The elegant Georgian city of Bath is staging its popular Christmas Market over an 11-day period this year (December 2-12). More than 110 wooden ‘chalets’, selling an array of festive items from food and drink to toys and hand-made gifts, are set out on an open-air site bordered by two of England’s most historic buildings: Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.

Carol singers, strolling players and a Victorian carousel add to the atmosphere and there is the heady aroma of mulled wine, mince pies and roast chestnuts. Admission is free.
Website: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

London’s Eastside, which includes the East End and Docklands, claims to offer more Christmas fun this year than ever before. The festive events range from traditional pantomime shows – “Sleeping Beauty” at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and “Aladdin” at a restored Edwardian theatre, the Hackney Empire – to the 12 period rooms at the Geffrye Museum decorated for the season and giving a magical glimpse into Christmases past (November 30 – January 2).

For shoppers, Spitalfields Market and Greenwich Market are two of the many locations selling festive gifts and other delights. The Christmas lights are switched on at Greenwich on Nov. 21, accompanied by carol singing and free mulled wine and mince pies. The website includes a “Quirky Shopping Guide”.
Website: www.visiteastlondon.co.uk

Visitors to the Cotswold Hills can combine Christmas shopping with a stroll around the magnificent grounds and gardens of Blenheim Palace, near Oxford. The Living Crafts for Christmas event (Nov. 19-21) at Blenheim features 60 stallholders selling a wide range of crafts including hand-made jewellery, fashions, art, toys and more. Festive fare on sale includes spiced ales, mulled wine, chocolate, cheeses and Christmas puddings. Tickets are £6, discount applies if bought in advance. Tel: 08700 11 912.
Website: www.livingcrafts.co.uk