We are only weeks away until Christmas Markets around the country begin to open, where thousands of people will be grabbing their first mulled wine of the season, luxury hot chocolates, plates of sweet crêpes and many bags of fudge.
But will the people of Bradford be able to visit Leeds Christmas Market this year?
The popular festive event usually takes over the city but has been absent for the last four years due to the coronavirus pandemic and “logistical costs”, reports the BBC.
However, fans of the Bavarian-style stalls and cosy bars will be delighted to know that it will be back in 2023.
There will be “more magic than ever before” as organisers have said the market will bring "festive life, colour and vibrancy to some of the best spaces in Leeds.”
Leeds City Council has confirmed the traditional wooden stalls will include Leeds and Yorkshire traders as well as both wider UK and international sellers.
According to the BBC, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, culture and education, said: "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."
In previous years the popular market was held in Millennium Square but this year it will take place in a variety of locations including City Square, outside the Corn Exchange, Bond Street, Albion Place and more.
When is Leeds Christmas Market on this year?
Leeds Christmas Market will run from November 24 until December 22.
The full opening hours for the Leeds Christmas Markets are below:
- 11am – 9.30pm Monday to Saturday
- 11am – 7pm Sundays
What’s on at Leeds Christmas Market this year?
The Visit Leeds website adds: “The new Christmas market will also feature two Christmas-themed outdoor bar areas with the Windmill bar on Briggate and Apres at Sally’s on Quebec Street (close to market stalls on City Square which is outside the train station).
“There will be lots of family-friendly events and experiences which will run alongside the market, complementing 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.
“This will also be in addition to the fantastic range of Christmas shows, pantos and outdoor experiences on offer!”
It adds: “To help you make the most of your Christmas Markets experience we’ll be creating a special Christmas Markets trail so watch this space for further information.
“Leeds is a creative city with a thriving independent scene, and at Christmas there are artisan fairs throughout the festive season with local artists and makers selling their wares.
“Whenever you visit Leeds this winter – make sure you include one of these markets in your travel itinerary. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mulled wine, support local makers and pick up truly unique gifts for loved ones (and maybe even something for yourself!)”
Find out more information about Leeds Christmas Market on the Visit Leeds website.
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