As the weather turns colder and the possibility of snow looms (if we're fortunate enough for the rain to ease), we're inching closer to the most magical time of the year, Christmas.
This means towns and cities everywhere are preparing to host their own Christmas markets, filled with trinkets for stockings, mulled wine, hot chocolate, hot dogs, crepes - all of the essential food and drink to truly get into the festive spirit.
Whether you prefer a train ride or a car journey, we've made a list of the best Christmas markets within a two-hour distance from Cardiff, so you can soak up as much of the festive spirit as possible. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
READ MORE: Expert unveils a budget-friendly £5.81 cleaning hack for your washing machine using kitchen essentials
READ MORE: Watch Sky TV and Netflix for free until the end of October if you catch this last-minute deal
Bath
Drive time: 1h30min
This is one of the UK's most renowned Christmas markets - and it's easy to see why. Meandering through the city's streets, Bath Christmas Market operates from Thursday, November 28 to Sunday, December 15.
With chalets nestled amongst Bath's historical monuments and mulled wine just steps away, it'll certainly get you ready for Christmas and fill your bags with presents for the whole family. The city will be illuminated with multicoloured floodlights and at its heart will stand a giant Christmas tree, naturally.
Out of all the cities in the UK, Bath has one of the most authentic atmospheres during Christmas time, with amazing buskers dotted around. Be sure to look out for the violinist, Nik Jovcic-Sas, who has performed at Glastonbury, and often performs festive songs at this time of year, sometimes even near the massive Christmas tree.
Find out more here.
Bristol
Drive time: 1h 8min.
Bristol's Christmas market will transport you straight to Germany with over 40 traditional chalet-style stalls adorned in festive decorations. The Broadmead shopping quarter will transform into a winter wonderland, offering delights such as Gluhwein and Bavarian food.
This year, the market introduces a Jagerbarn bar and beer garden. Running from Friday, November 1 to Monday, December 23, it even features private igloos and Gondolas for a peaceful escape.
Wandering around the city, it's easy to stumble across hidden gem pubs and restaurants which also do Christmas extremely well, which bring a mix of cosy, relaxed vibes as well as being fun and lively.
Find out more here.
Gloucester
Drive time: 1h 26min
The Winter Markets in Gloucester are returning for 2024. In the lead up to Christmas, a variety of traders will offer seasonal specials, artisan crafts, gifts, homeware, essential foodie products for your festive spread, and of course, food across Gloucester Quays.
Located across Gloucester Quays and the historic docks, over 90 traders will showcase the very best craft, gifts and food from the Southwest region. he markets will run from November 2 to December 15, and is completely free, with loads to see, taste and try to make the perfect day out.
Alongside these markets, an Outdoor Ice Rink will be available for families to book from November 23.
Find out more here.
Pembroke Castle
Drive time: 2h
Since it started in 2012, the Christmas market at Pembroke Castle has become a beloved annual tradition, attracting thousands of visitors eager to explore over 80 stalls brimming with gifts, toys, local produce, clothing, and jewellery.
The castle will also be lit up and filled with festive tunes, and then Santa will then be in his grotto for the Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 3pm.
Carol singers will add to the festive atmosphere, providing entertainment for all ages. As night falls, the castle's stunning illumination promises to transform the market into an unforgettable winter wonderland.
It is opening its gates on Friday, November 24 at 10am and will wrap up on Sunday, December 1 at 4pm.
Find out more here.
Hereford
Drive time: 1h 24min
In Hereford, the journey to festive joy takes just 1h24min by car. The market takes over High Town and Commercial Street from Friday, December 6 until Sunday, December 22, operating each Thursday and Friday.
And it will not only feature 40 charming stalls offering everything from crafts and jewellery to delicious hot street food, it will also boast a towering Christmas tree and twinkling lights to truly make the season bright. With festive treats and gifts on offer, it will also include locally made crafts, decorations and jewellery as well as delicious hot street food and drinks.
Find out more here.
Swansea
Drive timne: 1h 5min
And for people in Swansea, the drive time is a mere 1h5min.
This year, the Swansea Christmas market will be open from Saturday, November 23 to Saturday, December 22 The city centre will be illuminated with the traditional German-style market, featuring stalls brimming with gifts and treats.
There will also be a programme of fantastic Christmas entertainment at The Caroler’s Cabin to get you in the festive spirit! There are also loads of independents in the Independent Quarter, which encompasses the arcades and side-streets off the main drag to offer crafts, handmade gifts, fine foods and unique Christmas decorations.
Find out more here.
Hestercombe
Drive time: 1h 39min
For a more low-key Christmas, Hestercombe is the perfect festive trip if you want to get away from the cities. Located just outside of Taunton, in Somerset, the Hestercombe Christmas market offers more than your typical selection of festive stalls within Hestercombe Gardens, and the market will run from Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17, from 9am-5pm.
There is a £6.50 entry fee for the market which also includes access to the gardens, unless you are a member, a child, or visiting after 3pm, in which case prices vary. Visitors to the market will also get free entry to the gardens, house and contemporary art gallery – just show proof of your Christmas market admission at the visitor reception desk.
Visitors can enjoy crumbly mince pies, creamy hot chocolate, and homemade mulled wine, along with a variety of gifts, treats and hand-crafted items while they are there. If you have time to spare, Taunton is also well worth visiting at Christmas and wandering around the town.
You could pay a visit to Taunton Brewhouse, where you can experience a 'magical forest inspired by the whimsical world of Pinocchio during the festive period. Find out more here.
For those preferring to stay local, Cardiff's Christmas market will run from Thursday 14 November until Monday 23 December.
Find out about things going on where you live