Head up to northern England and you will find the city of Leeds, an economically booming city in West Yorkshire county. During the Middle Ages, Leeds was known as a market town, a medieval term for a European town that has a commerce and trade center, which made it distinct from an ordinary village during the time. It was from these roots that Leeds blossomed into an industrial and economic hub today. In fact, it’s known to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK and tourism is a great contributor to the city’s growing economy. Tourists particularly like to flock to Leeds during Christmas time because of the famed Leeds Christmas markets. So if you’re planning to spend the holidays here, check out the top Christmas markets in Leeds.
1. Leeds Christkindelmarkt - Millennium Square
Probably the most famous Christmas market in Leeds is the Christkindelmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market. The market has been around for the past 17 years and it looks as though it’s here to stay because people absolutely love going to this festive market. With over 40 festive stalls to check out, you’ll need the whole day to go around. It’s also perfect for families because there are fun activities like the Alp Chalet, where your kids can have breakfast with Santa and his elves. There’s also a beautiful carousel for them to enjoy afterward. Then cap off the day with some traditional German beer.
Leeds Christkindelmarkt - Millennium Square
Address: Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD
Dates: November 6 - December 18, 2021
Price: Free
Website: Leeds Christkindelmarkt
2. WinterFest Vegan Christmas Market
For the vegans, there’s an exclusive Christmas market! Head over to Leeds Town Hall for the WinterFest Vegan Christmas Market. There will be over 100 vendors and stalls selling vegan products ranging from food, make-up, clothes, and even pet needs. Speaking of pets, the proceeds of this festive volunteer-run market will go to animal welfare charities. So you don’t only purchase something for yourself, you also get to help the animal welfare cause.
WinterFest Vegan Christmas Market
Address: Leeds Town Hall in Leeds, United Kingdom
Nearby options
3. Harrogate Christmas Market
A little further away from Leeds, you can find the Harrogate Christmas Market. Located in the heart of the city, the Harrogate Christmas Market features over 200 vendors selling specialty products from Harrogate and Yorkshire. Look out for the local favorites, cheese and chutneys! Try getting some of your Christmas gifts here as well since they offer a lot of handmade crafted products. The Christmas market is within walking distance from the busy shopping centers and restaurants, so it won’t be difficult to find, plus you can immediately enjoy a meal after your trip to the market.
Harrogate Christmas Market
Address: St Mary’s Walk, Montpellier Hill, North, Harrogate HG2 0LH, United Kingdom
Website: Harrogate Christmas Market
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4. Knaresborough Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Knaresborough Christmas Market on Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Also in Yorkshire, the Knaresborough Christmas Market is sure to be a delight for tourists. The Market Square transforms into a festive scene with vendors lined up along the cobblestoned streets. The way the streets of Knaresborough are designed in a way to give the market an old-fashioned and medieval feel. You’ll find everything from seasonal goods, local produce, and crafts perfect for gifts. There are also street performers who wander through the crowds to give a more cheerful ambiance to shoppers and visitors.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Address: Clifford Court, 8, Wetherby LS23 6HW, United Kingdom
Website: Knaresborough Christmas Market
Dates: December 4 - 5, 2021
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm
5. Sheffield Christmas Market
What started out as a few cabins turned into a village of options along the main shopping area of Sheffield. There’s a range of goodies from sweets, delicacies, and crafts perfect for the holiday season. Be sure to fill your hungry bellies with the various food stalls across the place. However, the highlight of this entire Christmas market is Santa’s Grotto located at the very heart of the place. Here, you and your kids can take photos with the big man in red himself!
Sheffield Christmas Market
Address: Fargate, Sheffield S1 2LG, United Kingdom
Website: Sheffield Christmas Market
Dates: November 15, 2021 onwards
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm
6. The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market
Today is the final day of The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market and I’ve had an amazing time so far, there’s a...
Posted by Death by Tea on Sunday, 25 November 2018
The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market is the ideal place to go if you’re doing your Christmas shopping for gifts. There are over 80 independent vendors and makers selling all sorts of arts and crafts from prints, stationery, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, scented candles, and many more. Artisan food and drink vendors are also present for your hunger cravings. Aside from the stalls, there are also festive performances from independent and local artists to serenade you into the jolly holly mood. For 2021, the Christmas market introduces a new program, Festive Mini-Markets.
The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market
Address: The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, United Kingdom
Website: The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market
Dates: November 20 - 21, November 27 - 28, and December 4 - 5, 2021 (10am - 5pm)
7. Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market
The Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market is a product of both tradition and progress. The Otley Chamber of Trade wanted to give opportunities to local vendors to boost further during the holidays. With its Victorian-era theme and the belief that modern-day Christmas traditions began then, the Chamber began the first Fayre in 1985 and it was a huge success. Through the years and until the present, the Fayre was run by volunteers who continue the festive tradition of bringing merry cheer to its visitors through colorful stalls and exciting street performances.
Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market
Address: 1A Mercury Row, Otley, LS21 3HE
8. Skipton Christmas Market
Go into full festive mode at the Skipton Christmas Market. There are nearly 100 stalls filled with a variety of goods from food and drink to arts and crafts. Aside from the many stalls, expect a lot of live and colorful performances on the streets and along the aisles. There are performances ranging from Christmas carol singers, street performers, brass bands, and more. Oh, don’t forget to spot some real reindeer around the place too!
Skipton Christmas Market
Address: Skipton High Street Car Park, Skipton, United Kingdom
Website: Skipton Christmas Market
Dates: December 5 & 12, 2021
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm
Price: Free
9. St. Nicholas Christmas Fair
Tell us when the York St Nicholas Christmas Fair starts & a 2 night stay in York & loads more http://bit.ly/Tc8X5d
Posted by Visit York on Friday, 13 November 2015
Soak up the holiday fever at York’s St. Nicholas Christmas Fair, one of the highlights in York. It’s a great option to check out if you’re doing your last-minute shopping since they’re open until December 22nd. There are different sections in the market including the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village which features handmade crafts and goods, St. Sampson’s Square rustic Yorkshire Barn for delicious festive food, and all-around fun in every bit of the place. Most of the fun is especially at King’s Square where there’s a Helter Skelter, which is a fun swirly slide so kids and kids at heart will surely enjoy!
St. Nicholas Christmas Fair
Address: Parliament Street, York, UK
Website: St. Nicholas Christmas Fair
Dates: November 18 - December 23, 2021
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm
It is the season to go shopping
Christmas in any part of the world is always fun, joyous and festive. Each city has its own holiday traditions to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. In and around Leeds, one of those traditions is its various Christmas markets. Whether it’s for last-minute shopping for gifts or you just want to experience jolly Christmas activities and performances, these merry markets will surely be the highlight of your holidays.
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