For the first time ever, streets and spaces all across the city centre will be hosting around 120 Bavarian-style market stalls across 13 different areas including Briggate, City Square and outside The Corn Exchange.The traditional, timber, seasonal stalls will be decked out in festive lighting and will include international, UK, Yorkshire and Leeds traders.
Running from November 24 until December 22, the new Christmas market will also feature three Christmas-themed outdoor bar areas on Briggate, Quebec Street (close to City Square), and Dortmund Square.
A programme of family-friendly events and experiences is being planned to run alongside the market, which will also complement the city’s long established traditional Christmas offer on Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens, including the popular Ice Cube outdoor skating rink, market stalls and other themed attractions.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a new and exciting festive experience to Leeds this Christmas that will transform the whole city centre.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes for some time now to find the right Christmas market that will give more people, places and businesses the chance to be part of one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year.
“This new market will make the most of the fantastic, newly pedestrianised spaces we have across the city and make Leeds feel more special and magical than ever before.”
The new market will be operated by Market Place Europe, the UK’s largest Christmas market operator, who have delivered award-winning Christmas markets in cities including Belfast, Newcastle and Harrogate.
It will be delivered at no cost to Leeds City Council, and is expected to generate income for the city.
Allan Hartwell managing director of Market Place said: “We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to help create a wonderful Christmas experience deserving of such a great city.
“The market will bring festive life, colour and vibrancy to some of the best spaces and places in Leeds city centre.”
More details about the market will be released in the coming months.
Anyone interesting in hosting a stall at the market can express their interest by registering at www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk
