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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 team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
Where to find the best sandwiches in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Leeds.
From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties and fluffy focaccias, if you’re a sandwich lover in Leeds then you’re well catered for.
Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Leeds and beyond.
Loosen your belts a little, folks.
Cheesy Living Co.
The Corn Exchange, Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're working in the city and fancy something special for your lunch, then popping into The Corn Exchange to pay a visit to the legends at Cheesy Living Co. is just the thing.
Their fluffy focaccia is baked fresh every day and packed with their delicious cheeses, cured meats, local chutneys and topped with tangy pickles to take the edge of. Have in or takeaway, it's completely up to you.
Alfonso's
Grand Arcade
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new on the sandwich scene, Alfonso's Deli in the Grand Arcade is serving up ultimate toasted Cuban sandwiches as well as stacked subs. They're also dishing out unreal breakfast bagels which are the perfect hangover cure if you've had a couple the night before.
Silver's Deli
268 Stanningley Rd, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3BS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a big fat hoagie as long as your arm? Then get yourself to Bramley as soon as possible.
The moment Silver's touched down on the Leeds food scene it's truly been the talk of the town ever since, with people flocking from far and wide to queue for their ridiculously delicious subs.
Stacked breakfast buns good enough to cure any hangover and New York-style hoagies all made using the very best, quality ingredients.
Things In Bread
15 Boar Lane, LS1 6EN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Things In Bread is now a proper Leeds classic, and their concept is perfectly simple. Classic sandwiches which you might find in your average meal deal but elevated to the next level.
The bread is specially created to make the best ever sandwich, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly square and baked fresh on the daily.
With a cracking selection of seasonal specials, you'll constantly be coming back for more to have a taste of what's new.
La Grassa
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Stuzzi comes La Grassa, located inside Amity Brew Co. inside Sunny Bank Mills they're serving up everything Italian American. Expected sandwiches bigger than your for arm which pair perfectly with a pint or two.
Brød Sandwich Bar
31 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod sandwich bar is an institution. This family-run independent sandwich shop has been serving us hungry lot for 20 years now, filling our lunch hour with the tastiest, freshest sarnies that you can get your hands on.
Fully customisable with a HUGE range of ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and all at really affordable prices too.
Friends of Ham
4 - 8 New Station Street, LS1 5DL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Friends of Ham don't just serve up banging charcuterie boards, but they're really good at serving unreal toasties too.
The sourdough is perfectly buttery and jam packed with layers of meat and salty, melted cheese. And of course served with a pile of pickles on the side for good measure.
Eat Your Greens
42 New York Street, LS2 7DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's no denying we love this special spot that champion the very best local produce in everything they do, but their sandwiches are also seriously something to shout about.
Grab to go or savour every mouthful in their light drenched space. The flavours rotate with the season but if you have chance to sample the pork mince sandwich with black pudding, house smoked bacon and bunt apple ketchup then it'll be the best decision you have ever made.
Morty's Focacceria
White Cloth Hall
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside Leeds' newest food hall you'll find Morty's, a dough haven serving up Sicilian style slices and of course, sarnies.
These bad boys are made with freshly-made panuozzo bread that is baked on-site every single day, filled with two big stacks of fried mortadella and topped with melted provolone, mustard mayo, pickles and a drizzle of garlic oil.
You'll need a nap after, but it'll be worth it.
Shokupan
27 Wellington Street, LS1 4EA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem on Wellington Street are serving up delicious, Japanese katso sandos that you'll want to fit into your weekly routine.
Husband and wife team, Alan and Alison, took inspiration from trips around the world to bring Leeds a menu of delicious Japanese-inspired sandos on Shokupan- a Japanese milk bread known for its light, fluffy texture, golden crust and a subtly sweet flavour.
Get a side of the crispy karaage chicken on the side too, you won't regret it.
Livett's Coffee Shop
6 St. Peters Square, LS98AH
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're round that side of town, then grabbing a sarnie from Livett's is a no brainer.
There’s a flavour combo for everyone to get their chops around, from fresh Caprese, Falafel and Houmous, and a packed out Italian Deli sub. But keep your eyes pealed because these flavours are always changing. All served on a satisfyingly soft demi baguette from the best of the best, Balzersen Bakery, and made fresh daily, you already know these bad boys will blow your bog standard meal deal out of the water.
Sophie Smith -
4th November 2021 
