SEASONAL SHOPPING

Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.

There's nothing quite like a Christmas market to get you feeling festive clutching a cup of hot mulled wine as you browse the Alpine-style stalls decked in twinkling lights and selling handmade gifts, all with the smell of winter comfort food in the air. While some stalls can be found in towns up and down the country, you'll usually find local traders too, which makes these markets a great place to find unique presents, and it's a fun way to spend a winter afternoon.

The elves at Christmas Tree World have been crunching the numbers to discover which cities' markets are the most popular, based on the number of Google searches and social media posts, and average hotel room prices. Here's what made the list and where we recommend staying if you're visiting...

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham's annual Frankfurt Christmas Market comes in at number one in Christmas Tree World's analysis. With the shortest walk from a main station (Birmingham New Street is a four-minute walk away), it's ideal if you're just visiting for the day - and if you want to stay longer the city boasts some of the most affordable accommodation. Held in Victoria Square and surrounding streets, this is the UK's longest-running Christmas market, so there's plenty of time to enjoy it.

Dates: 1 November to 24 December Where to stay: To make a romantic weekend of it, book into the lovely New Hall Hotel & Spa which is 20 minutes outside the city in Sutton Coldfield (train tickets to Birmingham cost less than £5). This 800-year-old country house has a spa, a two-AA Rosette restaurant and stunning grounds. Rooms start from £245 per night.

LONDON

You're spoilt for choice if you want to visit a Christmas market in the capital as there are several, at famous locations such as Covent Garden, King's Cross and Greenwich.