The days may be growing colder but at least Christmas is just around the corner. As the snow falls, high streets and shopping centers become a hub of activity, and special seasonal pop ups too, just in time for festive treats. Whether you love them or hate them, it's always good to know where to make a beeline for, or where to avoid.
We love them. If you, like us, think there’s nothing better than a warming cup of mulled wine in the winter, then here’s a definitive list of markets to get excited about. Whether you fancy making a trip Germany for some bratwurst or popping to London to feast on candy floss, check out our suggestions.
Do be aware, though: some organizers change their plans, so don't have a nasty surprise. Check the respective websites for opening dates and times, just to make sure everything is still on.
Happy shopping!
The best Christmas Markets in the UK and beyond
1 of 8Manchester Christmas Markets
There are a number of them but the main ones can be found at these locations: Albert Square, Brazennose Street, King Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, Market Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens.
2 of 8Edinburgh Christmas Market
The Scottish capital's best market runs along the length of its main shopping street, Princes Street, and takes in the spectacular Scott Monument.
Expect fairground rides, mulled drinks and an ice rink in nearby George Street, all run by the same company that puts on the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations at New Year. 25th November - 3rd January.
3 of 8York Christmas Market
St Nicholas Fair is York's annual festive market and this year includes a number of different locations: The Judge's Lodging, Guildhall, St. Sampson's Square, Shamble Market, King's Square, Parliament Street and Coppergate.
4 of 8London Markets
And so we arrive at England's capital. So many markets, here, to choose from, we've found it hard narrowing the list down.These are our favourites: in Central London: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, The Raymond Gubbay Market and the Southbank Centre Winter Festival.West: Covent Garden Christmas Lights, Chelsea Christmas Gift Fair and Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair.And finally, in the South: Borough Market at Christmas, and, Festive Fayre at Hampton Court
5 of 8Down to Germany...
Fancy some bratwurst in the heart of Berlin? Head to Mitte for the Weihnachtszauber market at the Gendarmenmarkt. Warm up with a cup of chocolate milk, or feast on different cheeses from across the world. 25th November - 31st December
6 of 8Paris We Love You!
What could be romantic than a trip to Paris at Christmas? At Les Halles, Swiss-style cabins will be offering mulled wine, raclette and roasted chestnuts. Yes, please.November 14th - December 29th
7 of 8Birmingham Christmas market
The Birmingham Christmas runs the length of New Street and is the biggest (and busiest) in the country or of anywhere outside of Germany or Austria - visitors are warned to sharpen their elbows prior to arrival. Open 3rd November - 23rd December.
8 of 8Lincoln Christmas Market
Britain's oldest and most picturesque authentic German Christmas market is only on between the 1st and the 4th of December, and is worth a visit if you live around the North West of the country.