Leeds comes alive at Christmas. From the moment the city’s famous lights are switched on, the streets are filled with warmth, music, and the irresistible aroma of spiced treats and sizzling sausages.

Leeds may be known for its industrial roots, its world-class university, and its thriving retail scene, but come November, it transforms into one of the most magical festive destinations in the UK. Alongside the markets and seasonal events, you’ll also find a wide selection of Christmas party venues in Leeds, perfect for work dos, family celebrations, and festive nights out.

This article explores the very best of Leeds’ Christmas market scene in 2025, including city-centre mainstays, hidden artisan gems, and pop-up events you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts, sampling German mulled wine, or taking the kids for a whirl around the ice rink, this is your complete guide to the can’t-miss Christmas markets in Leeds.

1. Leeds Christmas Market at Millennium Square

Location: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
Dates for 2025: 22 November – 21 December
Opening Times: Mon–Wed: 10am–7pm | Thu–Sat: 10am–9pm | Sun: 11am–6pm

Millennium Square has long been the heart of Leeds’ Christmas offering. Reimagined in recent years to better reflect the city’s unique culture, the main Christmas market in Millennium Square now combines traditional European charm with local Yorkshire flair.

Dozens of alpine-style chalets pop up in the square, decorated with twinkling lights and holly wreaths. The atmosphere is festive but family-friendly, with plenty of space to roam, warm up with a hot drink, or enjoy live performances from brass bands and choirs. Expect local crafters selling handmade decorations, food stalls offering Yorkshire puddings with festive fillings, and bars pouring everything from cider to continental glühwein.

Highlights:

• The Ice Cube Skating Rink: Always a hit with families and couples alike.

• The Christmas Tipi Bar: A cosy, wood-fired haven for festive drinks and marshmallow toasting.

• The Leeds Wheel of Light: Get panoramic views of the city in full festive mode.

2. City Square Winter Market

Location: City Square, Leeds LS1 1PJ
Dates: Runs concurrently with Millennium Square
Best For: Office workers, late-night shoppers, after-work drinks

Just a short stroll from the railway station, City Square becomes an after-dark favourite during the festive season. Ideal for commuters and city workers grabbing mulled wine on the way home, this market feels more grown-up and sociable, with a curated collection of food vendors, independent designers, and festive pop-up bars.

The square is beautifully lit with Christmas projections cast onto the iconic Queens Hotel and surrounding buildings. Festoon lighting and decorative huts give the entire space a European-style Christmas charm, making it a great spot for relaxed browsing and festive photos.

3. Bond Court Artisan Weekends

Location: Bond Court, off Park Row
Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday from 23 November – 22 December

This market may be smaller in size, but it’s big on quality. Bond Court transforms into a boutique artisan haven every weekend in the run-up to Christmas. You’ll find independent traders offering handcrafted candles, personalised tree ornaments, small-batch preserves, woolen goods, hand-knitted scarves, and seasonal bakes.

Because it’s open only on weekends, each visit feels like a special occasion. Plus, it’s a brilliant place to support local makers and buy truly unique gifts.

4. Leeds Kirkgate Market: Historic Festivities Indoors

Location: Vicar Lane, Leeds LS2 7HY
Open All Year – Special Christmas Sections Throughout December

Leeds Kirkgate Market is already a local treasure — it’s one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. But during the festive season, the sprawling Victorian halls take on a whole new personality. Traders deck out their stalls with lights, tinsel and festive displays, and there’s a dedicated Christmas crafts section in the run-up to the big day.

Shoppers can browse everything from international cuisine to vintage Christmas records, handmade jewellery, and Yorkshire-made hampers. Santa’s Grotto often pops up near the George Street entrance, and there’s usually a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment, tastings, and carol performances.

5. Briggate Pop-Up Stalls & Street Entertainment

Location: Briggate, LS1 6BR
When: Daily during December (weather-dependent)

While not an official “market” in the traditional sense, Briggate – Leeds’ main pedestrian shopping street – becomes an open-air Christmas celebration throughout December. You’ll find temporary stalls selling roasted chestnuts, warm doughnuts, hot chocolates, and festive hats.

Street entertainers and local music groups often set up along Briggate, creating a vibrant and joyful energy that makes even a quick dash for last-minute shopping feel like part of the celebration.

6. Victoria Leeds: Luxury Shopping with Christmas Charm

Location: Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate
When: Full festive decor from mid-November onwards

This is where festive elegance meets high-end retail. If your Christmas list includes luxury skincare, fashion, or designer goods, Victoria Leeds is the place to browse. Both the Victoria Quarter (with its stunning glass roof and Grade II-listed arcades) and Victoria Gate are beautifully decorated with fairy lights, massive wreaths, and tasteful seasonal flourishes.

