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

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

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.

Read more: Chow Down returns with Winter Village and new beer hall for the World Cup

White Rose Festive Grotto

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.

Read more: White Rose is getting a festive grotto and its first-ever ice skating rink this Christmas

Winter Wonderland in Millenium Square

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.

To keep your eye on more festive happenings popping up across Leeds, check the Leeds City Council or VisitLeeds website.

Day trips from Leeds:

York Christmas Market

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