Night markets, craft markets and everything in between

Nothing says Christmas like pootling around a winter market, wrapped up in your finest knitwear, mittens clamped around a steaming cup of mulled wine, dainty lights twinkling as the dusk draws in. Sadly the much-beloved Christkindelmarkt which typically starts in November right through to the big day itself, with its traditional wooden decorations, beeswax candles and cuckoo clocks direct from Frankfurt, has been cancelled. 

But do not fear, the Christmas spirit is still very much alive in Leeds. 

We’ve rounded up the best of the upcoming markets where you can eat, drink and shop to your heart's content. You can even try your hand at curling.


People Eating And Drinking Round Tables At Chow Down Winter Market In Leeds
Full steam ahead at the Chow Down markets Image: Chow Down

Chow Down Winter Village| Temple Arches | 11 November - 31 December

The much talked about street food hit at Temple Arches has recently undergone a festive transformation. The Chow Down Winter Village will have you feeling those Après Ski vibes as soon as you enter the site, with a multi-story German cabin offering a photo booth, beer pong and the best of Olympic sports - curling, plus tipis, snugs, bars, music and more. Tickets from £26.40.

Chow Down Temple Arches, Leeds LS11 5QG


Woman Holding A Handmade Ceramic Mug At Sunnybank Mills
Find some unique handmade gifts at Sunny Bank Mills this Christmas Image: Sunny Bank Mills

Art & Makers Christmas Market | Sunny Bank Mills | 26th - 28th November 

The handful of beautifully restored creative spaces, art galleries, shops and cafes at Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills are worth a visit any time of the year. However the Sunny Bank Mills Art & Makers Christmas Market is one of the ultimate spots for picking up some unique handmade gifts for friends and family. Expect over 40 stalls piled high with ceramics, screenprints, flowers and textiles, plus street food from Sunny Bank favourites, Farsley Fire and Smoke. £2 entry.

Sunnybank Mills 83-85 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5UJ


The Front Of The Old Kings Arms In Leeds
BINGO! It's Christmas at The Old King's Arms Image: The Old King's Arms

Christmas Market| The Old King's Arms |27th November 

The Old King's Arms is a proper local pub dedicated to welcoming its community with open arms. Last year this family-run venue started hosting street food pop-ups, and now it’s got a stellar line of Christmas events for your calendar, including children’s craft sessions, Christmas bingo - even an Oasis tribute band. Expect stalls supporting local traders and photographers, wreaths, jewellery and more. With a pizza truck parked outside, your Saturday is basically sorted. Free entry, from 11am.

The Old Kings Arms The Green, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JB


Seagulls Paint Winter Market
Try a workshop at Seagulls Winter Market Image: Seagulls Paint

Seagulls Winter Market | Seagulls Paint | 27th & 28th November

Seagulls is more than just a paint shop. This incredible social enterprise supports local people into work, reusing supplies that would otherwise go to landfill. So, if you’re looking for sustainable gift ideas, this is the market for you. Whilst you're at it, grab a brew from Humbl Coffee’s blue horsebox and pick up a mosaic kit for a crafty evening by the fire. Free entry.

Seagulls Reuse Paint 3 - 4, Aire Place Mills, 103 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds LS3 1JL


Lanterns And Fairy Lights Hanging From The Ceiling Of Left Bank In Leeds
Support local when Christmas shopping this year Image: Left Bank

Christmas Night Market | Leftbank | 3 December

This popular student hangout on Cardigan Road is known for its family-friendly events, body positive yoga, gigs and open mic nights, and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the festive season. At this year’s Christmas Night market, they’ll have their very own hazy pale ale on tap, alongside seasonal cocktails, mulled wine and pizza from new vendors The Slice Is Right. A chance to support local artists by bagging some seriously cool presents to pop under the tree. Free entry.

Left Bank Leeds Cardigan Rd, Burley, Leeds LS6 1LJ


Mince Pies An A Wooden Board With Baubles And Fairy Lights Surrounding
Meanwood Farmers Market is getting a festive makeover Image: Meanwood Christmas Market

Meanwood Christmas Market | Meanwood | 4 December 

Meanwood has long been jealous of Headingley’s Farmers Market, which runs on the second Saturday of each month featuring producers within thirty miles of Leeds. Now the next suburb along has managed to get in on the act and is set to host its first Christmas Market on Green Road, with everything from cheeses to crafts and scrumptious cakes. Free entry 10am - 2pm.

Meanwood Christmas Market 6 Green Road, Leeds, LS6 4JP, United Kingdom


A Small Box With A Hand Illustrated Label
Shop gifts from local artisans at Terminus Taproom & Bottle Shop's Christmas Market Image: Terminus Taproom & Bottle Shop

Christmas Market | Terminus Taproom & Bottle Shop | 4 December

To mark the date, Terminus Bar will also be hosting a little Christmas shindig at Lightspace on 4 December, with vintage clothing, home furnishings and local artworks. Artisan gifts will be available from neighbours Tandem and Flavour Like Fancy, with of course all the beer on tap that you could wish for. Free entry 12pm - 6pm.

Terminus Tap Room and Bottle Shop (The Meanwood Brewery) Stonegate Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4HY


Woman Shopping At Leeds Winter Market
Get stuck in to all the stalls at Leeds Winter Market Image: Leeds Winter Market

Leeds Winter Market | New Dock Hall | 5 December 

Perhaps the biggest of the lot, Leeds Winter Market takes over the Royal Armories on 4 December, bringing you everything from independent fashion design to gourmet hampers. From the founders of Judys Affordable Vintage Fair, Leeds Winter Market is all about taking the anonymity out of the retail experience. Look out for the Mobile Jazz Cafe, ready to fuel your festive Saturday with expertly crafted flat whites and homemade brownies. Entry from £3 10.30am - 5.30pm 

New Dock Hall Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT


The Hunslet Club
Support all the great work they do for the community at The Hunslet Club Image: The Hunslet Club

The Hunslet Club Christmas Market | The Hunslet Club |11 December 

Residents of South Leeds will be pleased to discover Hunslet Sports Club’s Christmas Market, featuring tons of stalls, food, and entertainment for all the family. There’s even a special Santa’s Grotto for smaller visitors to enjoy. As one of the largest youth organisations in the country, you can rest assured that all the profits from this market will be going to support a wide range of worthwhile activities for all ages. Free entry 2pm - 6pm.

The Hunslet Club Hillidge Rd, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1BP


Kerbside Kids Burgers And Fries
Try festive specials from Kerbside Kids at Springwell's market Image: Kerbside Kids

Christmas Winter Market | Springwell |11 & 12 December

North Brewing Company’s new brewery site and taproom has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors to the public last year. With a yard full of bakers, sewers and makers, plus festive cocktails, beers, DJ’s till late, and indulgent bites from Little Bao Boy & Kerbside Kids, this is one for the diary. Free entry 11am - 7pm.

Springwell - North Brewing Company Springwell Works, Buslingthorpe Ln, Leeds LS7 2DF


Read next: Top things to do in Leeds: December 2021

Read again: First look at Crimple Hall's new restaurant and food hall


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