As autumn deepens, Leeds is once again bathed in the warmth of the festive season. In 2025, the beloved Leeds Christmas Markets will return with a brand new, expanded city-wide celebration concept. From November 21st to December 21st 2025, this festive extravaganza will no longer be confined to a single square but will instead connect several city centre landmarks, including City Square, Millennium Square, and Bond Court, creating a city-wide Christmas tour route that combines food, shopping, and entertainment. For students and tourists planning a trip to Leeds to experience a British Christmas, this is undoubtedly the perfect destination to soak up the festive atmosphere. See if this paragraph meets your requirements.
Why Leeds Christmas Markets Must-Visit
Leeds Christmas Markets are one of the most popular festive celebrations in the UK. For the 2025 holiday season, it will make a major return in a multi-zone format, with key event areas including City Square and Millennium Square—both prime locations in the city centre. Visitors will be able to browse a wide variety of festive stalls offering unique gifts, handcrafted items, and delicious food from around the world. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, enjoy a diverse range of seasonal food and drinks, and step into the warm and familiar world of the holidays. The main market opens on 21 November. In addition, the Little Bird Artisan Markets will take place from 20 November to 21 December, running Thursday to Sunday at Bond Court, showcasing beautiful handmade gifts from local makers and independent traders.
This year’s festive season will also bring back attractions to Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens, including the Ice Cube outdoor ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and other family-friendly rides. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of outdoor activities and unique seasonal food experiences.
Popular Leeds Christmas Markets
Leeds City Square Christmas Market
Open dates: November 21 – December 21
Location: City Square
Ticket: Free
City Square is the heart of the Leeds Christmas Market, featuring over 60 beautifully decorated traditional wooden huts. The experience revolves around food and festive socializing, offering a variety of European holiday specialties, including sausages, desserts, and steaming roasted chestnuts. The square also houses Ranch Bar and The Windmill Bar, serving mulled wine, festive cocktails, and craft beer—perfect for warming up and soaking up the holiday spirit. Live music performances by local artists add a vibrant touch to the bustling market.
Little Bird Artsmix Market
Open dates: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sundays from 20th November to 21st December at Bond Court
Location: Albion Pl, Leeds LS1 6AW
Ticket: Free
Artsmix Market is a Leeds city centre market focused on local crafts and creative products, open every Saturday before the Christmas season (usually from 10:00 to 18:30). This market brings together local artists and craftspeople from Yorkshire, selling unique handmade gifts, original artwork, fine jewelry, and holiday decorations, offering a wide selection for those seeking unique holiday presents. The market emphasizes local creations, ensuring the unique character of each item. In addition, there are usually Christmas carols or acoustic performances by local musicians and singers, creating a relaxed and joyful holiday shopping atmosphere.
Millennium Square Markets
Opening Dates: 21 November – 31 December 2025
Locations: Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens
Ticket: Free entry to the main square areas; Ice Cube ice rink and fairground rides require paid tickets
During the festive season, Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens will be transformed into a lively winter playground. As the family-friendly hub of the Leeds Christmas Market, this area offers additional festive stalls to explore, along with a selection of much-loved attractions. Key highlights include the popular Ice Cube outdoor ice rink (which usually operates until late December), the impressive Big Wheel, and the classic carousel.
Visitors can also take a break inside the cosy Thor’s Tipi bar, where warm drinks and a welcoming winter atmosphere await. Activities in this area run for an extended period to ensure that guests can enjoy the festive spirit throughout Christmas and into the New Year.
Stay When Visiting Leeds Christmas Markets 2025
Anyone who includes the Leeds Christmas Market in their Christmas plans is a visionary. With festive decorative lights online through and through and lots of cozy winter garden-themed tents as well as bars and restaurants, there’s simply a sense of ambiance pulling out all the stops, so grab your dining and drinking partners and hit the food and wine scene beautifully. With over 15,000 people coming to Leeds for Christmas each year, it’s wise to book your Leeds accommodation in advance as the Christmas period sees a surge in visitors. Stay near Millennium Square and City Square to better immerse yourself in the festive spirit, with easy access to the Christmas markets.
We recommend that you book your Leeds accommodation on uhomes.com, preferably starting in November. It offers student flats, private accommodation, and hotels so that travellers can choose according to their needs. If you want to spend the whole Christmas holiday in Leeds but are worried that hotels are too expensive, you can rent a short-term flat on uhomes.com. Contact our professional consultants to book your accommodation!
Conclusion
In 2025, the Leeds Christmas Markets will be an unmissable highlight of your festive season. Whether it’s charming craft stalls, aromatic hot drinks, or fun-filled live entertainment, there’s festive warmth and cheer at every turn. Whether it’s the Leeds Corn Exchange, Kirkgate Market Christmas, or the Artisan Winter Market, they all offer a unique experience. Book your Leeds accommodation now and join your friends at the colourful 2025 Christmas Market!
FAQ
Where are the main Leeds Christmas Market locations?
City Square – traditional festive stalls and bars.
Bond Court – Little Bird Artisan Market with local crafts.
Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, Cookridge Street – Ice Cube rink, rides, festive food, and family entertainment.
When does the 2025 Leeds Christmas markets start?
The 2025 Leeds Christmas markets run from 21 November to 21 December 2025.
Is the Leeds Christmas Market suitable for families?
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. The Ice Cube rink offers penguin skating lessons for kids, rides suitable for children, and plenty of festive food and treats. Families can enjoy shopping, skating, and entertainment in one trip.
