A host of Leeds' best lockdown success stories are coming together for a festive shopping event this month at this small business Christmas event.
In Leeds, we’re pretty passionate about supporting small businesses. After all, we do have a spectacular selection of bakeries, bars, gift shops, designers, creatives and more on offer in the city.
If you want to shop local for your presents this year and keep some money in the local economy, you need to check out this Christmas small business event.
Hosted by The Savvy Baker at Oaktree Business Park, some of the city's finest small producers will be in tow selling top-notch treats to make your Christmas extra special.
Think peanut butter melted Snowmen doughnuts with Reese's cup hats, specialty cheeses from the Cheesy Living Co, adorable dog treats from doggy pick and mix service Pick n Tricks. prints by local illustrator Emily Render and loads more.
Elsewhere, you'll be able to find handmade baubles and stylish garms from local maker Lucie the Label: resin coaster, keyrings, and more by The Resin Room; small-batch hot sauce from local makers Thiccsauce and loads more.
Image: Pick n TreatsCoasters from The Resin Room / Image: The Resin Room
There'll also be coffee from Humbl coffee and the signature gooey, chocolate-filled brownies from the Savvy Baker team.
Taking place on Saturday 11 December, the Christmas Small Business event will run from 11am to 4pm and give shoppers the chance to get their hand on some extra special locally-made presents this year.
Sharing the news to social media, the Savvy Baker posted on Instagram:
"CHRISTMAS POP UP IS HERE!!! Saturday 11th December at the bakery.
"Catch some of your favs here, you can get some fab xmas pressies, cards, sweet treats, pizza, plants, Christmas cheese, doggy pressies and more!!!! Not one to miss."
Feature image - The Savvy Baker / Pick n Treats
News
North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Georgina Pellant -
7th December 2021 
