After a few years of absence, the fabulous Leeds Christmas Market is set to return to the city for the first time since 2019 after council leaders confirm striking a new deal.
The German-themed Christmas markets have become synonymous with the Christmas period with bratwursts, beer and mulled wine spilling into cities across the country.
Leeds Christmas market, as we knew it, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in both 2020 and 2021 and failed to come to fruition in 2022, but this year will see its return.
Signing a deal with Market Place Europe, Leeds City Council has secured an event each year until 2025, in its new form, which currently hasn’t been confirmed.
The council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, Councillor Jonathan Pryor said the deal would build on the outdoor ice rink and food stalls offered in 2022.
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He said: “Whilst no decisions have been made about the precise locations or the exact nature of the offer, we will be specifically looking at how we can best use our streets and available spaces in the city centre to provide more fun, festive and affordable experiences for the people of Leeds.”
The event is set to take place between 24th November and 17th December, according to the documents detailing the contract and the authority will be paid £336,000 across three years as part of the deal.
Market Europe is said to be the largest operator of Christmas markets across the UK with 5,000 traders on their books.
The previous Christmas market would take place in Millenium Square in Leeds City Centre and was co-organised by Frankfurt City Council, but it was decided not to revive it for 2022.
A range of factors such as rising travel and work visa costs were what made the council take the tough decision last year.
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[Featured image: Leeds German Christmas Market Facebook]
