Leicester Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Leicester brings a festive charm with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, exciting festive adventure trail, and plenty of seasonal cheer. Visitors can enjoy a magical atmosphere with ice skating, shopping, and family-friendly events throughout the city.
When does the Leicester Christmas market start?
The captivating Leicester Christmas Market is scheduled to enchant visitors from Thursday 14th November to Sunday 29th December 2024. Operating daily, the market will welcome you between 11 am and 7 pm, with occasional adjustments.
Do you need tickets?
There are no tickets required to enter the Leicester Christmas market, but certain activities like ice skating at Jubilee Square, the ferris wheel and the festive light trail at Enlightened Leicester at Abbey Park may require a ticket.
Where is the Leicester Christmas market?
The Leicester Christmas Market is located in the vibrant heart of the Town Centre, stretching from High Street to Gallowtree Gate. This year marks the launch of the inaugural Executive Christmas Market, featuring charming wooden chalets filled with unique gifts and festive delights.
What to expect at the Leicester Christmas market?
Amidst the glittering lights and joyful carolers, Christmas in Leicester transforms the city into a magical realm of Yuletide cheer, making it a truly remarkable experience for all.
Stalls
The wooden chalets at Leicester Christmas Market stretch from High Street to Gallowtree Gate, offering an array of festive treats and unique gifts. You can browse a selection of stalls selling everything from jewellery and wooden sculptures to warm blankets, hats, and scarves.
Food and Drink Delights
Food lovers will find a tempting selection at the market, with stalls offering everything from traditional German sausages and hog roast to sweet doughnuts and cheese. Hot chocolate, cocoa, and other warming drinks will keep you cosy as you explore the festive offerings.
Things to do at the Leicester Christmas market
The market is part of Leicester’s wider Christmas celebrations and here are some of the exciting things to do near the main market.
- Ice Skate Leicester: Enjoy a festive skating experience on real ice at Jubilee Square’s covered rink, available from Thursday 5 December to Sunday 5 January. With 720 sqm of ice, it’s the perfect spot to showcase your skating skills, rain or shine!
- Enlightened Leicester at Christmas: From Friday 29th November to Tuesday 24th December, Abbey Park will light up with a magical outdoor trail, featuring bright installations and interactive elements. The trail is open daily from 5pm to 8:30pm, creating a captivating experience for the whole family.
- Christmas Wheel of Light: From Friday 8th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025, enjoy panoramic views of Leicester’s festive lights from the 110-ft Ferris wheel at Jubilee Square. With 24 covered gondolas, the 8-10 minute ride offers a bird’s-eye view, and wheelchair access is available with assistance.
How to reach the Leicester Christmas market?
If you’re planning to visit the Leicester Christmas market, here are some easy ways to get there:
- By train: Leicester Railway Station is well-connected, with regular services from major cities like London, Birmingham, and Nottingham. The Christmas market is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
- By bus: Leicester’s main bus station, St Margaret’s Bus Station, is just a short walk from the Christmas markets. Numerous local and national buses serve the area, making it easy to reach the Town Centre.
- By car: To reach Leicester from London by car, take the M1 motorway northbound, exiting at Junction 21 and following signs for the city centre. If you are travelling from nearby areas like Loughborough or Market Harborough, take the M1 motorway or A6 road, following signs for Leicester city centre, with travel times typically under an hour.
Where can you park?
There are several car parks nearby, including the Leicester Haymarket, NCP, and the Leicester City Council’s multi-storey car park on Newarke Street. Additional options include the Abbey Park car park and the St Nicholas Circle car park. Be aware that the city centre can get busy, especially during the festive season, so it’s advisable to arrive early or consider using park-and-ride services.
Where to stay in Leicester?
For an unforgettable Christmas experience in Leicester, stay close to the city centre and immerse yourself in the festive charm of the Leicester Christmas Market. Be sure to check out the incredible offers on this page for discounted prices on hotel stays, ensuring a comfortable and budget-friendly experience while you soak in the holiday magic.
Other things to do in Leicester:
Leicester has a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy beyond the Christmas markets. Here are some of the top things to do in the city:
- Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre: Explore the fascinating story of the last English king to die in battle, with exhibits detailing his life, death, and the discovery of his remains in the city.
- Tour Leicester Cathedral: Discover the historic cathedral, home to the tomb of King Richard III, with its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
- Explore the National Space Centre: Engage with interactive exhibits and learn about space exploration at this award-winning museum, featuring the UK’s largest planetarium.
- Shop at Highcross Leicester: Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment at one of the city’s premier shopping destinations, with over 120 stores and a cinema.
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