BRITS are now immersing themselves into the festivities of Christmas and what better way than attending a Christmas market.
However, one popular Santa's Grotto event has been cancelled with just days to go after organisers said he was "too busy" to attend.
Rawtenstall Market confirmed in a statement that the grotto has been cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances entirely out of our control".
The statement from Rawtenstall Market read: "It is with a heavy heart that we must share some disappointing news. Due to unforeseen circumstances entirely out of our control, we are sorry to inform you that the Santa Grotto event this year has been cancelled. Unfortunately, Santa has found himself a little too busy this year."
Despite this, there are many more Christmas events for you to attend and we've rounded up some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the UK returning this year.
Read our Christmas Market blog below for the latest news and updates…
- By Louis Allwood
Bath Christmas Market returned yesterday
Bath's Christmas Market returned yesterday and will be running until December 10.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, there will be 170 chalets selling food, gifts and drinks across the city centre.
Bath's Christmas Market is free to enter.
- By Louis Allwood
Christmas markets abroad
Every winter, the centre of Prague hosts a Christmas market in the Old Town Square.
While you browse the market to the sound of carolers, there will also be traditional sweet treats and mulled wine called "svařák".
For an extra special day, holidaymakers should consider visiting on December 5 (St. Nicholas Day), which represents the start of Christmas for Czech people.
Kids might even catch a glimpse of the market's mascot, Mikulas, and his companions, the angel and the devil, in the Old Town Square.
- By Louis Allwood
York Christmas Market
York's Christmas Market will be running until December 22.
There will be alpine-style chalets serving food, drink and gifts.
There will also be some rides including a Helter Skelter.
York's Christmas Market is free to visit.
- By Louis Allwood
Christmas market expert tips
TikTok user Casey, who is known as Life in Vienna on the social media platform, posted a video where she shared her top five Christmas market tips.
Her tricks were specifically meant for Vienna's central Christmas market set outside the Rathaus, but the tips can be applied to any festive market.
YULE BE GLAD I'm a Christmas market expert – avoid 4 pitfalls or risk being disappointed
- By Louis Allwood
Where are the most expensive Christmas markets when it comes to parking?
Christmas markets are back open ahead of the festive season, but which ones are the most expensive when it comes to parking?
Automotive experts at Leasing Options analysed how much it’s going to cost you to park at 14 of the UK’s biggest festive markets this year.
On average, parking at Edinburgh's market was found to be the third most expensive.
Scots can expect to shell out around £19.85 for three hours in the capital, and a whopping £34.92 for 24 hours.
The two most expensive markets for parking this year will be for those who want to visit London’s Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland or the South Banks Winter Market.
On average if you want to park within walking distance of Hyde Park, it’ll cost £32.12 for three hours, and £44.37 if you want to extend your stay for 24 hours.
The South Bank Winter Market is 62% cheaper to park closer to, costing on average £19.82 for three hours or £36.67 for 24 hours.
- By Louis Allwood
Nottingham Christmas Market
Nottingham's Christmas Market will run until December.
The Winter Wonderland will be across Old Market Square and Trinity Square with more than 70 stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.
There are even rides too, including a Ferris Wheel, ice rink and toboggan slide.
There are lots of themed bars too, including the Ice Bar, Ski Bar and Helter Skelter bar, as well as a rooftop bar.
It's free to enter but you will need tickets for the rides.
- By Louis Allwood
Birmingham Christmas Market
Also one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK is Birmingham.
Running until December 24, it is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany.
This means you can enjoy classics such as schnitzels, bratwursts and steins of beer.
There are also live music performances throughout the week.
Birmingham Christmas Market is free to enter.
- By Louis Allwood
Manchester's Christmas market returns
Manchester's Christmas market is one of the biggest in the UK.
The market returned earlier this month and will be running until December 21.
Last year there were 220 stalls at the market, selling food, drinks and souvenirs.
Manchester's Christmas Market is free to enter.
- By Louis Allwood
London is home to some of the biggest Christmas Markets
London is home to lots of Christmas markets, but the most popular is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
The huge attraction opened on November 17 and will continue to welcome guests until January 1, 2024.
Not only are there stalls selling food and gifts, but there are attractions including fairground rides and and the biggest open-air ice rink in the country.
You will need to book a ticket to visit although it is free during off-peak hours.
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