Blogs.

Top Festive Shopping Hot Spots

1st November 2018

 

Victorian Arcades and Corn Exchange

If you’re seeking something unique, Leeds is bursting with Victorian arcades and listed buildings full of independent retailers waiting to be discovered. Unearth that quirky Christmas gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself in the network of architectural gems including the Grand Arcade, Queens Arcade and Thorntons Arcade. Experience the splendour of the Leeds Corn Exchange, a beautiful Grade I listed building with a stunning domed roof and a host of vintage and gift shops.

 

 

 

Leeds Kirkgate Market

Christmas shopping in Leeds wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic Kirkgate Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. The original Grade I building dates from 1875 and is the birthplace of Marks & Spencer who opened their Penny Bazaar in 1884 and still have a presence.
With over 400 stalls you can source the freshest festive produce or a distinctive stocking filler in a vibrant atmosphere. Take a break in the Market Kitchen and sample street foods from around the world.

 

 

Victoria Leeds

The stunning architecture of Victoria Quarter’s Grade II* arcades make a spectacular setting for your Christmas shopping spree. It’s home to Europe’s largest modern stained glass roof, the first Harvey Nichols outside London and arcades to rival Milan and Budapest.
Victoria Gate’s design is based on the Victorian arcades for which Leeds is renowned and houses the largest John Lewis and Partners store outside London and a range of luxury and designer brands, including Aspinal of London, Gant and Tommy Hilfiger. With stylist restaurants and bars, cafes and kiosks you can sample a festive delight while you check your Christmas list.

 

https://www.katebackdrop.de/collections/weihnachten-hintergrunde

 

Trinity Leeds

Trinity Leeds is home to brands such as Next, M&S, River Island and Hollister; you’ll have your Christmas shopping completed in no time, leaving you free to relax and enjoy restaurants and bars including Alchemist, Angelica and Crafthouse. For a unique food concept, Trinity Kitchen has a choice of eateries, bars, and cafes; there’s always something new to experience as street traders change each month. Venture out onto Briggate, Leeds’ pedestrianised high-street, and you’ll find fashion powerhouses like House of Fraser, Debenhams and ZARA.

 

Magical Markets

There’s something about browsing stalls bursting with handmade delights that feels like the perfect yuletide day out and there are plenty of markets to choose from in Leeds. Enjoy the smell of a hog roast or fresh bread as you stroll among the stalls selecting handmade cakes, ales and more local produce at Leeds Farmer’s Market, every first and third Sunday of the month.Running every Saturday until 22nd December, Leeds Artsmix Market boasts 22 stalls packed with originality and creativity.

A visit to Leeds German Christmas Market, or Christkindelmarkt, is a must for every visitor to the city over the festive period. You’ll find traditional stalls of gifts and food and drink, live music and the iconic carousel.
Leeds is home to a number of quaint towns and villages which also host their own markets. Try Otley, Wetherby and Chapel Allerton and make a day of it by exploring the area and picking up some locally made gifts.

 

Spectacular centres

Leeds has a number excellent shopping centres which are the perfect place to stock up on those Christmas essentials. The Merrion Centre, the city’s longest-established shopping centre, is also home to a number of new restaurants – the perfect place to refuel. Visit St. Johns Centre for everything from jewellery and clothes to the all-important Christmas cards and wrapping paper. White Rose Shopping Centre is giving you even more places to find the perfect gift with their Yorkshire Festive Market. The centre is also staying open later so you can browse to your heart’s content.
Plus, Santa himself will be visiting the grottos at the Merrion Centre and White Rose Shopping Centre!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN LEEDS HERE

There’s so much to see and do in Leeds over the festive period – have a look at our Top 5 Festive Experiences blog!