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Best UK Christmas markets for stocking up on presents this year

WITH Christmas day coming up in just two weeks time, Christmas markets around the UK will be in full swing.

With hundreds of stalls, each market offers festive food and drink, as well as gifts and souvenirs.

 UK's Christmas markets are now in full swing
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UK's Christmas markets are now in full swingCredit: Getty - Contributor

Some of the bigger markets also have attractions including rides, ice skating rinks and live performances.

Plus, as they're all in the UK, there's no hassle of booking a last-minute flight and hotel.

It means you have more money left over for a glass or two of mulled wine, and to pick up some nice presents.

Here are some of the best Christmas markets in the UK to add to your diary this year.

1. Winter Wonderland

 Winter Wonderland is London's largest Christmas market
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Winter Wonderland is London's largest Christmas marketCredit: Alamy

The biggest Christmas Market in London, Winter Wonderland, is found in Hyde Park and runs from November 21 to January 5 this year.

Visitors can enter the attractions between 10am and 10pm and it is free to enter.

However, some attractions cost extra, such as ice skating and the Ferris wheel.

Book ahead of time on the .

2. Manchester Christmas Market

 Manchester's Christmas market is opening up later this month
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Manchester's Christmas market is opening up later this monthCredit: Alamy

This year, the Albert Square Christmas Market will run from November 8 to December 21.

Free to visit, there are over 300 stalls including food and drink as well as gifts and toys.

The markets will also spread out to other locations including Exchange Square and St Ann's Square.

Check the other locations on the .

3. Bath Christmas Market

 The Christmas markets of Bath have won awards in previous years
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The Christmas markets of Bath have won awards in previous yearsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Taking place from November 28 to December 15, the Bath Christmas Market can be found throughout the streets of the city centre.

It is free to visit, and will run from 10am until 7pm from Monday to Wednesday, with a later opening of 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Market stalls will close at 6pm on Sundays.

Check out the locations on the .

4. Birmingham Christmas Market

 Birmingham's Christmas markets are often known as some of the most authentic German markets in the UK
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Birmingham's Christmas markets are often known as some of the most authentic German markets in the UKCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is opening from November 7 until December 23 this year - a week longer than usual.

Known as the most authentic German market outside of the country, the markets at Victoria Square are free to visit.

Guests can enter between 10am and 9pm.

Check out the location on the .

5. Edinburgh Christmas Market

 The Christmas markets in Edinburgh open next month
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The Christmas markets in Edinburgh open next monthCredit: Alamy

From November 16 to January 4, Edinburgh's Christmas Markets are running at Princes Street Gardens.

They are free to visit, and are open from 10am until 10pm.

With the city popular around that time of year thanks to the famous Hogmanay celebrations, expect it to be busy.

Check out the location a the .

6. Cardiff Christmas Market

 Cardiff Christmas markets return to the Welsh city this year
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Cardiff Christmas markets return to the Welsh city this yearCredit: Alamy

The Christmas Markets in Cardiff will run from November 14 to December 23.

The stalls run across the streets in the City Centre including St John Street, Trinity Street and Working Street.

The market opening times are yet to be revealed, although could be similar to last year - opening from 10am to 6pm excluding Sundays which closes at 5pm.

Check out the location at the .

7. Christkindelmarkt, Leeds

 Christkendelmarkt is Leed's Christmas markets
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Christkendelmarkt is Leed's Christmas marketsCredit: Alamy

Located at Millennium Square is Christkendelmarkt, Leeds' famous Christmas Markets are free to visit again this year.

Running from November 8 to December 21, the markets are open from 10:30am to 9:30pm from Monday to Saturday, with closing times of 7:30pm on Sundays.

It will also not open until 12pm on November 12 due to Remembrance Day.

Check out the location on the .

8. Winchester Christmas Market

 Winchester's Christmas markets are found near the famous Winchester Cathedral
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Winchester's Christmas markets are found near the famous Winchester CathedralCredit: Alamy

Winchester's Christmas Market will open again this year at Winchester Cathedral, between 21 November and 22 December.

Opening times are 10am until 8pm from Thursday to Saturday, and 10am until 6:30pm Sunday to Wednesday.

The 100 stalls are free to visit although tickets to the ice rink start from £6.95.

Check out the location at the .

9. Belfast Christmas Market

 The Northern Irish city will open their Christmas market at Belfast again this year
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The Northern Irish city will open their Christmas market at Belfast again this yearCredit: Alamy

The Northern Irish Christmas Markets in Belfast will run at the City Hall grounds from November 16 to December 22 this year.

Free to enter, the stalls open from 10am until 8pm on Monday to Wednesday, but stay open until 10pm from Thursday to Saturday.

The stalls close at 6pm on Sundays.

Check out the location at the .

Santa Pauli - Germany's saucy Christmas market in Hamburg's red light district

Want to head abroad for a Christmas Market? We've revealed the cheapest destinations this year.

Make sure you check out some of the Christmas events at UK theme parks as well.

We've also rounded up some great Santa's grottos you can check out.

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