Highcross Leicester has welcomed its first-ever Festive Food Fayre, transforming St. Peter’s Square into a winter foodie hotspot.
Visitors can now indulge in tasty treats, sweet bites and gourmet delights from a line-up of local traders and independent food specialists. With outdoor dining igloos, tables and seating available – with no booking required – shoppers can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a true taste of Christmas in the city.
Kicking off Highcross’ festive calendar, its first ever Festive Food Fayre will showcase a mix of festive favourites, from traditional German sausages and gourmet burgers, to loaded hot chocolates, warm sugar doughnuts, toasted marshmallows and fudge. Jacket potatoes, loaded nachos and freshly made toasties will also be on offer, as well as German beer and mulled wine, served alongside artisan cheeses at the Fayre’s very own Bavarian-style bar.
Among the local traders taking part is House of Desserts, a small family-run business from Lutterworth, serving hot waffles, dipped cheesecake, crepes and gooey cookie dough.
Festive Yorkshire wraps will also be available, served up by another Lutterworth-based business, offering hearty wraps filled with roast meats, vegetables, gravy and stuffing, as well as pigs in blankets and crispy roast potatoes.
Fun for all ages, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas will also be making a number of special appearances for meet-and-greets on Friday 28 November, Saturday 13 December and Friday 19 December, between 1pm – 2pm and 3:30pm – 4:30pm.
Just a few days after the Fayre’s official opening, on Wednesday 19 November, Highcross will unveil its new eco-friendly decorations and festive light display; a whimsical sweetshop wonderland filled with illuminated selfie spots and memorable photo opportunities – displays to be turned on by faces from the Leicester Riders at 7pm.
Also taking place on 19 November is the official city-wide Christmas Lights Switch-On, which will commence from 5pm, just around the corner from Highcross in Clock Tower Square; home to the city’s 44-foot Christmas Tree. Further activities across the city include an ice rink and a 35-metre high Giant Wheel of Light located in Jubilee Square.
Complementing the fayre and brand new decorations, Highcross will also host its first-ever pop-up panto, The Candy Cane Factory. Opening on Saturday 22 November and running through to Tuesday 23 December, the free, 20-minute family show invites audiences to join Santa’s elves as they scramble to fix a Candy Cane workshop mix-up and save Christmas.
Speaking about the festive fayre, and Highcross’ other seasonal activities, Centre Director, Michelle Menezes, said:
“There’s something really special about this time of year at Highcross. It’s when the centre feels most alive, with families coming together, friends meeting for a festive catch-up and there’s an unmistakable buzz that only Christmas can bring.
“This year feels extra meaningful for us as we introduce our very first Festive Food Fayre, shining a spotlight on local traders and small businesses from across the region. We’re very proud to give these independent retailers a platform to share their goods with thousands of visitors during the busiest and most magical time of the year.
“With so much to see, taste and experience, this Christmas promises to be one to remember at Highcross. From family fun and festive flavours to our Candy Cane Factory pop-up panto, which is shaping up to be something really special, the centre is set to capture the spirit of the season and make Christmas in Leicester shine brighter than ever.”