There's so much food to try at the Leeds Christmas Markets, but we've got some favourites that need to be at the top of your list.
Incase you've been living under a rock, the city is currently flooded with alpine lodges selling everything from steaming mulled wine and tree decorations to delicious sweet treats.
Of course it can only be...the Leeds Christmas Markets.
As we're all about supporting the independents, we've pulled together five indie stalls at the markets this year that need to be your first stop when you're going for a mooch and fancy something to eat.
So without further a do, let's take a look at our top picks...
Stroopwafel York
City Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We’ve been well and truly been spoiled with this trader at City Square this year, as this is one of the UK’s only stroopwafel suppliers, and their sauces and toppings are just as special.
You can get yours dunked in chocolate and topped with pistachio, or whack on hazelnuts, honeycomb, gingerbread crumbs and more.
What more could you want?
The Savvy Baker
City Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We can't talk about independents at the markets without talking about the wonderful Savvy Baker.
Sav and the team are serving up luxurious hot chocolates to keep you toasty as well as loaded chocolate puddings drenched in hot custard.
Hash Brown Town
City Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Hash Brown Town is BACK again at the Leeds Christmas Markets and it's just as good as we remember.
Choose from either six or twelve hash browns loaded with four different flavour toppings - we went for the fried stuffing bites with cheese and gravy, alongside our favourite, the melted brie bites with cranberry and bacon bits - delicious.
Jimmy Macks
Millennium Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If hot, bubbling cheese-topped potatoes sounds like Christmas to you, then let us put you onto this. Jimmy Macks are a welcome addition to this year’s Christmas Markets with their famous raclette offering.
Crispy fried potatoes lathered in that perfectly grilled cheese, finished off with a variety of toppings. We’re talking everything from creamy truffle mushrooms, to our personal fave, their charcuterie style, complete with extra pickles.
Farsley Fire Smoke Train
Millennium Square
Ever fancied smoked meats served from a train right in the middle of Millennium Square? Well, Farsley Fire Smoke has officially returned to the markets after its roaring success last year.
They made a name for themselves by serving up smoked beef brisket, chicken, and ribs, all cooked in a wood-fired coal oven built into a train. We’re talking tender slices of meat, dripping in sauce and topped with pickles, because everything is better with a pickle on top.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
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.”
Clementine Hall -
28th November 2025 
