These stunning photos show six of Britain’s biggest Christmas markets as the festive tradition continues to grow around the country.
Most of our major cities now host the markets at this time of year, offering treats from around the world as well as homegrown mulled wine and mince pies.
From Ferris wheels to tiny trinket stalls, Bath, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Manchester have been transformed into sparkling winter wonderlands.
Christmas market-goers will be dazzled by this year’s eye-catching displays as they wind their way through hundreds of stalls.
Each market boasts it’s own unique character, from Edinburgh’s Helter Skelter in Princes Street Gardens, to London South Bank’s riverside ice skating rink.
A giant glowing Santa Claus is the star attraction of Manchester’s Albert Square, overlooking a whopping 350 market stalls.
Almost a million festive shoppers are expected to visit that market this year.
In Bath the understated Christmas huts which lie in the shadow of the historic abbey make for an enchanting festive display.
Meanwhile, a spin on Leeds’ Christkindelmarkt carousel is a must, alongside last-minute Christmas shopping and a creamy hot chocolate.
And in Birmingham it is easy to get lost in the huge market maze which is the largest authentic German Christmas market in Britain.
