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.
Food might be the last thing you want to think about right now, but if there's anything to brighten up the gloomy month of January then it's the deals.
Right across the city centre, you’ll find generous discounts, special set menus, and other offers all the way through January, to help our local hospitality scene through famously one of the most difficult times of year.
You'll be able to save money on just about every kind of food you can think of, from steaming bowls of ramen to champagne and steak.
There are a lot of January offers to discover around Leeds, and it can get a bit overwhelming to narrow it all down, so we’ve done the hard work for you with a fairly comprehensive guide to the very best January deals.
The Cut & Craft
23 King Edward Street, LS1 6AX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A luxury steak and seafood restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer: Steak and Chips for £19′ offer, available Monday to Friday from 11:30am-4pm; there’s also a new set evening menu priced at £26 for two courses – Monday to Thursday, 4:45-10pm.
Blackhouse
What is it: An iconic Leeds steakhouse just moments away from the train station.
The offer: Enjoy 50% off food when you book online.
Galleria
Armley Road, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:One of Leeds' trendiest all-day hangouts and restaurants, located next to Project House this spot is perfect for some pre-gig scran.
The offer:Every Friday and Saturday night from 5pm through January (starting on the 9th), guests will be able enjoy a whopping 25% off their evening menu when booked advance.
House of Fu
15-19 The Headrow, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A staple for ramen lovers in the city with an interior so bright it'll blow away the January blues in an instant.
The offer:£10 ramen and rice bowls on weekdays plus a scratch card revealing a special prize.
Oporto
33 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's most iconic late night Irish bar.
The offer: This one's a good one, £3 pints of Guinness from 12 - 3pm and £5 Guinness 3pm - close. Every single day throughout January.
Olive Tree Brasserie
8 S Parade, LS1 5QX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A modern Greek-inspired restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer:Diners can enjoy 40% include Sunday - Friday throughout January and half of February.
Harvey Nichols Brasserie and Bar
107-111 Briggate, LS1 6AZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A restaurant serving brunch, small plates, and lunch options at any time of day.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu from from 12pm between 6 - 30th January, excluding Saturdays.
Tattu
29 East Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A swish Chinese restaurant famed for its enormous cherry blossom tree in the dining room, and its refined take on Chinese favourites.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu, all Sunday to Thursday (plus until 4.45pm on Fridays) between 1 January and 8 February, when you book online.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:Indian street food at its finest, Bundobust is a firm favourite amongst Leeds locals and has been for the past 10 years.
The offer: Two dishes and a beer for just £12.50.
Belgrave Music Hall
Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A laidback bar and music venue serving up delicious food from different vendors.
The offer: Get half price slices from Dough Boys Pizza until 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 5pm Friday and Saturday, or between Sunday and Friday choose from five dishes for just over a fiver from Patty's Burgers - we're talking smash burgers and their iconic session fries.
Power, Corruption and Lies
36 Call Lane, LS1 6DT
What is it: The funkiest bar on Call Lane serving dim sum and great cocktails.
The offer: Get 50% off dim sum and £20 bottles of prosecco every Monday throughout January.
Meat:Stack
3 Bishopgate Street, LS1 5DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A laidback burger joint serving American-style smash patties, fries and milkshakes.
The offer: Get a burger, chips, dip AND drink for just £10 between 11 and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Cinnamon Kitchen
City Square, LS1 1PJ
What is it: Leeds' newest Indian restaurant located in the beautiful Queen's Hotel.
The offer: Dine on two courses for £19 or three for £22 if you visit between 12 and 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Neon Cactus
35 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A Mexican cocktail bar and taqueria that gives ultimate party vibes.
The offer:A whopping 50% off food throughout January. Simple, but very effective.
Waterlane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, LS11 5PF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's best canal side pub and eatery.
The offer:From 5 - 22nd January, enjoy 35% off all food all day every day and a sandwich plus drink for just £9.95 lunchtimes from Monday to Friday.
Where to get the best bagels in Leeds at any time of day
Clementine Hall
Looking for the best bagels in Leeds? Look no further.
In honour of National Bagel Day, we've chosen five of our favourite cafes, shops and bodegas to get our hands on a delicious bagel.
Thought of as an iconic New York food, the big apple has done wonders for the reputation of this chewy, boiled breakfast snack - and it's even come over to Leeds, where there are plenty of bakers turning their hand to the humble bagel.
Whether you like yours slathered in cream cheese and loaded with smoked salmon, or kept simple with a lick of butter, keep reading to discover some of our top picks for the best bagels in Leeds.
Slow Rise Bakery
2a Sunnybank Ave, Horsforth, LS18 4LZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
In the bagel game since 2014, where they learnt their trade assisting Berlin's formidable Fine Bagels, Slow Rise knows what they're doing when it comes to boiling bagels. Whilst they already supply wholesale to quite a few different places in Leeds, you can also find their famous bagels at their own cafe in Horsforth.
Served freshly toasted and stuffed with your choice of hummus, turkey, salt beef, pastrami; or salmon, or simply slathered in the likes of butter, cream cheese, or avocado, there are over twenty different ways to enjoy a bagel here. These are some of the best bagels in Leeds, no doubt about it.
Streetlane Bakery
Caretakers House, 399 Street Ln, Moortown, LS17 6HQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This community bakehouse seemingly does it all, bagels included. These can be bought individually or in packs of six and are made fresh daily to a classic Jewish recipe, with flavours including plain, onion and poppy seed. Filling choices are quite limited if you're eating in, with options including Nutella and smoked salmon.
Fika North
94 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 4BA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Situated in the leafy suburb of Far Headingley, this speciality coffee shop also knows a thing or two about bagels. Served from 9 am - 3 pm daily, there are nine different options to choose from including nduja and avocado, rose harissa chickpeas with pink pickles and pea shoots, peanut butter and banana.
Alfonso's Deli
Grand Arcade, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you've got a hankering for a proper New York-style breakfast bagel, then the Grand Arcade is where you should be heading.
Relatively new to Leeds, Alfonso's breakfast bagels are the perfect hangover cure - loaded with hash browns, perfectly cooked eggs and dripping in melted cheese.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You already know by now that everything that Jake and team at Cheesy Living Co. does is absolutley stellar, and their bagels are no exception.
Baked and boiled at their own bakery in town, they're then filled with whatever your heart desires and served with a coffee of your choice for just a tenner.
Sophie Smith -
4th November 2021 
