Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026, bringing a fresh dose of festive cheer to the attraction for visitors.
Brought to the city for the first time by the team behind THOR’S tipi, the Leeds Christmas market on City Square will introduce Scottish spirit and après-ski style fun to Leeds with THOR’S Highland Lodge and Folie Ski Bar.
THOR’S Highland Lodge and Folie Ski Bar will offer two distinct winter escapes, pairing roaring fires, seasonal drinks and cosy surroundings with everything from free live music to private hire snow globe domes.
THOR’S Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, offering plenty of room for friends, families and colleagues to gather and soak up the atmosphere.
The drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru. Alongside them, visitors will find THOR’S classics such as mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates, local beers from Kirkstall Brewery, and a choice of low and no-alcohol options.
THOR’S Highland Lodge will also be teaming up with local bars and restaurants, including Bibi’s and Green Room, to bring live music and DJ sets to the market throughout the festive season. Visitors can also get creative with a series of craft activities, such as wreath-making workshops hosted by local florist Basement Blooms.
Over at Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, revellers can expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires, all curated to make visitors feel like they’re stepping off the slopes and into a winter hideaway.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks. Guests can also make their visit extra special by booking a private snow globe dome, available for groups of two to ten guests.
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Both bars will open 11am–9pm Sunday to Tuesday and 11am–11pm Wednesday to Saturday from November 19 – December 23.
Snow globe booking information is available at leedschristmas.co.uk/christmasparties.
Get social: Follow along @leedschristmasmarket for exciting updates, trader announcements and more festive fun from official Christmas Market Correspondent @jimmy_chews on Instagram and Facebook.
About THOR’S
Established in York in 2015, THOR’S takes its name from the city’s Viking heritage, which remains the spiritual home of the business. Its giant canvas tipis create a warm, welcoming space with open fire pits, rustic wooden tables, cosy furs and Viking shields.
THOR’S offers experiences throughout the year, from festive winter wonderlands with mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive cocktails, to summer venues with local craft beers, spritz cocktails, street food collaborations and live acoustic music.
The business now operates 12 sites across UK city centres, including York, Leeds, Lincoln and London.
Images supplied
