If previous Christmases have taught us anything, it's that the build-up to the big day is just as good as Christmas day itself!
Why contain all the festive fun to just one day, when you can start in November and fill each day with even more mistletoe and wine?
Christmas markets are a massive Yuletide tradition that have exploded all over the UK in recent years.
Starting in Vienna as far back as 1298, nowadays these festive markets pop up in almost every town and city in the UK and across Europe, offering visitors the ultimate Christmas experience.
From mulled wine and fresh doughnuts to Christmas gifts and ice skating rinks, these magical markets are the perfect place to get in the Christmas spirit and embrace the most wonderful time of the year.
To help you find the best Christmas market near you, we've scoured the nation and narrowed them down to give you our top six picks of the ultimate Christmas markets for 2019.
1. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, 22nd November - 15th December 2019
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the UK's most iconic palaces, the Blenheim Palace Christmas market is the perfect place to enjoy an idyllic festive day out.
Take a wander around the wooden chalets with a glass of mulled wine and peruse the tasty treats on offer and wonderful Christmas gifts, including homewares, leather goods, stationery, hats, and much more!
Plus, entry is completely free!
To find out more, head to www.blenheimpalace.com.
2. Leeds Christkindelmarkt, 8th November - 21st December 2019
When it comes to German-style Christmas markets, the Christkindelmarkt is the one to beat.
Hosted in Leeds' Millennium Square from 8th November to 21st December, this market is open from 10.30am to 9.30pm, making it perfect for an evening visit after work.
Head to the Kuh Stall for traditional German sausages and a roaring fire, or opt for the Ski Hutte for the perfect apres-ski experience complete with a unique Glockenspiel playing up to 30 different melodies!
3. Newark Park Christmas Fair, Gloucestershire, 29th & 30th November, 1st December 2019
Situated in Newark Park, Gloucestershire, this National Trust property is opening its doors this November and December to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of different Christmas stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts and festive foods. Or, if you'd prefer something a bit more hands-on, on 3rd December the house will be running a Christmas wreath decorating workshop – just make sure you book in advance!
4. Christmas at Flat Iron Square, London, 11th November 2019 - 6th January 2020
Returning to London's Southwark area, Christmas at Flat Iron Square is the ultimate Apres Ski experience.
Feeling like you just walked off the slopes and into a traditional Austrian ski lodge, it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink around the fire with your friends and family, and top-notch street food vendors are just a short walk away.
Plus, every week this venue will run a free festive film screening!
5. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Edinburgh, 16th November 2019 - 4th January 2020
Located just a short walk from Edinburgh's Waverley train station, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is perfect for soaking up the Scottish capital's amazing shops and scenery.
Filled with traditional Christmas shops offering everything from mulled wine and warm cider to gifts and crafts, make sure you pencil in a visit this December and make the most of the market and the beautiful gardens that surround it!
6. Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham, 7th November - 23rd December
For an all-out Christmas extravaganza, the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is the place to be.
Holding the title of the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, this market has got everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit celebrate the Yuletide season.
Visit the traditional German cabin stalls to get your hands on pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, roasted almonds and of course, German beer! Then venture over to Victoria Square where you can enjoy live music and a huge variety of wooden decorations, glass baubles and crystal lamps.
