1. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair
THE MIDLANDS city’s famous German Christmas market pulls in punters from all over Britain and further afield each year.
Having run for the last 12 years, the Frankfurt Christmas Market – which claims to be the largest outdoor Christmas Market in the country – is the centrepiece of the city’s annual Christmas events calendar.
Transport company National Express West Midlands this morning reported a 10 per cent increase in weekend services to Birmingham’s city centre since the market opened on November 14.
Where: Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square & Chamberlain Square.
When: 14th November – 22 December.
Times: 10am – 9pm.
2. London's Winter Wonderland
Ice Rink at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park. Photo: PWR Events LtdWINTER Wonderland in London's Hyde Park is a treasure trove of themed fun for the whole family. In addition to their big Christmas Market, the central London spot holds live shows, an observation wheel, children’s rides, a Santa’s grotto and an ice rink.
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: Until January 5 (closed Christmas Day)
Times: 10am until 10pm
3. Bath Christmas Market
BathBATH’S Christmas market is home to more than 150 wooden chalets selling decorations, sweet treats and presents.
Billed as a Christmas shopper’s heaven in the heart of Bath’s main shopping district, last year Bath Christmas Market became the first Christmas Market in Britain to be awarded a Visit England VAQAS award for being a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.
Where: Between the 15th century Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.
When: November 28 to December 15.
Times: 10am-8pm – some days differ.
4. Edinburgh's Christmas Markets
EdinburghTHE European Christmas market has been running for 20 years and is situated below the Mound in the Scottish city.
Tourists looking for a more partisan experience may prefer the Scottish Market in St Andrew's Square with lashings of traditional Scots food and drink, while the same square also hosts the Children's Market which features Edinburgh's Toys Galore which will keep the kids happy.
Where: Around the Mound Precinct and East Princes Street Gardens.
When: Until January 5.
Times: 10am-10pm.
5. Manchester's Christmas Markets
ManchesterTAKING in some of Manchester's most iconic streets, Manchester Christmas Markets stretch across more than 300 stalls in nine different spots.
This year for the first time celebrations stretch from Albert Square all the way to Corporation Street. The centrepiece is Albert Square's main market, including – also for the first time – a two-storey beer hall.
Where: Locations across the city centre
When: Until December 22
Times: European Christmas Markets - 10am-9pm every day; All other market sites - 10am - 8pm
