The 10 Best Christmas markets

1. Leeds Christkindelmarkt

Until 18 December, leeds.gov.uk

Leeds' Millennium Square turns into a little bit of Germany with 40 visiting German traders, and there's even an authentic bierkeller.

2. SouthBank and London Eye Christmas Market

Until 24 Dec, xmas-markets.com

Pay a visit to Santa in his grotto-cum-chalet or marvel at the illuminated London Eye.

3. Belfast Christmas Continental Market

Until 19 Dec, belfastcity.gov.uk

Stalls from 27 countries transform the city hall's grounds into a chocolate-box Christmas scene.

4. Caerphilly Medieval Market

10 and 11 Dec, christmasmarkets.com

Experience a medieval Christmas, complete with castle jester, while roaming around 150 craft stalls.

5. Manchester Christmas Market

Until 21 Dec, manchester.gov.uk

Mooch around chalet-lined Albert Square and a small forest of plants, and sample the multicultural fare.

6. Gateshead Christmas Market

Until 11 December, newcastlegateshead.com

This is a winter fantasia of carol singers, mulled wine stalls and a whole host of food stalls.

7. Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

Until 23 Dec, birmingham.gov.uk

The Frankfurt market has German foods and trinkets, as well as local handmade stocking-fillers.

8. Bath Christmas Market

Until 11 December, bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Possibly the prettiest of all the markets, between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, with 120 gift stalls.

9. Winchester Christmas Market

Until 21 December, winchester-cathedral.org.uk

This showcases local painters, glass-makers and textile artists.

10. Edinburgh German Christmas Market and Fair

Until 24 December, edinburghschristmas.com

A German market with sausages, crêpes and handmade gifts.

Click here to view Christmas tours and breaks, with Independent Holidays.