German market is set to be real family affair in Leeds this Christmas

Council bosses in Leeds have unwrapped details of changes to one of the most popular elements of the city's Christmas celebrations.
ll
l

The annual Christkindelmarkt German market will be taking place in Millennium Square as usual this year.

But today the council confirmed that the attraction will be running without its traditional Bavarian-style beer hall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Revellers keen to toast the festive season with an alcoholic drink or three will instead be able to head to a Viking-themed pop-up bar on nearby Victoria Gardens.

Thor’s will feature linked canvas tipis with wooden tables and benches and will be serving local draft ales, mulled wine and hot cider.

The new arrangements have been put in place to try to ensure the Millennium Square event is as family friendly as possible.

Leeds City Council leader Coun Judith Blake said: “The German market has been one of our most popular attractions for the last 14 years now and, working closely with our event partners from Frankfurt City Council, our events team is always looking for ways to make it bigger, better and more inclusive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This year we’re confident that there really is something for everyone, with a family-friendly atmosphere on Millennium Square and a vibrant new Viking themed pop-up bar for visitors to enjoy on Victoria Gardens.

“Christmas is always a very special time in Leeds city centre and I’m sure this year’s festive season will be a memorable one.”

The Millennium Square market will still have its normal selection of wooden chalet stalls as well as a carousel ride.

Also returning is the Alp Chalet, a Bavarian-inspired restaurant boasting a fresh lunchtime menu for 2016.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event’s new features will include an open-air stage with a daily programme of music plus a weekly children’s show.

The German market will run in Millennium Square from Friday, November 11, until Sunday, December 18.

For further information, visit the www.leeds.gov.uk/christmasmarket web page.

Thor’s bar, meanwhile, will be open daily from November 18 to December 31, with the exception of Christmas Day.

Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street will also be playing host to a fair during the run-up to Christmas.

Related topics: