Christmas markets to fill you with festive cheer

There's a Christmas tradition which has caught on in the UK over the last few years that we really, really love. No, not Black Friday from the States (although we do love that, too) it's the Christmas markets that appear in our city centres every year.

The little wooden huts which pop up on our high streets give us that festive feeling from the minute we see them. The glorious smells of warm apple cider, sugary crepes and spicy frankfurters help keep the smiles on our faces as we wander from stall-to-stall.

Luckily, you won't have to go too far to visit a Christmas market as most cities around the UK now have them.

Here are 3 of the best around Britain (and one you might want to save up to visit next year) let us know if you'll be visiting any this year by tweeting @DiamondForGirls or posting on our Facebook page.

Bath

Home to the renowned Roman Baths, Bath is the ideal city to visit if you fancy a wonderfully, wintery weekend break.

The Christmas market draws in thousands during its 18 days in the city, with the areas between the beautiful Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths lined with more than 170 little wooden chalets.

You can pick up handmade gifts and unique Christmas decorations as well as festive food and of course, plenty of mulled wine.

Visit between: 27th November - 14th December

Edinburgh

Fancy a European Christmas market without having to travel too far? Edinburgh is the place for you from the end of November until the first week of January.

With three markets to choose from - the Children's Market, the European Christmas Market and the Scottish Market - there's something to keep everyone entertained.

Stretching from the Mound, along Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument, there's plenty to see and even more to eat and drink.

Visit between: 21st November - 4th January

Manchester

It's already known as a great city for Christmas shopping, it's even better when you visit when the chalets are in town.

Spread around different parts of the city, there are over 300 stalls with everything from Hungarian goulash and Spanish paella, to amber jewellery and bonsai trees on offer.

While away an afternoon sampling all the tasty treats and make sure to have a whipped cream and marshmallow-topped hot chocolate if you're in need of some warmth.

Visit between: 14th November - 21st December

Stuttgart - Germany

There's definitely something a bit magical about this one - it has a palace as a backdrop, for one thing. Described as a fascinating, sparkling Christmas city, it's one of the original German Christmas markets.

You'll see beautiful, festive illuminations and lose yourself in the winter wonderland on Palace Square; it's like being transported to a Christmas dream.

With 280 beautifully decorated stalls to look at you won't be lost for things to do. You won't go hungry either - you can have your fill of sweet treats like candied almonds and, for the savoury lovers, fried sausages.

Visit between: 26th November - 23rd December