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Eight of the best Christmas foodie, family and festive markets in and around Leeds
We don't even care that the council cancelled the German Christmas Markets this year, there are so many festive events to get involved in. Here's our top picks...
The Christmas countdown has officially begun and there are plenty of festive events to help you get through the weekends and get into the yuletide spirituntil 25 December comes around.
Of course, this was back in September, so local businesses in and around Leeds have really been hanging up the stockings and hiring out all the elves they can get hold of to still make this a magical Christmas.
Around Leeds there's still markets aplenty and some spectacular events a short car journey away too.
Leeds pop-up Markets with ice rink and Igloo bar
Thor's Tipi will make an appearance in Victoria Gardens and a brand new tent will feature on Briggate. / Image: Leeds City Council
When: From Friday 19 November
Where: Around Leeds City Centre
Head over to Millenium Square from Friday 19 December and watch the city transform into a winter wonderland in front of your eyes. A pop-up ice rink, Igloo bar and festive market stalls are amongst some of the surprises in store.
There will also be a brand new boozy tipi on Briggate with refreshments, hopefully plenty of mulled wine and a 'bring your own food' policy that will allow you to bring the best of Leeds' foodie favourites. Think festive cheeses, bratwurst and waffles all brought back the cosy tipi retreat to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.
When: Every Thursday - Sunday from Friday 19 November.
Where: Corn Exchange, Leeds City Centre.
Get ready to gorge on a feast of independent festive food at the Corn Exchange's Christmas Markets. Local and national breweries like North Brew Co and Camden Town Breweries will be on hand to make sure you keep knocking back the pints, whilst Wolf Bros and Woodfood Reserve spirits teach you a thing or two at their masterclasses.
Head down to the Corn Exchange for the Christmas office party you didn't get to have, without any annoying colleagues but with all the cocktails and bad dance moves. A range of goods from the Corn Exchange stores will also be available whilst you enjoy a perfect afternoon or evening at the Christmas Markets right in the heart of the city.
This is an artist's impression of the Winter Village site. / Image: Chow Down
When: From Thursday 11 November - Friday 31 December
Where: Chow Down, Temple Arches
Locally renowned open air bar and eatery, Chow Down, will be turning their Temple Arches open air space into a Winter Village from 11 November until New Years Eve .Expect the unveiling of a brand new, two-storey bar, rooftop curling club and cosy Christmas tipis to curl up in.
To keep warm, grab a seat by the fire pit, heaters and take a blanket or go meet Santa at the breakfast and family activities running throughout the day.If that’s not enough, there will also be apres ski nights; drag, club classics and disco brunches; new permanent kitchen residencies and plenty of rotating street food vendors that will keep you returning to Chow Down each week to find out what’s cooking.
The Leeds Winter Market is going to be your one stop shop for all those stocking fillers and gifts for people that you just don't know what to buy, we promise. The traders list is filled up with a tonne of unique local talent: from handmade candles that smell like a roasting fire to cute gingerbread houses, potted plants and everything in between, you're in for a treat.
The one-day event is Leeds' biggest independent Winter Market and tickets are selling out fast. There are less than 100 of their first release at £3 and second release tickets will be out soon, priced at £4+. Book a space now and avoid missing out on the ultimate shopping experience.
When: Saturday 13 November and Sunday 14 November, 10am - 3pm.
Where: Bert's Barrow, Austfield Farm, Hillam.
You might have recently visited Bert's Barrow to pick up your Halloween pumpkin or just take some selfies in their spooky fields whilst it was decorated head to toe in orange. If you're just about getting organised for Christmas, why not make a return for their Christmas Market weekender.
Passionately sharing the love with local independent businesses, their stalls will be transformed to make way for Yorkshire's finest goods, where you can pick up some gifts and order a locally-grown Christmas tree whilst sipping on their delicious hot drinks. Bert's Barrow is around a 25 minute drive from Leeds city centre but will be worth every mile.
Celebrate Christmas from the 1930s right up until the 1960s in the present day at this Vintage Christmas Festival. / Image: Festival of Vintage
When: Saturday 4 December and Sunday 5 December, 10.30am - 4.30pm
Where: York Racecourse, York
Less Ghost of Christmas Past, more remembering beautiful memories of Christmases gone by. Enjoy a nostalgic day out at York Racecourse and bring back those past times with the people you cherish most. The day will be celebrating fashions, music and all those yuletide traditions from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Of course, you will be able to pick up some gifts for those that appreciate the stories and craftsmanship behind vintage items, and even treat yourself to fantastic treasures you never thought you'd see again. There will be live music and a DJ, nostalgic displays and even a visit from Father Christmas so that all of the family can enjoy this unique day out.
Pup Up Cafe Dachshund Christmas Tour with special festive pop-up stalls for dogs
Get your sausage dog ready for a Christmas present they'll never expect. / Image: Pup Up Cafe
When: Sunday 19 December, 10am - 5pm.
Where: Revolution York, York.
If you need some presents for your four legged friends, look no further than the Pup Up event at Revolution Electric Press in December. The one day event is celebrating all things sausage dog during the final weekend before Christmas.
Throughout the day, humans can purchase dachshund-related goodies from traders offering the perfect stocking fillers for your little dog. There will be a photographer on hand to take plenty of present-worthy photographs of your Daschund and you can make all of their Christmas wishes come true by offering your little pooch an afternoon of ball pits and wagging tails as they mingle with up to 150 other sausage dogs.
The Malton Christmas Markets will appeal to all the family and their stomachs. / Image: Event Owl
When: Saturday 4 December and Sunday 5 December
Where: Malton Market, 34-58 Market Place, Malton
It's the highlight of every Yorkshire foodie's calendar and it's back this year like never before. Celebrate the best food at the proclaimed 'capital of food in Yorkshire' and tuck into mince pies, figgy pudding, juicy goose servings and a good ol' turkey dinner.
