The UK's Christmas markets have been ranked as pud, clove and wooden toy sellers across the country prepare to welcome visitors this festive season.
With winter fast approaching and the clocks having gone back, attention can be turned towards Christmas.
In recent years the UK has formed an increasingly strong Christmas market scene, with events most regular associated with European countries like Germany and Austria now a common feature in many towns and cities.
They are the perfect place to pick up gifts or decorations as the big day approaches, or to soak up the atmosphere with a glass of mulled wine.
With the help of rankings by Christmas Tree World, here are ten of the best festive markets in the UK this year.
Manchester, November 10 to December 22
Christmas market score 7.54 /10
The market has an impressive 220 stalls across its nine city centre sites in its 24th outing.
This year will see the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens - once again set to be transformed into the Winter Gardens - as well as multiple other streets nearby.
The Manchester Christmas lights trail will offer a warm festive glow while a central ice skating rink something for young and old to enjoy.
More information can be found here.
Nottingham, November 15 to December 31
Christmas market score 6.61 /10
Nottingham Market Square is the home of the largest Christmas market in the East Midlands, with a key feature being the impressive 32 metre observation wheel.
Expect plenty of delicious foods to buy, including locally made stews and artisan cheese, as well as an ice rink.
Visitors will also be able to take in the 18m tall tree and several charming wooden stalls.
With prices for a 3* hotel averaging at around £89, it’s perfect for those on a budget.
More information can be found here.
Leeds - cancelled
Expected Christmas market score 6.31 /10
The city and those who love visiting it at Christmas were dealt a big blow earlier this month when the council announced that the market would be cancelled.
Sadly the local authorities bonfire night celebrations have also been scrapped due to "significant budget pressures".
Birmingham, November 3 to December 22
Christmas market score 6.15/10
What is arguably the country's most iconic Christmas market is also one of the longest running this year, opening for over a month and a half.
The Frankfurt market, as it is known, is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, and provides plenty of Bavarian treats including pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds.
The perfect place to stop for a glass of gluhwein, weissbeer (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.
More information can be found here.
Winchester, November 18 to December 22
Christmas market score 6.15/10
The city's Christmas market is centred around its stunning cathedral, providing the perfect setting for an evening of festive cheer.
It is made up of wooden chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, with lashings of mulled wine and carol singers helping to create the atmosphere.
More information can be found here.
Edinburgh, 20 November to January 4
Christmas market score 5.54/10
The centre of Edinburgh will be turned into a festive paradise for a month and a half as stall holders set up in East Princes Street Gardens, which is right next to the city's main railway station Waverley.
In a wonderful coming together of Edinburgh's heritage and current status as a modern European city, guests can enjoy everything from mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets.
More information can be found here.
York, November 17 to December 23
Christmas market score 5.54/10
This year the city's market, known as St Nicholas Fair, marks three decades since it began making York's winding cobbled streets even more enchanting.
Alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, with traders serving up produce from 10am to 7pm until two days before Christmas.
Brand new to York Christmas Market for 2022 is a traditional Swiss chalet, The Winter Hütte, where Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern will be producing delicious treats.
More information can be found here.
Bristol, November 4 to December 23
Christmas market score 5.38/10
Bristol's city centre will be taken over by 50 market stall holders and be visited by Father Christmas and his reindeer this festive season.
Visitors can enjoy heated seating, delicious drinks and live music in our Jäger Barn Bar or can enjoy a bratwurst platter or charcuterie board.
More information can be found here.
Chester, November 18 to December 21
Christmas market score 4.46/10
One of the shorter running Christmas markets of the year, but still very much worth a visit.
A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits with 70 traders situated in the square around the town hall, where a large sparking Christmas tree will bath visitors in light.
More information can be found here.
Newcastle, November 19 to December 23
Christmas market score 3.85/10
Newcastle's Christmas market will be expanded this year to include an avenue of stalls along Grainger Street, the streets lining Grainger Market, the top of Grey Street, and Old Eldon Square.
Local traders will be serving up bespoke jewellery, eco-friendly beauty products, clothing, Churros, homemade chutneys and preserves as well as plenty of unique gifts.
Market traders including Matthew's Cheese and Firebrick Brewery will be familiar to those living in the city and certainly worth dropping in on.
More information can be found here.
