The Leeds Christmas Market has been cancelled for the third year in a row. The market was closed during the Covid pandemic and has now been cancelled again.
The council said the market was no longer "feasible" leaving a lot of people disappointed. There will still be events held on Millenium Square including the ice rink and some international street food vendors and winter themed rides.
Leeds City Council have not ruled out the market returning at some point in the future. In the spirit of Christmas we looked at other Christmas markets across some of the biggest cities in the UK to see what Leeds' could have had.
Read More: Leeds Christmas Market 2022 best alternatives as German Market cancelled
Each year the Leeds Christmas market would have various stalls, some selling trinkets and gifts but others selling hot food and drink like the staple of long sausages and mulled wine.
However, sadly that is not going to happen this year but there are alternatives and it might be worth looking at what Leeds could have, or could see in the future.
Below are some of the biggest cities in the country hosting Christmas markets and what they have on offer.
Manchester
The world-famous Manchester Christmas market is open now until December 22. It has hundreds of stalls and is situated across the whole city centre. Here is what the Manchester market has to offer.
- Over 220 stalls
- Spanning 9 areas of the city
- With Winter Gardens serving up winter tipples and mouth-watering festive food
- Huge names like Yard & Coop, Porky Pig, The Great North Pie Company
- Manchester Christmas light trail
- Meet Santa event
Birmingham
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city's annual calendar. Each year thousands visit from across the UK and Europe, it is one of the most authentic in the country.
- Large range of traditional German and Austrian food
- Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts and roasted almonds
- Live music on Victoria Square
- Handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles
- Traditional mulled wine stalls
- Traditional stollen
Liverpool
The Liverpool Christmas Market starts on November 19 and runs until Christmas Eve. It is open from 11am to 9pm on weekdays, and 10pm on weekends.
It takes place in St George's Plateau and William Brown Street, they have a carefully selected range of crafters and makers who will sell unique gifts, decorations and food and drink.
- Over 50 stalls
- Christmas gifts
- Arts and crafts
- Santa Land with rides
- A Bavarian bar with local performers
York
The York Christmas Festival, known as the Saint Nicholas Fair will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The market opens on November 17 and will run until December 23.
They have a lot on offer, including an array of local traders and artisan products. The market has been running since 1992.
Here is what the York Christmas Festival has:
- The Winter Hutte, a Swiss dining experience
- A Michelin-Starred dining experience
- Special mulled wine and spiced cider
- A fully licenced bar
- A festive wonderland and famous alpine chalets
London
London, being the capital has a lot of different Christmas markets to go and see, nine to be in fact. Some of these markets are ticketed with the biggest being the one in Hyde Park, The Hyde Park Wonderland.
Here is what the Christmas market has to offer:
- Bar Ice, an 80s Après-ski-themed bar with fun cocktails
- Street food including bratwurst
- The Fire Pit, open air bar, live band and DJ sets with cocktails
- Explorer's Rest with a Wham! Christmas experience
- A bavarian Village with chalets, cafes, bars and restaurants
- Thor's Tipi
- Carousel Bar
- Arctic Lodge - a taste of the Alaskan frontier
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is world-renowned. The market takes place in East and West Princes Street Gardens and on the Mound.
There is an ice rink, light projections and a selection of free shows.
Here is what Edinburgh has to give for a Christmas experience:
- Nativity Carol Concert
- Live bandstand
- The Festival of Kindness
- Ice rink on the Mound
- Free festive shows for families
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