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. Thanks to this, the city offers comfortable accommodation options, from Airbnb vacation rentals to luxury hotels. There are several things to do here during each season to keep you engaged. 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 near Leeds, England.
Popular picks in Leeds
History buffs can visit Leeds City Museum and learn more about life on Earth through fossils and bones of extinct animals, as well as ancient civilizations.
Families can spend quality time at Lotherton Hall and Estate, which has walking spots amidst expansive gardens, two playgrounds, and a zoo.
Winters in Leeds
- According to Weather Atlas, winter in Leeds is from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 1.4°C (34.5°F). While Leeds does receive snowfall during these months, the accumulation is limited.
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Christmas in Leeds
According to Visit Leeds, the city of Leeds comes to life during the Christmas festival and offers several exciting things to do and kick off the holiday season. Some of these include:
- Attending various Christmas markets, including Artsmix Market and Kirkgate Market.
- Visiting Leeds Playhouse to catch a show on Cinderella performed by The Not So Ugly Sisters.
- Gift shopping at Victorian arcades.
So, if you’re planning to make your Christmas memorable in Leeds, check out our detailed guide to make sure you’re not missing out on anything.
Christmas markets near Leeds
1. Harrogate Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There is just ONE WEEK TO GO until the Harrogate Christmas Fayre 2023 To help you make the most of your visit, we...
Posted by Harrogate Christmas Fayre on Friday, November 24, 2023
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. I love to collect souvenirs and will surely buy some from here when I visit this market!
Harrogate Christmas Market
Address: Cambridge St, Harrogate HG1 1RX, United Kingdom
Website: Harrogate Christmas Market
Dates: For dates and hours, check out the official social media account
Market highlights: Festive decorations, arts and crafts
Stay close to this market: Chequers Inn; The West Park Hotel
2. 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
Three weeks to go until the Knaresborough Christmas Market . Here's a little taster to get you in the mood (make sure you turn the sound on)! More details at www.knaresboroughchristmasmarket.co.uk
Posted by Knaresborough Christmas Market on Friday, November 12, 2021
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. I cannot wait to visit here and click loads of amazing pictures of this bustling market. There are also street performers who wander through the crowds to give a more cheerful ambiance to shoppers and visitors.
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Address: 18, Market Place, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8AG, United Kingdom
Website: Knaresborough Christmas Market
Dates: For dates and hours, check out the official website.
Market highlights: Seasonal entertainers, Firework Finale on Sunday, local dancers and performers
Stay close to this market: Budget - Home; Teardrop Cottage
3. Sheffield Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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 City Centre, Sheffield S1 2LG, United Kingdom
Website: Sheffield Christmas Market
Dates: For dates and hours, check out the official website.
Market highlights: Traditional German grill sausage, traditional Christmas churros, hot chocolate, mulled wine, hot cider, Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, marshmallows, cheeses, and more
Stay close to this market: Budget - Ibis Sheffield City; Miller & Carter Sheffield by Innkeeper’s Collection
4. The Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
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, Gallery Walk, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5AW, United Kingdom
Website: Hepworth Wakefield Christmas Market
Stay close to this market: Budget - ibis Wakefield East-Castleford; Luxury - Waterton Park Hotel
5. Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It’s Otley Victorian Fayre Day! Looking very festive here in Otley this morning and we are looking forward to seeing everyone this afternoon! Buses are running in and out of Otley and the roads look fine.
Posted by Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 2, 2023
Better late than never. This was taken by Chris Winpenny ( Winpenny Photography ) on the evening of the Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre 2015
Posted by Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre on Wednesday, August 10, 2016
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. I cannot wait to attend this Christmas market and will surely plan a trio to Otley to be a part of its Christmas festivities.
Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market
Address: c/o Otley Town Partnership, 1A Mercury Row, Otley, Otley, United Kingdom
Website: Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market
Stay close to this market: Budget - The Garden Bar Rooms; The Cow & Calf by Innkeeper’s Collection
6. Skipton Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Skipton Christmas Market will be held on Sunday 1st & 8th December 2024. We hope to see you there!
Posted by Skipton Christmas Market on Monday, January 29, 2024
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. I will surely visit Skipton to attend this lively Christmas market. 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: For dates and hours, check out the official website.
Stay close to this market: Budget - Old Swan; Skipton Hotel - formerly known as Hotel Rendezvous-Skipton
7. St. Nicholas Christmas Fair
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of York.
Website: St. Nicholas Christmas Fair
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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