There's something so Christmassy about having a mooch around a festive market.
It's the twinkling lights, wooden chalets and live music as the scent of mulled wine, freshly baked cookies and roasted chestnuts fills the air.
The great thing is that there are big Christmas markets popping up across the UK, most of which are free to enter, making a lovely day out for all the family.
Read more: Birmingham German Christmas Market 2025 opening dates, times and how to get there
Read next: Ice Skate Birmingham and Big Wheel opening dates, times and prices for Christmas 2025
The Birmingham German Christmas Market runs from November 1 to December 24 in Victoria Square and on New Street.
Here are some of the biggest festive market attractions taking place within a couple of hours drive or train ride from Birmingham. Be sure to check ahead to avoid disappointment.
We've also included hotels and pubs to stay at overnight if you want to make a weekend of it. Prices correct on October 22.
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland features lots to do for a full day out.
There's a fairground, a ground level ice rink, a Sky Skate Ice Path and a dedicated children's ice rink, complete with penguin skate aids for the littlest skaters.
And, of course, there's a Christmas market where independent traders take over Old Market Square selling artisan cheeses, plants, homemade chutneys, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, continental food and home accessories.
Running from November 12 to Christmas Eve, it takes just over an hour to get to Nottingham from Birmingham, via the M42 and A42, traffic permitting.
It's around the same time to get there by direct train from Birmingham New Street too. Find out more via the Nottingham Winter Wonderland website.
Why not make a weekend of it and stay overnight? November weekend prices at the Ibis at Fletchers Gate in Nottingham start from just £66 for two people.
Manchester's Christmas Markets are said to be 'bigger and better than ever' for 2025 with more than 200 stalls planned across 10 sites, including a reopened section of Albert Square.
There's something different at every location, offering activities for all the family.
Albert Square will host 'A Taste of Christmas': a festive 'mini market' selling food, drinks and crafts. The square will be home to a huge Ferris wheel, giving views of Manchester's Town Hall.
Expect local and international crafts, seasonal foods, from swing grills to Dutch pancakes and bars serving hot drinks in mugs.
Running from November 7 to December 22, it takes an hour and a half by direct train from Birmingham New Street.
Alternatively, it's around an hour and 45 minutes by car, via the M6, traffic permitting. Find out more via the Manchester City Council website.
You can stay at Malmaison Manchester for around £110 for two people for a November weekend.
Liverpool Christmas Market features a wide range of craft and gift traders offering unusual jewellery, Christmas ornaments, hand-crafted leather journals, woollen wears, unique art, hand-painted creative gifts, festive tipples by the bottle, cheeses and more.
The market forms a U-shape around St George's Hall and there are winter fairground rides, including a giant Ferris wheel, a vintage carousel and a snow slide plus a Santa Land.
Relax by the warm fires at the Tipi Bar, take in the views from the iconic Windmill Bar, soak up the festive vibe at the Alpine Bar, party at the Bavarian Bar, or explore the smaller barrel and chalet bars scattered throughout the market.
Running from November 15 to December 24, it takes around two hours to drive to Liverpool via the M6 or just 90 minutes by train from New Street. Find out more via the Visit Liverpool website.
There's currently a deal on Liverpool StayCity Aparthotels in Liverpool city centre, reduced from £132 to £93 for a whole apartment.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace features a light trail, skating rink and Palace of Oz in the palace together with Blenheim Christmas Market in The Great Court.
The seasonal village of wooden chalets offers Christmas gift ideas and tasty treats so you can tuck into street food and hot chocolates under the stars.
Running from November 14 to December 21, it takes around 90 minutes to drive to Blenheim via the M40 from Birmingham, traffic allowing.
Admission fees apply. Find out more and book via the Blenheim Palace website.
Why not book an overnight stay at the Kings Arms pub in Woodstock to round off your visit. It costs around £125 for two people.
Bath Christmas Market is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025.
Bath's historic city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling chalets, unique gifts and gourmet food and drinks.
There's also Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park for festive ice skating plus a Christmas Tree Maze that's new for 2025.
Runs from November 27 to December 14, it takes around an hour and 45 minutes to get to Bath from Birmingham New Street Station, switching at Bristol Temple Meads.
By car, it's around a two and a quarter hour drive via the M5, traffic permitting. Find out more via the Bath Christmas Market website.
You could stay overnight at the The Loft at Lucott House, which is set in rolling countryside just three quarters of a mile out of the centre of Bath.
Bakewell Christmas Markets are held in the heart of this picturesque market town, and the market features local traders from across the Peak District and Derbyshire.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the market with more than 100 stalls and gazebos, as well as entertainment from local brass and silver bands, choirs and a DJ.
Running for just one weekend on November 15 and 16, it takes around an hour and 45 minutes to drive to Bakewell via the A38 from Birmingham. Find out more via the Bakewell Christmas Market website.
Try The Garden Rooms at Tannery House in Bakewell for an overnight stay from around £130 for two.
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This is a smaller, more intimate Christmas market than some of the huge city centre takeovers.
But there's lots to do with around 40 stalls to mooch, live entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves.
You can even book a Festive Balloon Dining experience in a decorated hot air balloon or have a drink or dinner on a festive ski gondola.
Running from November 7 to December 23, it takes around an hour and 20 minutes by direct train from Birmingham New Street. The drive is more like an hour and three quarters down the M5, traffic allowing. Find out more via the Bristol Christmas Market website.