The count down to Christmas in Leeds will start on Briggate this week as Santa and his reindeers launch the holiday season. 

On Thursday 17 November Santa’s reindeers will arrive in Leeds and spend the day on Briggate until they are ready to climb aboard the sleigh and travel to Leeds Kirkgate Market to open up the official city centre Santa’s Grotto. 

The launch will mark the start of the Festive Leeds programme, backed by Leeds City Council and Marketing Leeds. City centre shops will open late and for the first time Kirkgate Market will open their doors until 8pm on Thursday nights on the run up to Christmas.  

As part of an ongoing competition with media partners Real Radio for a child to win a ride in Santa’s sleigh, the winner will take a ride with Santa down Briggate and into the market.  

Leeds Kirkgate Market is Europe’s largest covered indoor market. On arrival, Santa will be greeted by a very festive looking market, with 4km of festive bunting, a giant Christmas tree on the Open Market and his grotto.  

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for city development said: “Now that all the festive lights have been switched on, it really is the countdown to Christmas. The city centre is a great place to shop, and the late night opening on a Thursday will allow people the extra time to stock up on all their Christmas presents.” 

As part of the ongoing festivities at the market, there will be a post box available for children to post their letters to Santa, along with the best dressed stall running up until the 5 December when the winner will be announced. Live entertainment will be provided on Thursday evenings and Saturdays in the form of magicians and stilt walkers.  

The Festive Leeds programme starts this week under the banner ‘Yule Love Leeds at Christmas’ with creative craft workshops at Leeds Art Gallery, a White Rose Music Festival at Harewood House from 17th-19th November and a deli market at Kirkstall Abbey on the 26th November.  Other events take place throughout the city until January when the Ice Cube comes to Millennium Square.

For more details visit www.festiveleeds.com.

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