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
Netflix to release new Lucy Letby documentary with ‘unprecedented access’ next month
Netflix is set to air a new documentary about the investigation of Lucy Letby, and the trailer has now been released.
The feature-length film about Lucy Letby - the infamous neonatal nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital - hears for the first time from the police officers who investigated the case that shook the nation.
It features never-before-seen footage of Letby during her arrests and police questioning, and even includes interviews with experts and lawyers on both sides, as well as with the hospital consultants who initially raised the alarm.
Tragically, it also includes an anonymised interview with a mother of one of the victims, who also speaks for the first time about her experience and involvement in Letby’s trial.
Produced as a result of years of research and relationship-building, the film - simply titled The Investigation of Lucy Letby - is described as being the most 'comprehensive' look at one of Britain's most notorious crimes, and traces developments from her arrest to trial in chronological order.
Viewers will be given 'unparalleled and exclusive access' to those central to the story.
"This was an exceptional and demanding project, marked by significant creative and ethical responsibility," commented director, Dominic Sivyer. "Our aim was to craft a powerful, emotionally resonant depiction of the events surrounding the case."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x93eZD1F4vs
Caroline Short, Head of Global TV at ITN Productions - who produced the documentary - added: "The access to all our contributors came with a huge responsibility to present everyone's perspectives with care and understanding.
"We are grateful to all those people who trusted us to tell their story."
The Investigation of Lucy Letby will be released and available to stream on Netflix in the UK and Ireland on 4 February 2026.
Featured Image - Cheshire Police
News
Arctic Monkeys release first song in four years as part of upcoming all-star War Child album
Clementine Hall
The full track list for the charity album has been released, featuring Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Olivia Rodrigo and loads more.
The legendary Sheffield indie group have been largely silent (as usual) since the release of their last album, The Car, back in 2022.
But today, the monkeys are back with a brand new song titled 'Opening Night' , in support of War Child's upcoming project to provide aid for children living through war.
That project being 'HELP(2)' - a brand new collaborative album inspired by the landmark 1995 release 'HELP' to engage music lovers globally in support of the charity's vital work.
The new album will be released on Friday 6 March and was brought to life through close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025 under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford.
There's so me pretty huge names on the album who have contributed, including Fontaines D.C, Pulp, Damon Albarn, Wet Leg, Young Fathers and so many more.
Recorded in a single day in 1995, the original ‘HELP’ album raised over £1.2 million, enabling War Child to provide vital support to thousands of children caught in the Bosnian conflict.
The full track list to the album is: ‘HELP(2)’ Tracklist:
Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - Flags
Black Country, New Road - Strangers
The Last Dinner Party - Let’s do it again!
Beth Gibbons - Sunday Morning
Arooj Aftab & Beck - Lilac Wine
King Krule - The 343 Loop
Depeche Mode - Universal Soldier
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - Helicopters
Arlo Parks - Nothing I Could Hide
English Teacher & Graham Coxon - Parasite
Beabadoobee - Say Yes
Big Thief - Relive, Redie
Fontaines D.C. - Black Boys on Mopeds
Cameron Winter - Warning
Young Fathers - Don’t Fight the Young
Pulp - Begging for Change
Sampha - Naboo
Wet Leg - Obvious
Foals - When the War is Finally Done
Bat For Lashes - Carried my girl
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - Sunday Light
Olivia Rodrigo - The Book of Love
You can pre-order the album here and listen to the new song by the Arctic Monkeys here.
Clementine Hall -
11th October 2022 
