Christmas markets

Towns and cities across the UK are busy preparing for their annual Christmas markets and craft fairs, with many following a tried-and-tested formula: German chalet-style stalls selling jewellery, handmade toys, Christmas decorations, and continental food and drink.

Here we take a look at five Christmas markets offering something a little different - from their surroundings, to the gifts and entertainment on offer.

The Dickens Christmas Market at Rochester Castle

• Where: in the grounds of Rochester Castle, Rochester, Kent
• When: Friday 30 November to Sunday 18 December 2011; Wednesday to Friday 11am to 5pm (Except 30 November 11am to 6pm), Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm (except Sunday 4 December 10am to 6pm)

The attractions at this market, named after one of the area's most famous past residents, features the usual fare; a giant Christmas tree, bandstand, carousel and dozens of chalet stalls. But, it is the location of this Christmas market, set in the grounds of Rochester Castle, adds that little bit extra to the experience – especially when it gets dark and the castle walls are illuminated.

Skipton Yuletide Festival

• Where: Skipton High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire
• When: Sunday 4 December and 11 December 2011, 10am to 4pm

Skipton’s famous High Street market will have a Christmas twist on the first two Sundays of December, when the Yuletide Festival is in town. Skipton’s Christmas market comes into its own with its array of entertainment, not to mention the range of stalls and shops to cater for all your present-buying needs. The entertainment on offer includes, the Tap-Dancing Turkeys, Musical Ruth and her piano, the Brass Bands of Skipton and Barnoldswick and the Accrington Pipe Band to name but a few. To round off the day, there's a procession along the High Street and Christmas carols.

Traditional Christmas Market on St Enoch Square, Glasgow

• Where: St Enoch’s Square, Glasgow, Scotland
• When: Thursday 20 November to Thursday 23 December 2010; Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, Sundays and bank holidays from 11am to 6pm

The market in Glasgow city centre is back on St Enoch Square this year. Among the traditional European traders there will be Scottish craftspeople offering amber and silver jewellery, hand-crafted toys and delicate glass ornaments for your Christmas tree. Hand-tatted laces, tin toys, candles in all shapes and sizes, hand-made ceramics and creative metal design will also be on sale.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

• Where: Hyde Park, London, near the Hyde Park Corner Gate entrance
• When: 18 November to 3 January 2011 (excluding Christmas Day), 10am to 10pm

Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park houses a wide variety of festive attractions, including an ice rink, circus shows, fair ground rides, and a giant observation wheel, echoing the South Bank’s London Eye, to name but a few. There is also Angels Christmas Market, which is handily situated right by entrance, if you’re not interested in the other stuff. With over 100 stalls featuring arts and crafts from around the world as well as gourmet gifts, this market could offer you some great alternative gift options.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair

• Where: Victoria Square, New Street, and Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
• When: 17 November to 23 December, 10am – 9pm daily

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria. It offers over 180 stalls, and recreates the feel of Christmas Markets in Germany, complete with lights, live music, and wooden chalets in the beautiful setting of Birmingham's Victoria Square. So if you’re looking for traditional handcrafted gifts and continental food, this is a good option to consider - and when you’re done shopping, you could even treat yourself to a warming glass of Gluhwein (German mulled wine)!