Must-See Christmas Gift Fairs in the UK

1) BANKSIDE WINTER FESTIVAL - LONDON

This UK gift fair allows you the privilege to shop right alongside the River Thames in London's West end, just outside the Tate Modern Museum. This festival promises nearly 50 stalls displaying the perfect stocking stuffers for any taste. You'll find gorgeous Christmas crafts, handmade goods of leather, wood and ceramic, as well as jewelry at the Bankside gift fair. A large main bar supplies mulled wine and ale, while individual booths sell festive and seasonal food to keep you warm. The location can't be missed. Parades, tours, and performances aplenty make the Bankside Winter Festival a must-see.

2) BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET - SOMERSET

Set in a stunning location between the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, this historical spot is the perfect atmosphere for a spectacular Christmas fair. The 2010 market will run for an extra 7 days, totaling 18 days for the longest running Bath Christmas Market thus far! Beginning on the 25th of November, the market will stretch into the second week of December, ending December 12th. More than a hundred traditional chalets offer everything from handmade gifts to uncommon items you won't find anywhere else. Decorative items will inspire and impress. This is definitely a gift fair not to miss!

3) LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET - LINCOLNSHIRE

The Lincoln Christmas Market is the largest of its kind in the EU. While this market only runs for three days, vendors and visitors alike from across the world come each year to display and amass the perfect variety of Christmas wares. Carolers in costume, several hundred stalls, and a myriad of goods both locally produced and brought from afar make this a very special gift fair, indeed. The fair is set between Lincoln Cathedral and the city's Norman castle. Lincoln's Christmas market was the first German-style traditional market held in the UK.

4) THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR - MIDLANDS

This exciting gift fair held annually in Birmingham will run this year from the 18th to the 21st of November. Over 30,000 shoppers are reported to enjoy this Christmas gift fair each year, and nearly all report it to be an excellent shopping experience. The fair includes a welcoming, festive ambiance inside with gift categories for everyone on your list. But not only that, those waiting in queue are entertained with performances of Christmastime favorites before even reaching the doors. Inside, talented musicians serenade shoppers as they merrily select presents. Many new vendor stalls are added yearly.

5) OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET, OXFORD CASTLE - OXFORDSHIRE

While the Oxford Christmas Market is a smaller market at approximately 30 stalls, it is held in the Oxford Castle and promises delightful performances by brass bands and school choirs. Handmade and fair trade items are sold from traditional wooden vendor stalls, and there is a small Victorian carousel for the children. If you're looking to skip the massive crowds, but still get an eyeful of English culture and architecture, head to Oxford for your shopping this year! The gift fair takes place from November 26th to December 12th.

Photo by:Mike Fleming