Festive Inspiration

Christmas in Leeds is all wrapped up

For original Christmas gifts visit our fabulous independent stores. OK Comics, Cadeaux, The Hidden Wardrobe, Blue Rinse, Yum Yum Beads and Accent are just a few that boast a great selection of clothes, jewellery, books and desirable objects for the home.

Urban Outfitters, Octopus, Muji and Pandora are also great for finding that special treat.

The Artsmix market and Leeds Vintage Fashion Fair are always full of exciting unique finds at affordable prices.

A variety of Christmas hampers are available from Harvey Nichols food market, Pickles and Potter and Salts Deli.

Millies Fresh & Organic is an independent one-stop shop for all that's fresh and organic, from locally sourced meats to organic cosmetics. Visit the therapy room for a break from the shopping - or purchase a treatment as a gift!

For the person who has everything, why not give them some vouchers? Far from an unimaginative option, now you can choose to buy someone snowboarding lessons, spa days, theatre or sport tickets, a meal in a top restaurant or a spree with a personal shopper. Much easier to wrap and send too!

Is Leeds entertaining? Oh yes it is!

There's plenty to keep you entertained in Leeds over Christmas. The festive events season kicks off with the Leeds Lights switch on event, and carries on well into the new year!

Pantomime season is upon us again, this year with Aladdin at The City Varieties and an imaginatively staged version of Jack and The Beanstalk at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Keep the post-Christmas bulge away by ice skating at The Christmas Adventure from November- January and Ice Cube on Millennium Square from January-March.

For something different, visit the Otley Victorian Fayre on December 11th or catch the Leeds Rhinos match on Boxing Day.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Food lovers are spoilt for choice in Leeds with plenty of winter warming treats on sale across the city!

Visit Christkindelmarkt for German delights such as Hot Gluhwein, slices of Stollen, Bratwurst sausages and plenty of chocolate covered sweets too.

You'll find traditional roast chestnut sellers dotted around the city who not only provide snacks but a hand warming aid too!

For a festive glass of Mulled wine and plate of mince pies visit the Tiled Hall Cafe, Leeds City Museum Cafe, and the cafe at Temple Newsam.

There are three types of French Valrhona hot chocolate on the menu at Anthony's Patisserie in the Victoria Quarter - a delicious treat when you need a rest from shopping! Anthony's shops in the Corn Exchange are fantastic for buying handmade delicacies for your food loving friends. Check out his cheese and ham, bakery, patisserie and chocolaterie!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

Why not take time out and have a relaxing stroll or bike ride through one of the city's many beauty spots?

Enjoy the beautiful landscaped gardens at Temple Newsam or visit the red deer at the Lotherton Hall Estate.

The grounds at Harewood House are a beautiful place at winter time - you can even visit some penguins in the Bird Garden!

Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boasts historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery.