New Look For German Market On 15th Anniversary

Saturday, 22 October 2016 07:00

The city’s annual Christkindelmarkt German Christmas market will return with a brand new look next month for what will be its 15th anniversary.

Millennium Square will be transformed into a scenic festive village from Friday, November 11 until Sunday, December 18 with new stalls and venues.

The new market layout will include an open air square with a stage that will feature a daily programme of music as well as a weekly children’s show every Sunday morning from 11am (except Sunday 13th Nov).

The family-friendly event will include sing-alongs, games, face painting, balloon modelling and appearances from winter wonderland princesses and other costumed characters.

The new layout is designed to help natural flow of visitors to the market and give more people chance to experience one of the city’s most popular annual family-friendly attractions.

The Leeds Christkindelmarkt also includes more than 40 traditionally decorated wooden chalet stalls along with the traditional Christmas carousel ride.

Stalls at the market will include German delicacies like gluhwein, bratwurst sausages, schnitzels, soups and goulash, stollen, gingerbread, roasted nuts and candied fruits together with seasonal gifts, decorations, jewellery and handcrafted toys.

The annual Christkindel Fair will also be taking place on Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Friday, November 18 and Sunday, December 18.

Christmas stalls serving a variety of festive refreshments together with themed children’s rides will also remain open on Victoria Gardens throughout.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing so many brand new features to the city centre this Christmas for what will be whole new festive experience."

“The German Market has been one of our most popular attractions for the last 14 years now and, working closely with our event partners from Frankfurt city council, our events team is always looking for ways to make it bigger, better and more inclusive."

“This year we’re confident that there really is something for everyone, with a family-friendly atmosphere on Millennium Square and a vibrant new Viking themed pop-up bar for visitors to enjoy on Victoria Gardens."

“Christmas is always a very special time in Leeds city centre and I’m sure this year’s festive season will be a memorable one.”

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