December hits differently in Leicester. The lights go up, the city centre fills with music and Christmas stalls, and suddenly everything feels a bit more magical (even if your deadlines don’t). Whether you’re staying in Leicester for Christmas or just enjoying the build-up before heading home, here’s your guide to making the most of the season.

Start with the Christmas Lights Trail

Leicester’s Christmas lights switch-on transforms the city centre into a proper festive moment. Wander from Town Hall Square through Gallowtree Gate and Jubilee Square, it’s one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get into the Christmas mood.

Town Hall Square especially looks unreal in December. Perfect photo backdrop. Zero effort required.

Explore the Leicester Christmas Market

Independent makers, street food, festive treats, and wooden chalets with everything from handcrafted gifts to local snacks. You can dip in for ten minutes or get stuck wandering for an hour.

Ideal for:

• Secret Santa gifts (from somewhere other than Amazon)
• A nighttime wander with friends
• Eating something warm and sugary “because it’s December”

Ice Skating at Jubilee Square

A classic for a reason. Lights, music and the odd wobbly moment. It’s one of the most fun, chaotic, festive things you can do!

Go with your flatmates. Or your situationship. Or both (bold choice, but go for it).

Support Leicester’s Independents

Leicester’s indie scene is at its best in December, especially around The Lanes. Cosy cafés, unique gift shops, vintage finds… it’s the perfect antidote to the Highcross crowds.

Here are the standout spots worth adding to your festive list:

Currant Affairs – Leicester’s first 100% vegan shop

• Postcode: LE1 5EW
• Distance from St Georges Tower: 0.6 miles
• Walking time: 10 mins walk

Crafty – A Lanes favourite. Great brunch, great coffee, great atmosphere.

• Postcode: LE1 5DG
• Distance from St Georges Tower: 0.4 miles
• Walking time: 5 minutes walk

Kai – Seasonal menus, cosy vibes, and one of the best independent brunch spots in the city.

• Postcode: LE1 5DF
• Distance from St Georges Tower: 0.4 miles
• Walking time: 5 minutes

Just Fair Trade – A social enterprise promoting fair trade, ethical and sustainable living.

• Postcode: LE1 5ET
• Distance from St Georges Tower: 0.5 miles
• Walking time: 8 minutes

Niche Leicester – A curated independent boutique with gifts, accessories, cards, and homeware.

• Postcode: LE1 5FL
• Distance from St Georges Tower: 0.5 miles
• Walking time: 8 minutes

Leicester Coffee House Company – Hand-roasted coffee, friendly staff, and one of the best winter warm-up spots.

• Postcode: LE1 1DL
• Distance from St Georges Tower: 0.2 miles
• Walking time: 3 minutes

These are the places that make Leicester feel personal, local, and genuinely festive.

Student-Friendly December Events

A few easy wins to add to your calendar:

• 4 December: Festive Board Games (Global Lounge, University of Leicester). Perfect for meeting new people or taking your mind off deadlines.
• 6 December: Leicester Xmas Club Night (The Basement).
  A full-on festive night out with K-pop, hip-hop, and EDM.
• 10 December: Christmas Crafts (Global Lounge) Think, bauble decorating, card making, snow-globe design… calm, cosy and very wholesome.

Cosy Nights In (because they matter too)

Not everything has to be out in the cold. Some of the best December memories happen indoors. Let us deinfluence you! Why not plan:

• Christmas films with your flatmates
• Cosy cooking nights in your studio
• Festive baking gone wrong
• Low key board games
• Gifts wrapping, to santa songs

 

If you’re staying in Leicester over Christmas

You won’t be alone. Lots of students stay in the city and there’s plenty happening, cafés open, events running, and a whole city centre lit up for you.

St George’s Tower stays open throughout, and the team are here if you need anything.

 

Leicester comes alive in December; lights, markets, indie cafés, cosy corners, and a festive buzz that makes the whole city feel warmer. Whether you’re out exploring or staying home, make the most of the season.

Stay warm, stay cosy, and enjoy Christmas in the city.