Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without any presents, if you believe Jo March’s famous opening lines to Little Women are anything to go by, and although, of course, Christmas is about much more than giving and receiving, in our modern world we’re not going to deny that Christmas shopping is a huge part of the festive buildup.
To make your shopping trips as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up a list of shopping centres where you’ll find the essentials. Think stocking fillers, wrapping paper and even one-off handmade gifts - there’s something for everyone here.
Victoria Quarter
Victoria Street, Leeds City Centre | Open 9am-6.30pm
Image: Visit Leeds
When: Open Monday - Saturday, 9am-6.30pm and Sundays 10.30am-5pm
Where: Victoria Street, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6BE
As one of Leeds' grandest arcades, the Victoria Quarter boasts one of the most beautiful places in the city to get your Christmas shopping sorted. Home to the largest piece of commissioned stained glass work in Europe and more than twenty individual stores, VQ's shopping options cover both local independents and high-end luxury brands.
For a festive shopping experience, grab yourself a hot drink from Rabbit Hole coffee and stroll through the arcades, weaving in and out of the alleyways. Maybe you'll find the perfect painting from Castle Fine Arts, a pair of shoes from Kurt Geiger or activewear from Sweaty Betty that you know they'll just love. For a post-shopping bite to eat, make sure to check out the three course set menu at Harvey Nichols' Fourth Floor Brasserie where you'll be treated to well-portioned and beautifully-presented dishes and a class of fizz for £30.
When: Open 10am-9pm weekdays, 9am-8pm Saturdays, 11am-5pm Sundays
Where: Dewsbury Road, Beeston, Leeds LS11 8LU
Hoot recommends: For those looking for a quieter shopping experience, every Tuesday 10am-12pm you can now shop without music, product demonstrations or any other 'mall activities'.
Last year, White Rose announced it would be offering far more than just a place to find stocking fillers, and now offers a whole day out of festive activities. Start the morning with a trip around the stores, making sure to check out the selection in Flying Tiger, The Body Shop, Sports Direct, Next and Menkind before wandering over for a sweet treat at Oh So Yum! and popping in to meet the big man in red inside Santa's Grotto.
While away the afternoon with a Christmas movie at Cineworld or get your skates on at the ice rink and see if you can spot any little penguins on the ice. Closer to the Christmas countdown, it's expected Coca Cola will make another trip to White Rose too, but dates haven't yet been announced.
When: Open Monday - Saturday 9am-8pm and 11am-5pm Sundays
Where: 27 Albion Street, Leeds City Centre, LS1 5AT
Perhaps Leeds' best-known shopping centre, Trinity Leeds has become a one-stop shop for Christmas presents in previous years, and there's no doubt that this year you'll be able to spend hours shopping for the perfect present here.
Whether you're on the hunt for a new Christmas Day outfit from H&M or Next, or want to find some quirky stationery for the office Secret Santa at Miniso, there's three floors to explore.
Merrion Centre
Merrion Way, Leeds City Centre.
Image: Merrion Centre
When: Open daily 6.30am-9.30pm
Where: Merrion Way, Leeds City Centre, LS2 8NG
The Merrion Centre offers a fantastic selection of shops for you to grab presents for friends and family, or just yourself (it’s Christmas after all). Jumbo Records, home to vinyl records of all genres, established itself back in the 70s and is one of Leeds longest-standing indie record stores.
For gifts unlike anything else you'll find on the high street, there's plenty of proud Yorkshire independents hidden inside the Merrion Centre. Grab some hot sauce from The Chilli Shop or pop into Blue Rinse to find some sustainable garms, or head to some of the bigger stores like Home Bargains - plus you can even pick up any online orders from the Amazon lockers whilst you're here.
For football fans, there’s no need to run all the way to Elland Road because Leeds United's official merchandise store also sits in the Merrion Centre and has the newest kits in-store. Vintage Emporium Blue Rinse second store is ready for you to shop all their used, recycled and reworked vintage.
When: OpenMonday-Saturday 8am-6pm and Sundays 10.30am - 5pm
Where: Merrion Street, Leeds City Centre LS2 8LQ
St John's Centre is the ideal spot to get all those little bits for the perfect Christmas. There's a huge selection of cards and wrapping options at Card Factory and Body Care always stocks those Lynx Africa sets that it just wouldn't be Christmas without. There's also multiple hair and beauty outlets to get your brows shaped in time for festive celebrations and a few different clothing stores like JC Couture, Roman and North West to choose from too.
