Leeds Christmas Market returns with major overhaul alongside Ice Cube for 2026 - dates and details
A festive feast of Yorkshire flavours is heading to Leeds city centre this winter, with a redesigned Christmas market taking over City Square alongside the return of the popular Ice Cube at Christmas attractions
Festive cheer is set to overtake Leeds city centre this November as details for the annual Christmas celebrations are officially confirmed.
Bringing a "festive feast of Yorkshire flavours" to the region, this year’s Christmas market will return to City Square on November 19, with a brand-new look curated by Fabler and Co - the team behind the popular THOR'S Tipi bars.
Running alongside the main market, the hugely popular Ice Cube at Christmas will also return to Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street, with advance tickets for the covered ice rink available now.
The revamped City Square site will feature 60 local traders and food vendors showcasing produce from across Yorkshire, alongside two new bar areas, around 200 Christmas trees, and a brand-new Elf Hunt trail designed for families.
THOR'S Tipi will also return to Victoria Gardens with its signature log fires, hot chocolate, and festive drinks.
Visitors can expect weekly live entertainment, with lineups featuring local solo acts, traditional brass bands, and choir performances. In addition, the market will host pop-up cabins curated by Real Markets Yorkshire, offering a rotating selection of artisan crafts and seasonal gifts.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: "Christmas is a really special time in Leeds and it’s always amazing to see the city transformed each year by all the unique magic of the festive season.
"This year we’ve worked closely with our new operator to ensure Leeds has a high-quality, local market that showcases the very best our region has to offer, so Christmas in Leeds is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever and we can’t wait to welcome people to the city."
At the heart of Millennium Square, the 400-square-metre covered ice rink will make its return beneath a transparent marquee, allowing visitors to skate in all weather conditions.
Daily skating sessions will run alongside dedicated weekend Penguin Club sessions, specifically designed for young skaters under the age of nine.
Surrounding the rink, festive attractions will include Bavarian-style market stalls serving traditional festive treats, plus an alpine-inspired Ski Bar, the iconic Big Wheel on Victoria Gardens, the Golden Gallopers carousel on Cookridge Street, and the 30-metre-high Starflyer on Millennium Square.
Leeds Christmas Market (City Square & Victoria Gardens) opens on November 19 and runs through to December 23. Ice Cube at Christmas (Millennium Square) opens on November 19 and runs until December 31. Entry to both marks are free, while advance tickets for ice skating lessons are available now through the Ice Cube Leeds website.