The most wonderful time of the year is finally here...it's the Leeds Christmas Markets.
From Gluhwein stalls to Leeds-baked brownies, the city is set to come to life with an unrivalled festive spirit this Friday 21 November until Sunday 21 December – and we’ve got the scoop on where you need to check out.
This year the markets will take-over two prime locations in the heart of the city centre – City Square and Millennium Square, with a variety of festival stalls selling gifts, crafts and delicious food from around the world.
Image: Visit Leeds
Opening Times
Opening from 10am every single day of the week, there’s truly going to be something for the whole family.
The full opening hours for the Leeds Christmas Markets 2025 are as follows:
Mondays: 10am-7pm
Tuesdays: 10am-7pm
Wednesdays: 10am-7pm
Thursdays 10am-9pm
Fridays: 10am-9pm
Saturdays: 10am-9pm
Sundays: 10am – 6pm
What can I buy from the Leeds Christmas Markets?
There will be artisan gifts and handcrafted goods aplenty on offer, with a standout selection of food and drink options that embody the Christmas spirit we all know and love around this time of year. Bratwurst, crumble and speciality cheeses are just the beginning…
Our very own Savvy Baker will be there selling homemade bakes, and there'll also be a few more indie food makers dotted around so you can get your festive food fix.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What’s going on at Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens?
Millennium Square | Open from Friday 21 November 2025
Ice Cube on Millennium Square is the perfect place to test out your ice skating skills – and whether you’re a pro on the ice or it’s just your first time skating, there’s different timings to suit every ability.
There’s Penguin Club for little ones looking for some extra assistance, lessons with a National Ice Skating Association instructor and a dedicated accessible skating session for wheelchair users and those with additional needs; all in addition to the general public skates that take place each day.
In addition to the skating rink, you’ll find craft, food and drink stalls and a full family funfair with themed rides, like Rescue Rudolph, Santa’s Super Shooter, a giant Snow Globe and the North Pole Funhouse.
And for the traditionalists amongst you take a ride on the vintage carousel or The Wheel of Light which will give you spectacular views of the city. Plus, Thor’s Tipi will also be there – the perfect spot to get cosy with a steaming cup of mulled wine.
The current opening times for the Ice Cube are as follows:
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks.
Image: Supplied
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Clementine Hall -
17th November 2025 