Upstairs you'll find the Post Office to send off international gifts (make sure to check the dates for last posts).
Where: 44, Victoria Gate, Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7AU
One of Leeds newest shopping centres, Victoria Gate hosts a huge five storey John Lewis store with floor-on-floor of clothing, beauty, baby and homeware gifting options - and plenty more besides. Anthropologies, & Other Stories and NEOM all have thoughtful luxury gifts on offer, and there’s seven new stores opening in Victoria Gate this Christmas, so there's going to be seemingly endless places to find the perfect outfit for a festive celebration.
For those looking for somewhere to blow off a bit of steam ahead of the festive period or as part of a Christmas party, you can find gaming experience Boom Battle Bar and rooftop bar and restaurant Issho all within the Victoria Gate building too.
After probably a few too many champagnes last night, here's 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire to blow away the cobwebs.
It's time for your annual New Year's Day outing and we've rounded up 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire so you can win over your family with an all-new wintertime wander.
Whether you're a lover of a good reservoir or have a soft spot for birdwatching, these countywide trails have their own little quirks and we're sure you'll find one that's tailored to you.
So grab your scarf, dust off your old stompers and kick start the New Year by accomplishing one of these lovely West Yorkshire walking routes.
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir is a beautiful walk just north of Otley, West Yorkshire / Credit: @the_running_mum and @skybluesophie on Instagram
In the picturesque Washburn Valley just north of Otley and west of Harrogate, lies the beautiful Swinsty Reservoir.
This walk is relatively easy, it’s about 3 miles in length and has plenty of flat gravel paths and pitstops for you to rest along the way.
The walk encircles the entire reservoir and provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape.
Fewston Reservoir
Fewston Reservoir neighbours Swinsty Reservoir and is a perfect New Year walking spot / Credit: @macaloon on Instagram
If Swinsty isn’t long enough for you and you’d like a bit more of a challenge then try it’s neighbouring reservoir, Fewston.
Wrapping all the way around the beautiful Fewston reservoir, crossing over Fewston embankment you are spoilt for choice with spectacular views of both reservoirs.
You can also extend your walk by exploring nearby routes including Fewston and Timble Ings. The route is mostly flat with some short sections of path with fairly steep gradient and rockier terrain.
Ilkley Moor
One of West Yorkshire's most iconic walking destinations and definitely ideal for Boxing Day / Credit: @thisthewaytodisco on Instagram
Bob over to Ilkley and head towards the iconic Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor.
Although the walk may seem daunting, there’s an easy path to follow at a moderate gradient to guide you all the way. Hike up to the top, breathe in that good Yorkshire air and marvel at the impressive panoramic views of the town and beyond.
The good news is, there’s a pub just a stone’s throw away if you fancy a cold pint or a well-deserved roast after your walk.
The Otley Chevin
The Otley Chevin has something for all walkers, woodland trails and scenic countryside views / Credit: @carolineinthecountryside on Instagram
The Otley Chevin is a gorgeous forest park overlooking the quaint market town below. It’s the ideal place to take your furry friend for a walk, enjoy the spectacular views and breathe in the good Yorkshire air.
Located the luscious Wharfe Valley the park is full of criss-cross paths, impressive woodlands and breathtaking views at every turn. With walking trails, picnic spots, organised events and woodland to explore, there is something for everyone.
Castle Hill
Huddersfield's highest point also doubles as a fantastic walk with stunning views of West Yorkshire / Credit: @malajusted1 on Instagram
This one’s a steep one but your hard work pays off when you reach its summit, 1,000 feet above sea level, offering some of the best views of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire on a clear day.
For any history lovers or architecture admirers, there’s also an impressive tower dedicated to Queen Victoria which was built to honour her Diamond Jubilee back in 1897.
There’s numerous ways you can trek up to this Huddersfield hilltop but the right way is visiting rural watering hole The Victoria as you stroll back down. Let’s face it, nothing feels more rewarding than grabbing a crisp pint in a cosy pub after a pretty steep walk.
Newmiller Dam
Credit: @
If feeling the burn wasn’t on your Boxing Day itinerary, there’s a much simpler and flatter walk that lasts just under an hour and feels like a mini oasis , even if it is adjacent to a main road.
