Accessibility Guide

We have adopted a ‘For Your Convenience’ approach, to help visitors understand which facilities are available at the Christmas Market, and where to find them.

This will include information on:

• Toilets

• Nearby public facilities

• Participating city-centre venues

We will confirm final details closer to the market’s opening.

Accessible toilet provision will be confirmed before the market opens.

Once final arrangements are in place, this page will include information concerning:

• The location of both standard & accessible toilets.

• The location of baby-changing facilities

• Nearest changing places toilet information, where applicable

• Opening hours for toilet facilities

• Any access notes visitors may need before arrival

We will make toilet information easy to find both on the website and through on-site signage.

Leeds Christmas Market will be located on City Square, outside Leeds Train Station and The Queens Hotel.

The market layout is being designed around the square’s natural pedestrian routes, helping visitors move safely through the site while keeping key access routes open.

Visitors can expect:

• Clear routes through the market from the station, Boar Lane, Wellington Street, Quebec Street and Infirmary Street

• A revised layout designed to reduce bottlenecks and support easier movement

• Generous walkways between cabins, food areas and festive features

• Step-free routes across the public square where the existing site allows

• Clearly marked entrances and exits

• Regular checks from the event team to keep walkways clear

  
  We know City Square is a busy public space, so our layout will balance festive atmosphere with safe, practical movement for visitors, commuters, nearby businesses and city-centre users.

Where temporary structures are used, we will consider accessibility as part of the design and installation process.

This includes:

• Step-free access where possible

• Clear entrance points

• Good visibility of signage

• Safe cable management

• Appropriate lighting

• Space for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and pushchairs to move safely

Further details on access into specific structures, including THOR’S tipi, the Alpine Lodge and any bookable experience areas, will be added once final plans are confirmed.

We will use clear signage across the market to help visitors find their way around. Signage will include key facilities and destinations such as:

• Toilets & Accessible toilets

• First aid

• Quiet times and quiet spaces

• Entrances and exits

• THOR’S tipi

• Trader areas

• Food and drink zones

• Public transport links

Where possible, signage will include distances or directional guidance so visitors can understand how far away key facilities are before setting off across the site.

A trader map will also be available online and on site.

The market will be beautifully lit with festoon lighting, fairy lights, illuminated archways and Christmas tree lighting.

We will also use lighting practically, helping visitors move through the site safely after dark. Particular attention will be given to entrances, walkways, signage, toilets, first aid areas and key crossing points.

During designated Quiet Hours, we will soften lighting where possible to create a calmer sensory environment.

Our event staff and security teams will be briefed before (and throughout) the market so they understand the site layout, key facilities and visitor support procedures.

Staff will be briefed on:

• Accessible routes

• Toilet locations

• First aid location

• Quiet Hours

• Lost children and safeguarding procedures

• Supporting visitors who need assistance

• Emergency procedures

• Keeping walkways clear

• Reporting and responding to access issues on site

If you need help during your visit, please speak to a member of the Leeds Christmas Market team or security staff.

A clearly signed First Aid point will be available at the market.

The final First Aid location will be confirmed once the site layout is complete. It will be shown on the online trader map, on-site signage and visitor information pages.

We will introduce Quiet Hours every Thursday from 10am to 12pm.

During Quiet Hours, the market will offer a calmer visiting experience.

We will:

• Reduce music volume

• Soften lighting where possible

• Limit unnecessary noise

• Avoid high-impact programming during this period

• Create a more relaxed environment for visitors who benefit from reduced sensory input

Quiet Hours are designed for neurodiverse visitors, older visitors, families with young children, visitors with anxiety, and anyone who would prefer a quieter Christmas Market experience.

You do not need to book for Quiet Hours.

We are exploring options for a designated quiet space close to the market.

This would provide visitors with somewhere calmer to pause, reset or take a break from the busier market environment.

Details will be confirmed closer to opening, including location, opening times and access information.

A trader map will be available on our website, prior to the market opening.

The map will help visitors plan their visit and find:

• Retail cabins

• Food and drink traders

• THOR’S tipi

• Alpine Lodge

• Toilets

• Accessible toilets

• First aid

• Quiet space information

• Entrances and exits

• Public transport links

  We will aim to make the map easy to read online and useful on mobile phones while visitors are on site.

We are exploring a Virtual Christmas Market section on the website so visitors can discover traders before, during and after the event.

This could include trader profiles, product highlights, links to trader websites or social media pages, and information about local makers and independent businesses taking part.

The aim is to make the market more accessible for visitors who may not be able to attend in person, as well as helping people plan what they would like to see before they arrive.

Leeds Christmas Market will be located directly outside Leeds Train Station, making it easy to reach by public transport.

Closer to opening, this page will include:

• Train station access information

• Bus route information

• Taxi and drop-off details

• Accessible parking information

• Blue Badge parking information

• Cycle access and cycle parking

• Walking routes from nearby transport points

We encourage visitors to use public transport where possible, especially during peak times.

We will provide information on nearby Shopmobility services to help visitors who may need to hire mobility equipment for their visit.

Details will be added once confirmed, including:

• Nearest Shopmobility location

• Opening times

• Contact details

• Booking information

• Distance from the market

• Return arrangements

The market is likely to be busiest on Friday evenings, weekends, after-work hours and during the final week before Christmas.

Quieter visiting times are likely to be weekday mornings, early afternoons and during Thursday Quiet Hours from 10am to 12pm.

If you would benefit from more space, shorter queues or a calmer atmosphere, we recommend visiting during these quieter periods.

We want the market to feel accessible everyone, no matter your budget. 

All street food traders will be asked to offer at least one budget-friendly £8 meal option as part of their menu.

Retail and craft cabins will also offer a 10% discount for Leeds residents. Visitors will need to show proof of address, such as a recent bill or similar document.

Assistance dogs are welcome at Leeds Christmas Market.

Please be aware that the market may include music, food smells, lighting, crowds and occasional live performances. Quiet Hours may be a more suitable time for assistance dog users who prefer a calmer environment.

We want our website to be easy to use too.

The Leeds Christmas Market website will include key visitor information such as opening times, travel details, trader listings, event listings, accessibility information and contact details.

We will aim to keep website content clear, simple and easy to navigate. Event listings will include useful information where available, such as whether an activity is family-friendly, free, low-cost or suitable for quieter visits.

We want Leeds Christmas Market to work for as many people as possible.

If you have a query about accessibility that is not covered on this page, please contact us:

Email: conquer@thorstipi.comWebsite: www.leedschristmas.co.uk

We’ll do our best to help you plan your visit.