Malton's locally-renowned foodie Christmas market, complete with fairground rides, mulled wines and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, is returning after two years of absence next weekend.
On Saturday 4 December and Sunday 5 December, Malton's picture-perfect Market Place will be transformed into a Christmas paradise and is set to be one of the biggest markets of the year.
The free-to-enter market will be full of festive treats for all the family to enjoy at Yorkshire's locally-famous capital of all things edible.
Think figgy pudding, juicy goose servings and good ol' turkey dinner: this early Christmas dinner will be worth eating a few weekends before the official 25th date.
Whether you're looking for simple and traditional classics like cheese and biscuits or want to start a new Christmas trend, you're guaranteed to find exactly the food your stomach needs here.
Anyway, there will be so many festive activities to get involved in, you're sure to work up an appetite.
From becoming the brass band's latest groupie to greeting the jolly man in red himself at Santa's Grotto, all ages are catered for.
There will even be a land train for children to ride on around the Market, as well as a host of old-school fairground rides, inspired by traditional Victorian rides but with all the health and safety of a contemporary ride.
Once you're dizzy from hurtling about the fair, grab all your gifts for the 25th and shop whilst supporting small independent businesses based in West Yorkshire.
If that isn't enough to tempt you, mulled wine, gin, a range of beers and plenty of tipples will all be available at different stalls across the market and ready for you to grab a glass whenever you like.
The Christmas Markets in Malton are known as one of the stand-out events of the year at Yorkshire's foodie capital. / Image: Event Owl
After a busy day of visiting Santa, whizzing around the fridesand stocking up on presents, unwind with a glass in hand and watch live music from the local brass band and choirs.
The weekend event will run from 9am on Saturday 4 December until Sunday 5 December at 3pm.
The 2019 event was attended by around 20,000 people but due to Covid-related-restrictions, the Malton Christmas Markets did not go ahead in 2020.
Traders interested in attending the event can still apply to host a stall until Tuesday 2 November via the Event Owl website.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
