The festive season is almost here, and it's time to start planning suitably festive days out.
Obviously there's the highly-rated and newly expanded Manchester Christmas markets right on our doorstep, and .
But if you yearn for an alternative market experience, or simply a change of scenery, there's a whole host of charming fayres and events taking place during the festive period.
Think picturesque villages with stalls scattered across the streets as a community embraces the Christmas spirit.
Think browsing the stalls with some warming mulled wine and sampling the range of cute festive items on offer, all against a spectacular scenic backdrop with phenomenal views.
Each of these Christmas fairs and markets are located in a particularly beautiful corner of the world - and are all definitely worth the trip from Manchester.
From seaside destinations, to quaint towns and villages enveloped in rolling countryside, these gorgeous events will really get you into the traditional Christmas spirit.
Grassington Dickensian Festival and Christmas Market
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the picturesque village of Grassington is transported back to the time of Dickens, with shopkeepers, villagers and visitors dressed in Victorian costume.
There is a full entertainment programme over two weekends, with bands, buskers and Victorian street entertainers and, for the children, a chance to meet Santa in his hideaway grotto and to take part in a torchlit nativity procession.
Around the village you'll find quaint shops, cosy pubs and cafés, street performers, shoe shine boys alongside the traditional Christmas Market (with refreshments) at the Town Hall, Santa’s Grotto, braziers, buskers and chestnut sellers.
Full Dickensian Christmas Market and Entertainment Programme on November 30 and December 7 and 8, 2019.
The centre of Grassington is pedestrianised during the festival with a park and ride in operation. It is well signposted from all major routes. Postcode BD23 5NX.
Matlock Victorian Christmas Market
Victorian spa town Matlock hosts an impressive traditional Christmas market complete with festive entertainment.
The event is set in the beautifully-restored Hall Leys Park, perfectly located along the River Derwent.
There are 200 stalls held in three marquees selling crafts, food and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Highlights include Santa's Christmas Parade and a celebrity light switch-on over the course of the weekend.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event and it will close with a spectacular fireworks display.
Hall Leys Park, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AT. December 6, 7 and 8, 9am - 6pm.
Keswick Victorian Fayre
This pretty market town is surrounded by stunning scenery, from gorgeous mountains to picturesque water fronts.
In the lead up to Christmas, this popular tourist spot is even more beautiful, with the whole high street lit with festive lights and decorations.
This year the Keswick Victorian Fayre will provide a host of live entertainment on the stage in the Market Place and Packhorse Court, including bands, choirs, dancers and more.
There will also be a funfair, stalls selling a selection of Christmas homemade crafts, produce, festive food and drink plus traditional games, tombolas and raffles.
Stalls and entertainment open from 11am. Father Christmas and his Reindeer make their appearance in the Market Square around 12 noon, until 3.30pm.
Keswick Market Square, Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JR. December 1, 2019
Dickensian Christmas Festival, Ulverston
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the South Lakelands you'll find the historic town of Ulverston - famed for its lakeside location and its reputation as the festival capital.
Surrounding the town is the gently rolling farmland of the Furness Peninsula while the coastline provides beautiful vistas over Morecambe Bay.
This festive season, the Dickensian Christmas Festival returns to the cobbled streets of Ulverston, with hundreds of stalls, free entertainment, period costume competition, Queen Victoria, Santa and Mr Bumble.
There are cosy cafés and pubs, independent shops and the Christmas lights will be switched on during the event.
There's also the chance to get dressed up in Victorian costume and really get in the Dickensian Christmas spirit.
November 23 and 24, 2019. Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7LZ
Beaumaris Victorian Christmas
The picture-perfect North Wales seaside town of Beaumaris not only has a stunning view of the coast but also a beautiful mix of architecture - not to mention its own castle.
The ever-popular Christmas fair in the historic town returns for 2019, with the whole place stepping back in time to the Victorian era.
Events start from 12 noon and go on through the day until the Victorian Parade at 5pm, finishing with the Christmas lights being switched on.
The weekend-long event features a wide range of stalls set up on the streets and in designated halls, open from 12pm to 6pm.
There will also be activities and entertainment for all ages, including a special visit from Siôn Corn (Santa) himself - welcoming children into his grotto - and an elf school too.
There's also free parking close to the event.
Beaumaris, Gwynedd, LL58 8BS. November 23 and 24, 2019.
Christmas Craft Fair, North York Moors National Park
This Christmas fair is located in the Moors National Park centre, a historical building set in an idyllic spot on the banks of the River Esk, and boasts breathtaking views of moorland, woodland, farmland and buildings.
The fair itself has some of the best of local arts, country crafts and seasonal gifts from stall holders old and new.
The fair has everything from jewellery, handwoven textiles, ceramics, candles, crocheted bears, hats, scented soaps and handmade fudge and chocolates.
A visit to Father Christmas and crafts for the children, along with tasty treats in the Woolly Sheep café, complete the festive offering.
Drop in any time between 11 and 4pm on Saturday 16 November and Sunday 17th November.
Free entry, but booking essential. Book online or call The Moors National Park Centre, Danby, North Yorks, on 01439 772738.
Llandudno Christmas Fayre
The Victorian seaside resort is known for its traditional coastal offerings, with a sweeping bay and picturesque promenade - so much so that it is known as the Queen of Welsh Resorts.
It's annual Christmas Fayre attracts over 35,000 guests over the four days of the event, which hosts over 140 stalls selling a huge variety of food and gifts, and an opportunity to sample some of the best products being made in Wales at the moment.
There's a dedicated stage providing live entertainment for the duration of the fayre and features include a nativity, rock choirs, dance performances and musical theatre.
There's also a Lapland area for children, with an elf workshop, face painting, craft activities, steam railway and a VR sleigh ride.
New for 2019 will be a street procession, at 7pm on the Saturday evening after the fayre closes.
Entry to the Llandudno Christmas Fayre is £4.50.
Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1BB. November 14 - 17, 2019.
