‘Christmas is back in Leeds’ as Christmas market promises brand new attractions and Yorkshire traders
The Leeds Christmas Markets are officially returning on 19th November and the countdown starts NOW
Leeds’ Christmas market will feature 190 christmas trees, two new bars and around 60 traders as organisers promise a festive season with a renewed focus on Yorkshire businesses.
The expanded market will be run by THOR’S Tipi director Amanda Monaghan for the 2026 winter season, with organisers planning a series of new additions across the city centre.
The Yorkshire Evening Post met market director Amanda and Christmas market coordinator James Ooi on Leeds’ City Square, which will host many of this year’s festive attractions.
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Around 75% of the traders will be from Yorkshire, with James saying bringing back independent businesses was a key priority.
He told the YEP: “It’s bringing back the independent feel that the Christmas market has missed the last couple of years.”
City Square will host a 40ft Christmas tree and a stage, while an apres-ski bar and a Highland lodge are also planned as part of the festive offering.
Organisers are also planning a special addition for the Black Prince statue on City Square, although the details have yet to be revealed.
Amanda said: “I’m so proud that we’ve managed to attract such amazing marketing and traders, and feel like it’s going to be really special for the city.”
The programme will include live entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, an elf trail and competitions promoting pantomimes and other events taking place across Leeds.
James, founder of Little Bao Boy, has worked in the food industry for 12 years, and said he had been keen to secure independent traders from across Yorkshire who take pride in the food they serve.
He said demand had been high, adding that some businesses had asked to join the market after space had already been filled by June.
“Leeds is an amazing city, and it deserves a class Christmas market. I’m looking forward to people saying ‘Christmas is back in Leeds’,” James added.
For Amanda, success will mean traders being keen to return next year, showing the market has been busy enough to make the experience worthwhile for their businesses.
She said she was looking forward to seeing the public’s reaction to the expanded market and its new attractions.
Leeds Christmas Market (City Square & Victoria Gardens) opens on November 19 at 5pm and runs through to December 23. Ice Cube at Christmas (Millennium Square) opens on November 19 and runs until December 31.