Leeds Christmas Markets 2026: City Square makeover, street food line-up and opening times

Leeds Christmas Markets are set to return from November 19 to December 23, bringing a distinctly local Yorkshire flavour to the city centre.

This year, City Square will be transformed into an "Evergreen Winter Wonderland" packed with Christmas trees, alpine chalets, and a major showcase of regional makers, independent retailers, and local food vendors.

Alongside the main hub at City Square, festive attractions, Bavarian market cabins, and rides will also return to Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens.

At the heart of City Square is THOR’S Winter Village, bringing together some of Leeds and Yorkshire's most popular culinary names. Leeds favourite Little Bao Boy will bring its signature fluffy steamed baos, festive specials, and Salt & Pepper spice bags to THOR’S Highland Lodge.

Italian-inspired small plates will be provided by Stuzzi, alongside regional hearty Italian street food from La Grassa. Steak lovers can sample premium cuts from The Cut & Craft, while Farsley Fire & Smoke serves up smoky Yorkshire barbecue and warming winter dishes.

For those after sweet treats, options include indulgent brownies from Leeds-born The Savvy Baker, freshly baked cakes and cookies from Beth Bakes Cakes, and traditional hot fruit crumbles served with custard from Crumble Pots.

Classic market staples are also covered, with freshly cooked churros from Hot Churros and sizzling German-style bratwurst straight from the grill by Street Kings Bratwurst.

On the drinks front, House of Trembling Madness will pour craft beers alongside winter mead from Storymaker Mead, speciality brews from Gander Coffee, and warming hot chocolates.

In addition to food and drink, decorated wooden chalets across City Square will highlight independent regional makers.

Shoppers can browse local gifts, homeware, and stocking fillers from the Yorkshire Print Company, Paper Starlights, Magees Bespoke Woodwork, Beauty Scents, Pure Pet Food, and Real Markets Yorkshire.

Alpine lodges, winter bars and the return of the Cube

City Square will also host three dedicated winter drinking venues.

THOR’S Tipi Bar returns with its canvas structure, roaring log fires, faux-fur seating, and fairy lights, serving mulled cider, craft beers, and spiced hot chocolate.

Next door, THOR’S Highland Lodge offers a brand-new festive party space featuring Highland-inspired cocktails, winter games, live music, and group bookings paired with food from Little Bao Boy.

Meanwhile, the Folie Après Ski Bar brings high-energy alpine vibes to the city centre with winter cocktails and seasonal DJ sets.

A short festive stroll through the city centre leads to Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens for traditional continental market stalls and family attractions.

Visitors can combine their shopping with a skate across the 400-square-metre covered open-air Ice Cube rink, or take a nostalgic spin on the classic Carousel, the Big Wheel, and surrounding funfair rides.

Surrounding Bavarian-inspired market cabins will serve classic continental treats, sizzling German currywurst, and hot glühwein.

What time will Leeds Christmas Market open during the 2026 season?

The Christmas Market stalls and City Square street food vendors will open seven days a week, running from 10.30am to 7pm Sunday through Thursday, and extending from 10.30am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

For evening drinks, THOR’S Highland Lodge and Folié Ski Bar will operate from 11am to 9pm Sunday to Tuesday, and from 11am to 11pm Wednesday through Saturday.