Leicester Christmas Market 2024 List of Events plus Santa’s Grotto

Christmas in Leicester includes various events and attractions, such as ice skating at Jubilee Square, a Ferris wheel, a funfair and Santa’s Grotto at Santa in the Square.

This guide details the Leicester Christmas market stalls and provides a list of events with their dates and locations.

Leicester Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Partially confirmed

Christmas in Leicester dates: 1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025 (confirmed).

Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Green Dragon Square, Town Hall Square and Jubilee Square.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Public transport: Buses service the city centre.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Multi-storey car parks and Park & Ride services are available.
Where to stay: St Martins Lodge is 4 minutes from Town Hall Square.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas markets: Green Dragon Square and Town Hall Square.
Christmas Light Switch-On: 20th November 2024 (unconfirmed).
Santa: Town Hall Square. 1st December to 23rd December (unconfirmed).
Ice skating: Jubilee Square. 1st December to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Ferris wheel: Jubilee Square. 15th November to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Funfair: Humberstone Gate. 9th November to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Nativity scene: 20th November to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Christmas tree: By the Clock Tower.
Enlightened Leicester: Abbey Park. Pre-booking is required. 29th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).

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: Local ales, artisan chocolates, traditional fudge.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not at the ice skating.

Hotels in the Area

If you’re visiting the city, consider booking a room at St Martins Lodge, a highly-rated, central hotel.

If you’d prefer to visit a larger, more traditional market, read our UK Christmas Markets List for ideas on where to go.

Event Location Map

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

What to Expect

In Leicester, you won’t find a traditional Christmas market; instead, several Christmas events, including the distinctive Festive Adventure trail, are designed to highlight the best the city offers.

Leicester Experiences

• Jubilee Square Ice Rink: Located in the heart of Jubilee Square, the covered ice rink returns from early December to early January. Whether it’s raining or shining, enjoy gliding on the ice.
• Wheel of Light: This 35-metre-high Ferris wheel in Jubilee Square offers stunning views of Leicester, especially in the evenings when the city is lit up.
• Billy Bates Fun Fair: Held in Humberstone Gate, this fun fair features traditional rides and games for all ages, making it a favourite for family entertainment during the holiday season.
• Santa’s Grotto in Town Hall Square: A free attraction where children can meet Santa and receive a complimentary gift.
• Enlightened Light Trails: A city-wide trail that highlights Leicester’s holiday attractions.

Sustainability Tips

• Reduce Food Waste: Purchase only what you can eat, and consider using apps like Too Good To Go, where some Leicester vendors offer surplus food at a reduced price.
• Ethical Consumption: Support local artisans by choosing handmade, locally sourced, and ethically produced goods from Leicester shops and stalls.
• Transport: Explore Leicester on foot or by bike using the city’s extensive cycle lanes and pedestrian areas. Alternatively, use local bus services as an eco-friendly travel option.

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.