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.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 Judy’s 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 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
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
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