Manchester Christmas Markets are 'under review' as those in other parts of the country begin to be cancelled.
Bath has axed its events for this year, it was confirmed today, and markets in Lincoln have already been called off.
A decision has yet to be made in Manchester, where the council is waiting until the Covid-19 situation is more clear.
Outdoor markets have been permitted to operate since the beginning of June but the large crowds that the Christmas Markets typically attract would make practising social distancing difficult.
Boris Johnson said he hoped the country would see 'a more significant return to normality' by Christmas as he set out the next phases of the Government's roadmap to recovery last week.
But any further easing of restrictions over the next few months will depend upon whether the spread of coronavirus is kept under control.
Coun Pat Karney, Manchester's Christmas spokesman, said: "It's common knowledge that Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and the markets filling our city centre squares is a highlight of the city's event calendar.
"Of course, the global pandemic has put most major events on hold and as determined as we are to celebrate the festive season in Manchester, our focus must be on the safety of visitors to our celebrations.
"We will need to keep a close eye on guidance from the Government and I've been promised an update from Santa himself as soon as possible."
The markets normally open in mid-November and run up until Christmas, with stalls spread across sites including Albert Square, Exchange Square, St Ann's Square, King Street, Cathedral Gardens and Piccadilly Gardens.
The council had also been planning to use the newly-pedestrianised stretch of Deansgate for this year's event.
A decision is expected to be announced by the end of August, and civic leaders are said to be keen to deliver some kind of festive events programme if possible.
Announcing the cancellation of Bath Christmas Markets today, tourist board Visit Bath said the decision was taken following advice from Public Health England.
Chief executive Kathryn Davis said: “It is disappointing that we cannot hold the Christmas Market this year, but I hope everyone will understand the reason for this decision and the early notice we are giving.
"We fully understand the value of the Bath Christmas Market to the city, but public safety and preventing the spread of Covid-19 has to come first.
“We are pro-actively working with partners across the city to create a Christmas event in Bath that will still support our local economy, but in a way that can be adapted as needed and disperses visitors across the city."
