Last week, news that the annual Christmas markets will return to Millenium Square fuelled Leeds and beyond with hopes of a return to a normal festival period.
Since the 'C-word' has been making an appearance across news pages, with many exciting announcements coming forward to confirm this year's festivities.
The latest of which is White Rose Shopping Centre, who have confirmed that the popular family spot will be welcoming back the much-loved Christmas grotto from November onwards.
New for this year is a magical ice rink inside The Village, where all ages can grab skates and take to the rink to ice skate, regardless of whether we're experiencing snow or not.
White Rose has confirmed that the magical ice rink will offer skates to hire, as well as skating aids for children or those looking fro additional support on the rink.
Image: Unsplash
Opening from Thursday 10 November, the rink will remain open throughout the festive period and into the new year before closing on Monday 2 January 2023. Meanwhile the Christmas grotto will host Santa until Christmas Eve.
Pre-booking is advised for both the grotto and ice rink, and details of times, special sessions, and prices can be found on the White Rose Shopping Centre website, where bookings can also be made from Friday 23 September 2022.
If this news isn't enough to get you in the festive spirit, thew shopping centre has also announced its late opening times will be available in December. From Monday 5 December. The centre will be open from 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm Saturdays, and 11am – 5pm Sundays until 18 December, with even longer hours in the final run-up to Christmas: 9am – 10pm from the 19 to 23 December, and 8am – 5pm on Christmas Eve – great news for last-minute shoppers.
There's over 100 shops and restaurants to check out upon visiting, with plenty of Christmas offers, including pre- or après ski refreshments from Starbucks (inside Cineworld), Wagamama, Five Guys, Fridays, and the new Wetherspoon, The Scribbling Mill.
Feature Image- Unsplash
Christmas
Leeds Christmas tree sale returns for 2026 to raise vital funds for St Gemma’s Hospice
Looking for the perfect Christmas tree? Look no further.
The most wonderful time of the year must be here, because the St Gemma's Hospice Christmas Tree Sale is back for 2026.
And this year, there's an extra sale day for those who like to get their festive decorations up a little earlier.
All you have to do is bob along to one of their sale dates and pick your perfect Nordmann Fir Christmas tree, all while supporting a wonderful local cause.
Every tree purchased helps raise vital funds for St Gemma's Hospice, supporting the specialist care provided to local patients and their families.
Images: Supplied
The Christmas trees will be available to buy on the following dates at St Gemma's Hospice, 329 Harrogate Road, LS17 6QD:
Saturday 28 November: 10am – 4pm
Sunday 29 November: 10am – 4pm
Thursday 3 December: 2pm – 7pm
Friday 4 December: 10am – 7pm
Saturday 5 December: 10am – 4pm
And it doesn't stop there, as St Gemma's Hospice will not only sell you a tree, but they'll also recycle it with their popular 'Treecycling' service.
The way it works is simple, all you have to do is register for free, make a donation and one of their fantastic volunteers will come and collect your tree to be recycled. It really is a win win.
Collections will take place from 7th to the 15th January 2027, on weekdays only, between 9am and 3pm.
The Hospice cares for people in Leeds and surrounding communities, helping them live as well as possible and supporting them when they need it most.
Treecycling helps raise essential funds for this important work. By booking a collection, you’re helping St Gemma’s Hospice continue to provide compassionate care to local people and their families.
Everything you need to know about the Leeds Christmas Markets 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just a weeks time, and we've got everything you need to know.
This year, the markets are looking a little bit different than before as outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi have stepped up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular.
They're organising a market where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
So, let's get into it...
Opening dates and timings
The Leeds Christmas Markets will kick off from Thursday 19 November and run until Wednesday 23 December. So that's almost five weeks of festivities flooding the city, and plenty of time for you to make the most of it.
The markets will be open 7 days a week, the exact timings are:
Trader Village & Leeds Street Food
Sunday-Wednesday: 10:30am-7pm
Thursday-Saturday: 10:30am-8pm
THOR’S Highland Lodge & Folié Ski Bar
Sunday-Tuesday: 11am-9pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-11pm
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Locations
The main stalls and street food will be located at City Square, here you will also find the main Christmas tree and two THOR's bars.
Ice Cube at Millennium Square will also be making a return, here you'll find rides, an ice rink and more food and drink. This is separate to what is being run by THOR's this year, though.
There will be plenty of other festive activities taking place throughout the city throughout November and December, you can find out more and view the Leeds Christmas map here.
Food
Okay, now we can get onto the good stuff.
We all know that the highlight of the markets is the food, and this year there's going to be more independent and local trader than ever before.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From Leeds' very own Italian street food restaurant Stuzzi to homemade mini tiramisu drawers, you're going to want to arrive feeling very peckish at these markets that's for sure.
The current full list of street food vendors at City Square is as follows:
Cut & Craft (steak and chips)
Beth Bakes Cakes (hot chocolate fudge cake)
Misu Tiramisu (mini tiramisu drawers)
Crumble pots (crumble)
La Grassa (Italian-American sandwiches)
Chocolate Circus (stacked hot chocolates)
Stuzzi (Italian street food)
Street Kings Bratwurst (traditional bratwurst)
Johnsons' Toffee (homemade toffee and fudge)
The Savvy Baker (sweet treats and hot cookie dough)
Irish spice bags
Churros
Drink
Closely following behind food, a good old tipple is what many of us venture to the markets for.
This year, alongside a few mulled wine stalls in city square, THOR's will be doing what they do best and opening two brand-new outdoor bars to really get you in the spirit.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
You can pick from a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar, both designed to welcome large groups with their own themed drinks and cosy interiors. You can read more about these bars here.
Not only that, but they'll be a specialist coffee trader as well as a matcha trader if you don't fancy anything alcoholic.
Shopping
The Leeds Christmas Markets isn't just about eating and drinking, it's also about browsing and shopping for those last minute Christmas gifts or gorgeous knick-knacks to decorate your home with over the festive season.
Here's your list of traders to buy gifts from at City Square:
Stump Cross (natural crystal jewellery, fossils and more)
House of the Trembling Madness (festive craft beer cans)
Real Markets Yorkshire (lots of goodies made in Yorkshire)
Yorkshire Print Company (Yorkshire-inspired artwork)
Paper Starlights (handmade paper lanterns)
Scents of Christmas (handcrafted decorations)
Kakuwi (homemade crafts sourced across India and Nepal)
Sophie Smith -
22nd September 2022 
