guide to hotels near Leeds Christmas Market with options for all budgets.
Location of Leeds Christmas Market
Corn Exchange Christmas Market
This year, Leeds Corn Exchange will be once again bringing festive cheer with its Christmas market, starting from the 10th of November for a span of 7 weeks.
This isn’t the main Christmas event in Leeds, but it remains a popular destination. It’s an excellent spot to support independent businesses, enjoy local music, taste food from local restaurants, and sample products from artisan distilleries and breweries at the Christmas shops.
Corn Exchange Christmas Market dates: Likeky dates: 10th November to 30th December 2023.
Location: Leeds Corn Exchange, basement floor.
Opening times: 11:30am to 8pm.
Location of Leeds Corn Exchange
Discover more places to go with my Christmas markets 2023 UK guide and start planning your winter holiday break.
Ice Cube @ Christmas
At the Ice Cube @ Christmas event, festive spirit meets frosty fun. An enchanting experience awaits as you glide on the expansive ice rink, set under a twinkling canopy of lights.
Street food stalls add a dash of culinary excitement, offering a variety of flavours to warm you up amidst the winter chill. Further heightening the merriment, amusement rides dot the location.
These come in a variety of forms, from traditional merry-go-rounds for the little ones to thrilling attractions for the more adventurous, turning the Ice Cube into a winter wonderland filled with excitement and joy.
Ice Cube @ Christmas dates: Likely dates: 24th November to 31st December 2023.
Ice rink tickets: On sale from 20th October 2023. Book online.
Location: Millenium Square, Leeds.
Location of Ice Cube
Kirkgate Market
Recognised as one of the UK’s most expansive indoor markets and the historic origin point of the well-known retailer Marks & Spencer, Kirkgate Market turns into a festive hub during the holiday season.
It accommodates an array of Christmas activities and a collection of pop-up Christmas markets. The cavernous space, usually brimming with daily wares, transforms into an enchanting holiday fairground, showcasing an eclectic mix of festive goods, unique handcrafted items, and food stalls serving seasonal treats.
Kirgate Market Christmas Market: Likely dates: Events each weekend from the 25th November 2023.
Location: 34 George Street, Leeds.
Opening times: 8am to 5:30pm (closed Sundays).
Ice rink: Free entry.
Location of Kirgate Christmas Market
Christmas Makers Market
The humble yet inviting Makers’ Market at Leeds Station has established itself as an essential stop during the Christmas season.
It’s a festive treasure trove where local artisans, craftsmen, and independent sellers converge to offer their unique products.
Ranging from bespoke jewellery and handcrafted decor items to lovingly made festive goods, this market has something for everyone.
With a location conveniently nestled in the heart of Leeds Station, it provides an excellent opportunity for both residents and visitors alike to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos whilst on their travel route.
Leeds Station Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 1st December to 17th December 2023.
Location: Leeds Station via New Station Street.
Opening times: Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 10:30am to 7pm, Sunday 10:30am to 4pm.
Location of Leeds Station Market
Mini German Market
Embracing the essence of its name, the Mini German Market on Sydney Street delights visitors with a compact yet vibrant celebration of German culture and traditions.
Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming market captures the spirit of a traditional German Christmas market on a smaller scale.
Stroll through the festively adorned stalls, where you’ll discover a curated selection of German-inspired goods, from delicious treats like gingerbread and roasted nuts to handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts.
Mini German Market dates: Daily until 24th December 2023.
Location: Sydney Street, Leeds.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
Artisan Winter Market
Located amidst the scenic surroundings just north of Leeds, Harewood House sets the stage for an unforgettable Artisan Winter Market experience.
This magnificent stately home, with its rich history and grand architecture, serves as an idyllic backdrop for this festive gathering.
As you explore the market, you’ll be captivated by the harmonious blend of creativity and craftsmanship displayed by the local makers, craftspeople, artists and artisans.
Artisan Winter Market dates: Likely dates: 8th November to 12th November 2023.
Location: Harewood House, 25-minute drive north of Leeds.
Opening times: 10am to 4pm.
Entry: £5 (free for Harewood members).
Location of Harewood House
Visit Leeds is the city’s official tourism website. They have all the latest information regarding what’s on this winter and the best ways to experience Leeds at Christmas.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. Try to implement these responsible travel measures when visiting the Christmas markets.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
FAQ
The German Christmas Market in Leeds is taking place from the 24th of November to the 17th of December 2023.
The Christmas market in Leeds will be located at Millennium Square in 2023 and several other locations in the city centre.
Yes, Leeds Christmas Market is finally returning in 2023 from the 24th of November.
Please comment below if you want to leave a review of Leeds Xmas Market.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Leeds, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
How dare you tell people where and what to eat, this is at the moment a free country, this is what our forces fought for. Not to be controlled by some nonentity deciding we should and shouldn’t do.
Many people know what’s going on and you won’t get away with it. We see you.
I shan’t be spending my money in Leeds I shall go as far away in my car and eat as much meat and dairy as I can.
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.