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Christmas Markets in the North

Creative Tourist

It’s all too tempting to wander into the big name shops and get enticed in by an alluring sparkly window display. However, when it comes to Christmas shopping, spending your money with local, independent sellers is a much more sustainable and economically sound way of enjoying the present buying experience. Escape the endless tinny loop of Noddy Holder and enjoy local musicians whilst you peruse the stalls of talented makers, discovering truly unique gift ideas for your loved ones. Christmas Markets are where it’s at for shopping, if you’re looking for hand-made thoughtful presents.

Our top picks

Leeds Corn Exchange

Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Ln, Leeds, LS1 7BR - Visit now

The Christmas Market at Leeds Corn Exchange is back for 2024, in collaboration with Rolling Social Events. Running 9-12 December, the market features food and drink pop ups including some of the best of the Leeds independent street food scene, Christmas spirit tasting experiences from Wolfe Bros Gin, Woodford Reserve Whiskey and Benriach Scotch Whisky plus a bar selling hot cocktails, mulled wine, craft beers from Camden Town Brewery and North Brewing Co, and lots of wine and fizz.

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Leeds Corn Exchange

Millennium Square Leeds

Millennium Square Leeds, Millennium Square, Calverley St, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS1 1UR - Visit now

Millennium Square hosts Christkindelmarkt, the Leeds edition of the popular German-style Christmas markets. There’s a winter village with a giant inflatable igloo, a host of Christmas chalet-style huts with garden-themed interior décor, a daily programme of entertainment and a cracking selection of street food vendors.

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Millennium Square

Seasonal Guides

Valentine’s Day

Don’t leave Valentine’s Day to the last minute. You’ll find plenty in our guide, from top restaurants to outside-the-box activities.
Two young girls dance with a human disco ball
Things to do over February half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the February half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.
Chinese New Year in Manchester
Chinese New Year in Manchester

Colourful cultural adventures abound as Manchester rings in the Lunar New Year. Here’s our round-up of what’s on.
Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Contemporary Dance at The Lowry
Alcohol-free things to do in the North

So you’re off the booze and you’re wondering what there is to do in Manchester that doesn’t involve drinking…
New Year’s Eve in the North

From warehouse raves to live funk and soul, vegan street food to fancy dining, here’s our guide to New Year’s Eve in Manchester and the North.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2021
Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025.

Destinations

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.

The Super Duper Family Festival
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.