As one of the UK’s best shopping destinations with an unrivalled offer, Leeds is the perfect place to get all your Christmas purchases sorted – from luxury brands to high street names, quirky independents to handmade markets we’ve got your Christmas shopping wrapped up. And, we’re very excited to announce that the Leeds Christmas Markets will be returning this year!
(Victoria Leeds Christmas Photography by Bevan Cockerill)
VICTORIA LEEDS
Combining the Victoria Quarter’s elegant Grade 2 listed Victorian arcades and the glamorous modern Victoria Gate, which pays homage to the surrounding architecture; Victoria Leeds is one of the country’s most beautiful shopping destinations.
This award-winning centre houses over 80 of the most desirable shops, including Harvey Nichols, John Lewis & Partners, Gant and many more, making that special gift an easy find. With stylish restaurants and bars, cafes and kiosks, there’s plenty of options for a festive snack, a pre-theatre cocktail or a romantic rooftop meal for two.
(Thornton’s Arcade Christmas, Sarah Zagni for Visit Leeds)
VICTORIAN ARCADES
Leeds is famous for its breath-taking historic arcades, which combine luxury shopping with small, independent retailers. Take a stroll through these beautiful arcades and pick up some distinctive festive gifts. Their architectural beauty is even more breath-taking when decorated for Christmas. There’s the designer brands of the Victoria Quarter which includes County Arcade and Cross Arcade, with their ornate mosaics, wrought iron, marble and glass; the independent retailers and original Potts clock in the Grand Arcade; the quirky family run shops of the Queen’s Arcade; and the small speciality shops of the Thornton’s Arcade with the amazing Ivanhoe Clock whose life-sized figures strike a large bell each quarter hour. Each of these covered walkways has their own exclusive atmosphere with its beauty preserved for visitors to enjoy for years to come.
(Kirkgate Market – Tom Martin for Visit Leeds)
KIRKGATE MARKET
The oldest part of Leeds city centre is home to one of Europe’s largest indoor markets; the iconic Grade 1 listed Kirkgate Market dates from 1875 and is the birthplace of Marks and Spencer, with a replica of the original Penny Bazaar. With over 150 independent traders, it’s the place to source your fresh festive produce. Take a break from your shopping and sample street foods from across the globe in the Market Kitchen.
(Leeds Corn Exchange Christmas, Tom Martin for Visit Leeds)
CORN EXCHANGE
Kirkgate Market’s neighbour is the magnificent Grade I listed Leeds Corn Exchange, with a stunning oval domed roof and a host of vintage and independents shops. For a one-off gift or fabulous retro fashion-piece, make sure you experience this landmark building.
(Trinity Leeds Christmas, Tom Martin for Visit Leeds)
TRINITY LEEDS
You’ll have your Christmas shopping completed in no time at Trinity Leeds; with three floors full of high street names from Next to M&S, River Island to Hollister, Pandora to Lego all under one iconic glass roof. There are over 120 brand names including shops, bars, restaurants, coffee bars and the unique food concept Trinity Kitchen which has a choice of cafes and street food venues that change through the year. Located in the heart of the city centre, Trinity opens on to Briggate, Leeds’ main high street, where you’ll find all your high street favourites.
(Merrion Centre Christmas, Tom Martin for Visit Leeds )
MERRION CENTRE
Visit the Merrion Centre, the city’s longest-established shopping centre, The Merrion Gift Guide (coming soon) is on hand to give you some perfect present ideas that ‘Yule’ find all under one roof! With a huge array of new restaurants in the Arena Quarter it’s the perfect place to take a break, refuel and refocus.
(White Rose Shopping Centre)
SPECTACULAR SHOPPING CENTRES
For all your Christmas essentials, the St. Johns Centre is there for everything you need – with family favourites to buy those important Christmas cards and wrapping paper, and a great mix of retailers for that last minute gift or stocking filler. Struggling to know what to buy?
Just outside the city centre, you’ll find White Rose Shopping Centre. You’ll find your favourite high street names here plus restaurants and a cinema – all under one roof!
MAGICAL MARKETS
Leeds loves a Christmas Market. This year, we’re so excited for the NEW Leeds Christmas Markets. But that’s not the only market taking place this festive season.