Very few would deny wanting to visit a Christmas market and when those days that are cold on the fingers and toes come calling, you can't beat a cockle-warmer in a great cocktail bar.
Here, we look at some of the UK's most notable Christmas markets outside of London – and see the nearest Top 50 Cocktail Bars sites where you can really ramp up your fun levels on the big day out.
Manchester
From Friday 7 November to Monday 22 December, visitors to Manchester will be able to enjoy more than 200 stalls across 10 sites including a reopened section of Albert Square, which will host 'A Taste of Christmas', a festive 'mini market' selling food, drinks and crafts while the square will also host a huge Ferris wheel, offering spectacular views.
And there's plenty of amazing bars you could nip into while in the city.
Schofield's Bar can be found on Little Quay Street and is the brainchild of brothers Joe and Dan Schofield.
Perhaps you'll be located a little closer to the other four top 50 listees so you might want to try Speak in Code, BLINKER, Stray charting or Red Light.
Edinburgh
Four bars on the top 50 list are located in the Scottish capital, which is famed for its Fringe Festival that takes place in August.
The city will be transformed into a festive fairytale from 15 November until 4 January this year with Christmas markets, funfair rides, live events and more.
Beautifully decorated chalets will offer unique gifts everyday (except Christmas Day) throughout the last month of the year and into 2026.
Check out Panda and Sons, which is located on Queen Street and has a Prohibition-style ground level entrance that leads downstairs and is a sight to behold before even tasting anything.
Don't miss out on Nauticus, Hey Palu and Bramble Bar & Lounge, which are also on the Top 50 list.
Birmingham
Reported to be the largest authentic Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city's annual calendar with stalls on Victoria Square and New Street offering something for everyone.
This year, it will be held between Saturday 1 November and Wednesday 24 December, giving more than seven weeks for visitors to get in the Christmas spirit.
There are a couple of cocktail bars in the 'second city' of England and they are worth venturing a little further to visit including Couch and Passing Fancies.
Cardiff
The Cardiff Christmas Market is located in St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street – the main shopping pedestrian areas in Cardiff City Centre.
Running from 13 November to 23 December, there will be a selection of eclectic arts and crafts together with a selection of food and alcohol producers – but why go to those when there are three amazing cocktail bars that have gained Top 50 Cocktail Bars fame in the city?
First up, check out Lab 22. The Caroline Street site is sensationally designed, mixing contemporary style with a touch of elegance and bounds of fun and exceptional experience.
And if you fancy more, try Penny Bar, which is on the High Street and don't miss The Dead Canary – this bar on Barrack Lane does great drinks and even offers cocktail masterclasses.
Bath
Nestled among the cobbled streets and historic landmarks, Bath provides a magical and romantic atmosphere for its festive event.
From Thursday 27 November to Sunday 14 December this year, visitors to the city can celebrate a quarter of a century of festive cheer at Bath Christmas Market.
Set in the heart of the city centre, more than 250 traders from the south-west and beyond are showcased as a platform for local artisan businesses.
The magnificent bar The Hideout is a must-visit, which is home to the Bar Team of the Year.
There are two bars in Bristol so will require a special trip across from Bath but Filthy XIII and The Milk Thistle are genuinely brilliant so it's certainly worth the visit... after all, it is Christmas.