If that's not enough, the Victorian-inspired fairground rides, land train, mulled wine, visit from Santa Claus, local brass band and choirs might be enough to tempt you. The event has not taken place since 2019 due to Covid-related-restrictions, but the 20,000 seen at the last Malton Christmas Markets are expected to return for one of the most highly anticipated Christmas Markets of the year.
The Moot Hall Arms, Leeds' favourite football pub, has just reopened its doors after a six-figure refurb.
The iconic Leeds United pub is still covered in local sports memorabilia and merch, but there's even more of it now.
That's because The Moot has now expanded across two floors and three bars, including a brand-new bar and events space upstairs, The Changing Rooms, created to celebrate the rich history of Leeds United.
That extra space is ready for busy matchdays and the full seven-days-a-week programme of events and deals, which includes live music, karaoke, bingo, quiz nights, and more.
And operator Claire says she wants to the pub to be Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with pints available from £3 in the week.
The popular Craft Union Pub Company venue has reopened its doors today to the bigger, brighter pub, ready to once again attract football fans from across the UK looking to experience its unique atmosphere.
The 'significant' refurbishment includes new decor, bars, furniture, lighting, toilets, and entertainment facilities, like nine TVs, two large projector screens, and three Sky boxes.
Over this weekend and the bank holiday weekend, there'll be DJs, live music, karaoke, themed events, and special guest appearances from former Leeds United favourites Stuart Dallas, Mel Sterland and Noel Whelan.
Inside The Moot in LeedsThe new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall ArmsThere's still plenty of Leeds United merch everywhere
Claire, Operator at The Moot Hall Arms, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be reopening and finally showing everyone what we've been working on.
"Over the last five years we've worked extremely hard to build The Moot into something special. We're proud of the community that's grown around the pub, the friendships that have been made here and the reputation we've built among Leeds United supporters.
"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the pub and what it has become. We've managed to make The Moot bigger, better and more versatile, while keeping everything people love about it."
Sport remains central to the venue's identity, with the pub continuing to show Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports coverage throughout the year.
When it's a Leeds United fixture, the full matchday experience will include pre- and post-match DJs, live entertainment, and full sound for games.
Claire said: "We want The Moot to be much more than somewhere people simply come for a drink. Our ambition is to be one of Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with something happening every day of the week."
New artwork in the windowsLeeds Leeds Leeds
Alongside its sporting credentials, The Moot Hall Arms has also earned recognition for its commitment to charitable causes, raising more than £100,000 for charities and good causes, supporting organisations including St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Women's Aid and NECS Uganda.
The Moot's team has also travelled to Uganda in recent years, sponsoring the education of four children, delivering aid and supporting community projects within local villages.
For Claire and her team, the most important thing is ensuring The Moot remains true to its roots.
She said: "We’re passionate about keeping the Moot accessible and affordable. At a time when customers are watching what they spend, we want people to know they can still come into the centre of Leeds, have a reasonably priced pint, watch live sport and enjoy entertainment without spending a fortune.
"Most importantly, we want The Moot to retain its personality. It’s still going to be loud on matchdays, full of Leeds United memorabilia, packed for big games, raising money for good causes and putting on entertainment throughout the week – there’s just a lot more of it now!"
Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways
Daisy Jackson
A new Indian bistro has opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, promising authentic dishes that span the length and breadth of Indian cuisine.
The Crossing Indian Bistro has ventured to Leeds for its first-ever UK restaurant, having already established sites in Paris, Dubai and Nice.
It comes from chef-founder Ankur Chakraborty, who has drawn on his family history for inspiration - his dad used to work for the Indian Railways, and it introduced Ankur to the incredible variety in flavours, tastes, and dishes of different regions across India.
That’s the heart and soul of The Crossing, celebrating the ingredients and techniques that have shaped the country’s vibrant cuisine.
The modern take on regional Indian cuisine will include traditional recipes but contemporary techniques, for signature dishes like Railway Lamb Curry, Alleppey Prawn Curry (inspired by Kerala’s backwaters), and a Madras Mutton Pepper Fry.
You’ll also find delicious small plates like gunpowder prawns, Kerala fried chicken, dal moradabadi, and The Crossing chaat bowl.
And as for dessert, expect dishes like the Goan-Portuguese influenced Mango Serradura, and the Dubai date toffee pudding, served with homemade carrot halwa ice cream.
At lunchtimes diners can tuck into a £15 thali deal, served in traditional silverware, and including a main curry, Zeera Aloo, Saag Makai, dal of the day, raita, house pickles, steamed basmati rice, and a choice of freshly-baked tandoor bread.
Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country. Credit: TheTravelBuds
The Crossing Indian Bistro chose to open its first UK site in Chapel Allerton after being inspired by the area’s independent spirit and strong neighbourhood identity.
Ankur Chakraborty, Chef-Founder of The Crossing Indian Bistro and co-founder of Lemon Butter, said: “The Crossing is built on the idea that India is not one cuisine, but thousands of local food cultures connected by movement, exchange and memory.
“The railways helped those cultures meet as people travelled, allowing recipes to cross regions and flavours to evolve. We’ve reflected this in the menu, which takes guests on a journey through India, where they can discover lesser-known dishes inspired by its different regions.
“Chapel Allerton feels like the right first home for us in the UK with its strong identity and an independent, community-minded spirit. We hope to add something distinctive to that neighbourhood, with an expression of modern India that is regionally rooted, generous and full of discovery.”
The Crossing Indian Bistro has already opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, and is offering 50% off all food until 31 August as it settles into the Leeds suburb.
Sophie Smith -
4th November 2021 
