The Leeds Christmas Market returns on November 22, 2024, lighting up City Square and Millennium Square with around 70 traditional stalls and a special weekend artisan market. Visitors can enjoy festive treats, pop-up performances, and the Ice Cube ice skating rink, all while celebrating the holiday spirit in this vibrant city.
When does the Leeds Christmas Market start and what can visitors expect?
The Leeds Christmas Market begins on November 22, 2024. Visitors can expect:
- Around 70 traditional stalls at City Square and Millennium Square.
- A dedicated artisan market on weekends.
- Pop-up musical performances and seasonal outdoor bars.
- The Ice Cube ice skating rink for added festive fun.
- A focus on improved accessibility and visitor experience.
A Triumphant Return of the Festive Season
Leeds city centre is set to host the much-anticipated Leeds Christmas Market after its successful inaugural year. The event will begin on Friday, November 22, bringing festive joy with approximately 70 traditional stalls. These will be manned by a blend of international, national, and local traders. The market is strategically positioned at City Square and Millennium Square, promising to be a highlight of the city’s winter calendar.
During the previous year, Leeds witnessed an influx of visitors who came to indulge in the festive market’s offerings. The success of the market has spurred enhancements based on comprehensive feedback from both visitors and traders. This year’s layout will focus on accessibility and the overall visitor experience, with the hope of outdoing last year’s turnout.
Nirmal Bassi, the market manager, highlighted the importance of the visitors’ input, stating, “After carefully considering feedback from both visitors and traders, we’ve made exciting improvements to the market layout.” The goal is to ensure that the “festive sights, sounds, and aromas of Christmas” are as delightful as ever.
Festivities and Artisanal Flair
The Leeds Christmas Market’s appeal lies not only in its traditional stalls but also in its celebration of artisanal talent and local entrepreneurship. Every weekend, a dedicated artisan market by Little Bird takes place at Bond Court, showcasing the creative work of independent producers and makers. This initiative provides a unique platform for small businesses and adds a layer of charm and diversity to the market.
Complementing the stalls, visitors can look forward to pop-up musical performances, adding a dynamic audio-visual element to the festivities. The gastronomic offerings are equally exciting, with a selection of Christmas foods and drinks available to indulge in, accompanied by seasonal outdoor bars located at City Square, Victoria Gardens, and Millennium Square.
Furthermore, the Christmas market operates concurrently with the popular Ice Cube at Christmas ice skating rink. This adds another layer of winter activity for families and friends to enjoy together. Ice skating at Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens presents a picturesque setting for creating lasting holiday memories.
Civic Pride and Economic Boost
The Leeds Christmas Market not only serves as a venue for holiday festivities but also as a testament to the city’s community spirit and economic vitality. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, expressed his enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Christmas market back to Leeds after such an exciting and successful debut year last year,” he said.
Councillor Pryor also emphasized the significance of the festive period for Leeds, remarking on the unity it brings: “The festive season is always a very special time in Leeds, and it’s great to see thousands of people coming together to experience Christmas at the heart of the city and making such great use of the newly redeveloped City Square space.”
The market is set to invigorate the local economy, drawing patrons from across the region and beyond. Operated by Market Place, the UK’s most extensive Christmas market operator, the event promises to be a grand affair that Leeds City Council is able to host at no additional cost to the community.
The festivities at the Leeds Christmas Market will span from November 22 until December 22, 2024, while the Ice Cube will extend its stay until December 31, 2024. For more details on planning your Christmas in Leeds this year, visit the official website.
ENDS
- The Leeds Christmas Market will return on November 22, 2024, featuring approximately 70 traditional stalls located at City Square and Millennium Square.
- A dedicated artisan market will take place on weekends, showcasing the work of independent producers and makers.
- Visitors can expect pop-up musical performances and seasonal outdoor bars, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- The Ice Cube ice skating rink will operate alongside the market, offering a winter activity for families and friends.
- The event aims to enhance accessibility and the overall visitor experience based on feedback from last year’s attendees.