Up for a little detour? Newmiller Dam near Wakefield has a handful of off-track routes you can explore to extend your walk’s duration with benches scattered throughout to take in all its natural beauty.
This reservoir has a cute café attached to it, The Boathouse, which is quite the spectacle, offering up amazing food, themed events as well as being the home to an engagement or two over the years.
RSPB St. Aidans
St. Aidans is the perfect place for a long stroll and a spot of birdwatching right here in Leeds / Credit: The Hoot Leeds / @f.e.wildlifephotography on Instagram
Although this Leeds wildlife haven isn’t open on New Year's Day, this list has plenty of walks to pick from for the second biggest day of the year, and this spot can slot in somewhere else in your seasonal schedule.
Thinking you won’t spot any beautiful birds during the wintertime? The RSPB note you should keep an eye out for short eared owls, geese and ducks.
Home to a reservoir, pool and five lakes, you can follow a range of official routes ranging from 20 minutes to an hour or take a detour if you fancy immersing yourself in all the glory St. Aidans has to offer.
Baitings Reservoir
On the edge of West Yorkshire is the glorious Baitings Reservoir with an equally grand dam / Credit: @dronejp_ on Instagram
If you’re venturing over the moors this New Year to visit friends and family in Greater Manchester, why not stop off at this next site on the way back home?
Baitings Reservoir next to Ripponden gives you the choice to walk around the large-spanning enclosed water or roam around the accompanying hillsides.
Use the natural resources to your advantage and live out your Glinda fantasy by giving hair a little “toss toss” as you walk across the raised dam path which is usually a little bit windy.
Withens Clough
Next to Hebden Bridge is Withens Clough a West Yorkshire walk with two pubs closeby/ Credit: @ericbroug on Instagram
Two pubs, multiple views of Stoodley Pike and nestled next to a cute Calderdale village, if that didn't grab your attention we don’t know what will.
Less than five miles from Hebden Bridge and bordering Cragg Vale, Withens Clough is an hour long walk with the moors surrounding you on either side.
This walk is a crowd pleaser with two pubs within 15 minutes from the trail serving up food fit for everyone, vegans and veggies too.
Brontë Waterfall
You might feel inspired to write a prose or two while you're walking around Brontë Waterfall/ Credit: @mostlymedieval on Instagram
Situated in Haworth, if you start from Main Street this walk takes 45 minutes, or there’s a free car park at Penistone Hill Country Park which shortens your trail to 25 minutes if you’ve just devoured your Boxing Day leftovers .
As you rove along you’ll stumble upon ‘Charlotte’s Chair’, an L-shaped stone believed to be the sacred spot where this Bronte sister put pen to paper.
The website may encourage you to dip your feet in the cold moorland water, but on a cold winter’s day this might be too adventurous.
Surprising new survey reveals the top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed the top 10 festive foods that Brits dislike the most, and number one isn't sprouts.
If there's one thing for certain, a lot of food gets consumed at Christmas.
Christmas is just as much about the food as it is anything else, especially as shops and supermarkets tend to go all out with the festive feasting specials - with treats stacked top to bottom on the shelves.
But surprisingly, a few of those foods are actually among the most disliked by the younger generations once the festive season rolls around.
The top 10 most disliked Christmas foods have been revealed / Credit: GoodFon | Flickr
A new poll by of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, carried out by Aldi, has found that those born in 1996 or later are apparently "turning their back on" traditional favourites.
This is all in favour of festive dishes with some sort of "modern twist".
Of the traditional favourites, Christmas pudding is one of the least-loved festive foods, along with Christmas cake and trifle - with more than half (56%) of respondents describing them as "dated".
Top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Mince pies - 31%
Christmas pudding - 29%
Christmas cake - 25%
Cranberry sauce - 25%
Brussels sprouts - 24%
Bread sauce - 22%
Chestnuts - 21%
Brandy butter - 20%
Turkey - 20%
Trifle - 19%
Despite what many would expect though, number one on the list is not the usual scapegoat of sprouts, as instead it's mince pies that take the top spot, with the little green vegetables coming in fifth place just behind cranberry sauce at four, Christmas cake in third, and Christmas pudding at two.
Additional research from the supermarket found that the main reasons Brits would like to change up Christmas dinner is to fit personal taste preferences better (34%), or to be more inclusive for dietary restrictions (27%).
26% said they want to switch things up just to be more exciting or adventurous in general.
Sophie Smith -
16th October 2023 
