Leeds will be lit up in neon lights next week, and that can only mean one thing.
Yep, it's the return of Light Night.
As one of the official markers of the autumn season, Light Night is one of the key calendar events to bring people together across the city and celebrate an array of beautiful installations and pieces of artwork, all of which can only be seen once the skies go dark.
Over atThe Junction and Wellington Place, the celebrations will be taken to a whole new level.
Image: Supplied
Yorkshire Circus will be hosting 'have a go' workshops where you can come and try your hand with a variety of LED and pixel props with performers.
There'll be UV face painting from The Face Paint Parlour so you can really get in the Light Night spirit and if you're feeling peckish, Marmita Cafe will be serving up pizza, pasta, burgers and hot dogs.
Leeds' very own Savvy Baker will be providing the sweet treats, and Finer Pleasures will be bringing their epic pies to keep you fuelled up for the night.
Instillation wise, The Junction will host The Matter Of The Heart where a collection of local residents will be wearing a heart monitor for the duration of Light Night, and for every heartbeat their own lightbox will flash in time with their beat.
Image: Supplied
Wherever the participants are during this time, whether they are together or apart, far away or nearby, their hearts will be seen, flashing together. Pretty cool hey?
And it doesn't stop there, the Wellington Place Zone will be hosting an array of instillations and is the perfect family-friendly area where it's a little less chaotic than elsewhere.
Instillations will include The Dancing Fountain, a live self-choreographing water and light show, And...Breathe, an interactive sound and light piece that blends science with the joy of play through the medium of breath work and Light Cube, a cube of dazzling light that you can take control of.
Image: Supplied
Not only that but there'll be a whole host of family-friendly events from free face painting to a silent disco.
There'll be loads of food and drink available from on-site retailers Veeno, Hoist House, Sociable Folk and plenty others if you fancy a break from the madness and need to fuel up.
So if you're planning your perfect Light Night, make sure to head to The Junction and Wellington Place to elevate your experience to the next level.
Light Night Leeds will take place next Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October 2025, and you can find out more here.
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."
Clementine Hall -
16th October 2025 
