With the Leeds Christkindelmarkt no longer taking place, here are some alternatives to get you in the spirit over the festive build-up.
In news which broke many hearts across the city, it was announced last week that the Leeds Christmas Markets have been cancelled for the third year in a row.
Usually held from early November to the end of the year at Millenium Square, it's a joyous occasion which marks the end of the calendar and brings people together with plenty of mulled wine and bratwurst.
But do not fear, we have pulled together a list of alternative events in and around Leeds for you to attend and get you in the festive spirit.
Corn Exchange Christmas Market
Image: Supplied
Luckily for us, Rolling Social Events, the brains behind the legendary Leeds Rum Fest, Leeds Whisky Fest, and Leeds Tequila Fest are returning to Leeds Corn Exchange for the 2022 Christmas Market.
Kicking off on Friday 11 November, the beautiful space will be filled with a whole host of festivities to truly get you in the Christmas spirit.
Think a host of independent stalls to snap up your Christmas pressies from, a range of delicious food offerings from local chefs and all in the most beautiful building in Leeds. Sounds good? We think so too. Read all about it here.
Chow Down Winter Village
Image: Chow Down
One of Leeds’ best loved outdoor bar spaces Chow Down is back for the winter months, opening on Thursday 10 November, many a cosy winter night will be spent tucked inside the tipis or watching the World Cup inside the brand new beer hall.
To keep warm, grab a seat by the fire pit, heaters and take a snug, boozy hot chocolate or soothing mulled wine in hand and join your nearest and dearest to cheers to the wintry season ahead.
From November onwards, the much-loved magical Christmas grotto will be returning to the White Rose Shopping Centre.
And the good news doesn't stop there, 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.
Gather round the famous City Square Christmas Tree from Friday 19 November and witness the festive overhaul that will be bestowed upon the city thanks to Leeds City Council.
Drawing inspiration from Christmas Favourites from previous years, Millennium Square is going to be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice rink, Igloo bar and pop-up markets.
There will also be a festive-themed family trail around the city centre, taking children and grown ups on a wintry walk that highlights some of Leeds’ best landmark locations. You can read all about it here.
If you're really craving that outdoor, German market feeling then you can still get it in the beautiful and historic city of York.
And this year especially it's worth the trip, as joining the York Christmas Market for 2022 is the Winter Hütte, a two-storey traditional Swiss chalet with a fully licensed bar. Think cheese fondue, raclette and mulled wine, all served in a beautiful alpine setting.
The market is taking place from Thursday 17 November 2022 to Sunday 1 January 2023, you can read all about it here.
Feature image - Chow Down
News
You can watch The Celebrity Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds this Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens this Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Headrow House, one of the city’s most beloved event space, rooftop and bar, will be hosting a finale watching party - and we’re all invited.
Taking place this Friday 30 October, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale at 8pm.
The best part? Entry is completely free and they'll even be streaming the semi-final ahead of the final at 6pm, so you can indulge in a double bill of the country's most beloved show.
We honestly couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening and we're already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Headrow House said: "celebrity traitors final this friday! we’ll be showing the semi-final for anyone who missed it before tuning in for the live final. free entry, get down early for a seat and bring your claudia wigs x"
So to give this series of The Celebrity Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Headrow House from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Leeds’ biggest food festival confirms 2027 dates for its best one yet
Clementine Hall
Organisers of The North Leeds Food Festival have confirmed the dates for their eleventh annual celebration.
Following an absolute belter of a milestone tenth anniversary, the beloved North Leeds Food Festival is gearing up to return to Roundhay Park.
The festival, which is the biggest food festival in Leeds, will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May 2027.
And it's set to be the best one yet, as plans are already underway to build on a decade of celebrations, introducing an expanded entertainment programme, brand-new attractions and partnerships with hundreds of independent businesses from across Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
The ethos of the festival remains the same and lies in a celebration of international influence and community spirit expressed through street food, artisan markets, live entertainment, music, performing arts and charity.
Visitors can expect an expanded street food village, two independent bars, and an even bigger programme of events including live music, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
Festival Director, Michael Johnston, said: “We’ve come a long way since our first event at Roundhay Park back in 2016. Celebrating our tenth anniversary this spring was incredibly special, and we owe it to the wonderful support we’ve received from the local community year after year.
"It’s not something we’ll ever take for granted. In testament to that, we want to keep building on what we’ve achieved together over the last ten years and continue to find new ways to elevate the experience for everyone who joins us.”
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
Assistant Festival Manager, Izaak Shuttleworth, added: “We want there to be something exciting for every person who walks through our doors, whether they’re joining us for the first time or returning each year."
"Attendee feedback plays a huge role in how we develop the festival, and we’re working closely with new entertainers and independent businesses to bring some fresh ideas to life. We’re looking to create our most varied and interactive programme to date, so there’ll be plenty to look forward to next spring.”
Clementine Hall -
11th October 2022 
