The big day is just round the corner so it's time to get your Christmas shopping done and dusted.
And why not support our wonderful independent shops whilst doing so?
As a city that thrives on independent traders, it’s no surprise that when it comes to Christmas shopping, Leeds has limitless places to find everything from an office Secret Santa gift to a heartfelt gift for a loved one to treasure forever, all which support a local shop owner or artist.
From one-of-a-kind vintage finds to handmade gifts and foodie hampers, we've got you covered.
Colours May Vary
Upstairs in The Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If the person you're buying for is a lover of books, stationary, art...or basically anything aesthetically pleasing, then Colours May Vary is the spot for them.
This wonderful indie stocks a huge selection of magazines, unique little trinkets from local artists and a fabulous card selection for those special people in your life.
Art and Soul Hub
Queens Arcade, Briggate
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you’re looking for gifts that are a little bit different and quirky this year, then look no further than Art and Soul Hub.
This absolute Aladdin’s cave of trinkets, prints and jewellery has just opened inside the Queens Arcade, and they’re showcasing 250 indie makers and their wonderful work.
Indie Makers
Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is the spot for that quirky person in your life. Find everything from holographic stickers and slogan pins to handmade vases, Indie Makers is a proper treasure trove of gifts that will put a smile on anyone's face.
Giant Kitten
Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Home to all things vintage and new Japanese products, this Pop culture store also has the best Jelly Cat selection ever which is a reason in itself to pop in whilst doing your Christmas shopping.
Honey
Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Don't know what to buy that one person who is too cool for school? This iconic vintage shop stocks the best curated women's fashion with a focus on Y2K and it is absolutely everything.
The Cheesy Living Co
Corn Exchange, Oakwood, Pudsey
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For the foodie in your life, get yourself over to The Cheesy Living Co and craft your own perfect little hamper.
We're talking tinned fish, gorgeous olive oil, canned cocktails and of course lots, and lots, of cheese. We'd love to wake up to this on Christmas morning and tuck into it over the festive period.
Latitude
The Calls
Image: The Hoot Leeds
You can't go wrong with a proper good bottle of wine, and you'll find that in abundance at Leeds' best wine shop Latitude.
Not only that, but you can also find a huge selection of unique spirits which always make a good gift - and they can even be cracked open on the big day.
Welcome Skate Store
Thornton's Arcade
For the skater boy or girl in your life, you've got to pop into Welcome Skate Store. Here they stock all the latest apparel, accessories and skate hardware and the staff are super friendly and knowledgable if you need any help with what to pick.
North South Vintage
Lands Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For the fashionista who loves to pull a look, North South Vintage stock some fabulous pieces which you won't find anywhere else.
From vintage leather jackets to striking graphic tees, they've got you covered.
Crash Records
The Headrow
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can't go wrong with a new vinyl under the Christmas tree and Crash Records is the perfect place to go no matter what genre your lucky recipient is into.
You can also find CDs, merchandise and posters here too.
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the 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, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, 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.
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.
Image: Supplied
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.”
Tesco unveils Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026 and confirms official launch date
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has officially unveiled its Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026, and has revealed when it’ll be arriving in stores.
Spooky season may not have even arrived yet, but it won’t be long before the most wonderful time of the year is here and most of the UK’s major supermarkets have already started stocking their shelves with Christmas food, drink, and gifts galore.
Tesco has now unveiled all the sandwiches and snacks forming part of its iconic lunchtime meal deal selection.
10 new seasonal mains and sides have been launched this year, as well as some classics and returning fan favourites too.
Images: Tesco
The retailer says its food on-the-go experts have worked hard to bring a variety of festive flavours and great-quality ingredients together this year, with something on offer to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Available in stores and online from next week, with Tesco Clubcard members paying just £3.80 or £5.50 to upgrade to a Premium Meal Deal, some of the all-new main options you can choose from in 2026’s festive lineup include the Fully Loaded Chicken, Stuffing, Braised Red Cabbage & Cranberry Sauce Sandwich, the Christmas Triple Sandwich, and the Pork Meatball Wrap with smoky sage and onion mayonnaise.
Other returning favourites include the Brie and Cranberry Sandwich, the Currywurst Sausage Sub, and the absolute classic Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich.
For veggies and vegans, there’s a new Tesco Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap, and for those who follow a gluten free diet, you can grab the Gluten Free Festive Chicken & Trimmings sandwich.
When it comes to snacks to accompany those mains, the festive Mini Pork Pies and Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls are returning to the lineup this year, alongside some new additions like the Pretzels with Salted Caramel Soft Cheese Dip, and Mini Cheese Twists.
The 2026 Tesco Christmas Meal Deal range will be in stores across the UK from Monday 12 October, and there’s thousands of combinations to try.
Clementine Hall -
5th December 2025 
