The Christmas Market returns to Leeds Corn Exchange

Rolling Social Events, brains behind the legendary Leeds Rum Fest,  Leeds Whisky Fest, and Leeds Tequila Fest are returning to Leeds Corn Exchange for the 2022 Christmas Market and it opens this Friday (11th November). 

The Christmas Market will take over the Corn Exchange basement floor from Friday 11th November with masterclasses, bars and games set to raise the roof in true festive style for seven weeks. An incredible feast of rotating food and drink will also reside in the lower ground level of Leeds most iconic building. 

Each Saturday and newly announced, Latitude will be hosting a selection of masterclasses in the tasting room for the bargain sum of 10 pounds. They will be talking guests through a range of speciality spirits to sample. Spaces for the masterclasses are limited, and will include The Spirt of Yorkshire, Filey Bay Whisky, Brown Forman with a guide to Whisky around the world, Maison Ferrand fine cognacs, John Roberts Botanic Request and Wolf Bros Gin. 

The space will seat around 200 people, with a tasting room, a main bar area, food traders, Christmas stalls from Mahogany Market and Indie Makers plus all the amazing retail already in Leeds Corn Exchange. Head to the festive bar for salted caramel espresso martinis, hot toddies plus a selection of draft from Camden Town Brewery. Get into the Christmas spirit with live music from local artists including The Pretend Beatles, Matt Baxter and Hayley Gaftarnick. Sing along to your seasonal favourites with Lucy’s Pop Choir and Joy Choir.

For 2022 they have paired up with local favourites Dijon boys and Latitude Wines. Dijon Boys will be providing an alternative Christmas menu, inspired by festive classics. Think braised ox cheek stew with  polenta mash and braised red cabbage, embutido stuffing sandwiches with sauerkraut and gravy, and harissa spiced winter veg pastilla. 

Cameron Sohel from Dijon Boys said, “The past few months have been really busy for us and we were just about to start our next project when Lee approached us,  but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So many Christmas menus are the same everywhere you go – we wanted to put our distinctive Dijon Boys twist on it – we’re all about big, punchy flavours.  I think we’ve really done that with this menu.”

In addition to the kitchen residency from pop-up Dijon Boys, a rotation of independent food traders will be bringing their wares including Don’t Feed the Dog and Shouk. 

Latitude Wines is Leeds’ Premier Independent Wine & Spirit Specialist. They will be hosting masterclasses in the experience room, talking guests through a range of speciality spirits including Filey Bay whisky and Woodford Reserve bourbon. Please book to secure your place via the website. 

Chris Nolan from Latitude says, “We are looking forward to showcasing some of our products at this year’s Christmas Market. We’ve got a great selection to choose from so come and have a chat. And if you like what you try, there’s the option to buy a bottle. Perfect for a Christmas present or just to treat yourself.”

A spokesperson from Leeds Corn Exchange said: “We are delighted to welcome the Christmas Market back to Leeds Corn Exchange for a second year. As a champion for independent retail, we’re excited to support even more small and local businesses this holiday season. Rolling Social brought the party to the Corn Exchange last year, so we’re really looking forward to indulging in more festive fun this Christmas.”

Private hire and corporate bookings are available on Wed/Thur – make enquiries to: [email protected]

Lee Jones, Director of Rolling Social Events, said: “We can’t wait to do it all again – last year was a bit of an experiment to see how things would work. This year is going to be even better.  We’re proud to be part of the independent scene in Leeds. There are so many fantastic traders in the city – we’re in good company. More than ever this year, we wanted to create an accessible experience for everyone in Leeds to celebrate the holiday season. Who knows what things are going to look like this winter with the cost of living crisis. I think we all need something to look forward to.”