Each week we run a section in the Guardian newspaper's travel section, asking for readers to send in tips on a particular subject. The best tip wins a digital camera courtesy of Jessops. Find out more here.





Winning tip
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Lincoln's Christmas market
Posted by lenalindstrom

Can you find Christmas and indeed the Christmas spirit in a medieval town on a hill in the otherwise flat Lincolnshire? Yep! It's amazing

The Lincoln christmas market is set around the historic cathedral and castle area. Follow cobbled streets to pick up local sweet treats and listen to beautiful carols. I'm from an area close to the Swedish lapland and I ensure you, Lincoln's Christmas market is truly spectacular. No fake ice ala Hyde Park, instead you will find around 300 beautiful traditional and festive stalls - along with a funfair for those who fancy some thrills. I swear the historic location and the beautiful lights on the hill make this market magical. While you're there, pop in to the cathedral and listen to beautiful choir Christmas music. This market is lovely and very atmospheric - but beware, it's on a very steep hill so mobility might be an issue for some.

christmasmarket.lincoln.gov.uk/

Google map: tinyurl.com/yc2ydjc

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Manchester, Albert Square
Posted by jonny007
Sprawling beneath the Gothic grandeur of Manchester town hall, Albert Square's city Christmas market is packed full of bustling wooden food stalls selling all kinds of delicious wintery goodness. Head to the central bratwurst stall where you can wolf down a mammoth German sausage cooked on a huge smoking swing grill. If you're lucky you can eat whilst listening to festive carols performed by gifted students from the nearby Royal Northern College of Music. Those who want to remain faithful to the region, the neighbouring stall will happily serve up a hearty portion of Lancashire hotpot. Flat caps optional.

Albert Square, 18th November to 22nd December

Google map: tinyurl.com/yjr4h6o

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Leeds Christmas Market
Posted by markdavidtom
From mid November, the Leeds Christkindelmarkt – set in the splendour of Millennium Square - offers a real alternative to the claustrophobic hustle and bustle of a pre-Christmas high street.

Lanes of garishly decorated wooden chalets stocked full of food, toys, clothes and trinkets provide alternative ideas for that last minute stocking filler. From German sausage and honey to hand crafted wind chimes and children’s toys, the market is an ideal haven for those looking for something a little bit kooky.

It’s at night, however, when the market really comes to life. The twinkling lights, the sound of the vintage carousel and the smell of frankfurters are a delight to the senses, that can’t help but put you in a festive mood.

For a real taste of Germany, end your day in the bierkeller where Oompah bands entertain a lively crowd with their own interpretations of songs written by Hamburg’s adopted sons, The Beatles.

Millennium Square, Leeds

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8q85ok

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Bath Christmas Market
Posted by Laziz
Bath Christmas Market sits in the best location in the city - between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. You can wander round the little wooden chalets and see all the gorgeous wares on offer, while sipping mulled wine and sampling (my favourite) good west country cheese! Being able to look up and see the beautiful Abbey towering over you just adds to the Christmas cheer.

bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/

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Grassington Christmas Festival
Posted by Janeeb33
I love Christmas and can’t wait to dust off my Dickensian street scene advent calendar. If like me you love ye old Christmas and festive joy, then head to Grassington in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for the annual Dickensian Christmas Market/Festival. The locals dress to impress in traditional Victorian costume and entertain with the toe tingling sound of a brass band, choir and nativity. Indulge in this traditional Christmas market by staying till dusk to properly soak up the magic that is Christmas.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylcmwqq

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Belfast Christmas market
Posted by ChrisOC
This superb celebration of food and drink has become an annual event in the run-up to Christmas and is the perfect place for presents for the food-lover in your life. Or just a great place to hang out, stuff your face and get in the festive spirit. The stalls set up in front of the City Hall offer a huge variety of fresh and cooked produce: Indian, Thai, kangaroo burgers, paella, all kinds of salamis and cheeses … the list goes on. A personal favourite are the huge bratwurst sausages washed down with an even bigger stein of German lager. The market, including the bar, stay open late every weekend in December, and the atmosphere is as worth sampling as the food.

Location: Outside the City Hall.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ykgnfnw

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Edinburgh Christmas market
Posted by OurVin
There are several markets scattered across the city: arts & crafts, ethical, farmers'. But the daddy of them all is of course the German market in Princes St Gardens. Giant wheel, ice skating and mulled wine with the backdrop of the formidable Edinburgh Castle - unbeatable!

Princes Street
edinburghschristmas.com/

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8vhhs6