While this isn’t a traditional market with chalets, the festive ambience, seasonal window displays, and occasional pop-up events or giveaways make it worth a visit. It’s the perfect spot for sipping a glass of fizz while ticking off some premium gifts.

7. The Leeds Corn Exchange Indie Christmas Fair

Location: Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7BR
When: Selected weekends in December – dates vary yearly

Inside the stunning domed interior of the Corn Exchange, independent traders host Christmas fairs on selected weekends. These curated events champion sustainable, locally-made goods. You’ll find Leeds-based artists, jewellers, ceramicists, and gourmet producers all under one historic roof.

Unlike the larger public markets, these fairs feel more intimate, creative, and community-focused. Most vendors are happy to talk about how their goods are made, which makes for a more meaningful shopping experience.

8. Hyde Park Winter Makers’ Market

Location: Left Bank Leeds, Cardigan Road
Date: One-day market in early December

For something a little off the beaten path, head to Hyde Park. Left Bank Leeds – a converted church now used for creative community events – hosts an annual makers’ market featuring emerging artists, bakers, florists, and ethical brands. The setting is atmospheric, with fairy lights strung from vaulted ceilings and festive music playing softly in the background.

This is a great place to support Leeds creatives, especially if you’re looking for gifts that feel different from what’s available in the city centre.

9. Headingley Christmas Market

Location: Headingley HEART Centre, Bennett Road
Dates: Early December weekends

Popular with families and students, Headingley’s local Christmas market is a welcoming, down-to-earth community affair. Hosted at the HEART centre, it offers festive activities for kids, mulled drinks, cake stalls, and a variety of local crafts and goods.

It’s especially worth visiting for handmade decorations, eco-friendly gifts, and that warm, neighbourly vibe you only get at a truly local market.

Getting There: Tips for Visiting Leeds Christmas Markets

By Train:

Leeds Railway Station is just a 5-minute walk from City Square and 10 minutes from Millennium Square. Trains run regularly from London, Manchester, York, and Newcastle.

By Car:

Park-and-ride facilities like Elland Road and Temple Green are advisable during peak December weekends. City-centre parking is available but fills quickly.

On Foot:

All markets mentioned above are walkable within the city centre, making it easy to explore multiple locations in a single afternoon.

Festive Food and Drink You Must Try

• Yorkshire Pudding Wraps: With turkey, stuffing, and cranberry — a local twist on Christmas lunch.

• German Bratwurst: Served hot off the grill, topped with sauerkraut or fried onions.

• Mulled Cider or Glühwein: Warming, aromatic, and festive.

• Gingerbread Biscuits: Often handmade and beautifully decorated.

• Belgian Hot Chocolate: Thick, indulgent, and best topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Local Accommodation: Where to Stay

If you’re visiting from out of town, here are a few festive-friendly options near the heart of the markets:

• Dakota Leeds – Luxurious, centrally located boutique hotel just minutes from City Square.

• Quebecs Hotel – Classic Victorian townhouse with cosy interiors and ideal access to Briggate.

• The Chambers Park Place – Self-catering apartments great for families and longer stays.

Sustainability at Leeds Christmas Markets

The Leeds City Council and market organisers have made a point in recent years to focus on sustainability. Key measures include:

• Encouraging stallholders to use compostable packaging.

• Providing clear recycling and waste disposal stations.

• Promoting local produce and handmade gifts to reduce environmental impact.

• Inviting community groups to participate, supporting circular economies.

If you care about ethical shopping, Leeds’ markets have plenty of stalls that sell plastic-free, fair-trade, vegan, or second-hand goods — just keep an eye out for stall signage or ask the seller directly.

Final Thoughts: Why Christmas Markets in Leeds Are Worth the Trip

There’s something uniquely special about Christmas in Leeds. The variety of markets – from grand city-centre affairs to tucked-away indie events – means there’s something for everyone. You can go big with mulled wine and Ferris wheels, or keep it intimate with handmade soaps and carol singers in a church hall.

What truly sets Leeds apart is the balance it strikes between tradition and creativity. You’ll find both glühwein and Yorkshire tea, Bavarian bratwurst and Indian samosas, glass ornaments from Germany and crafts made just down the road in Holbeck.

So whether you’re a Leeds local looking to rediscover your city through a festive lens, or a visitor searching for your next Christmas weekend escape, the markets here offer more than just shopping — they deliver warmth, community spirit, and memories to last well into the new year.