You can’t help but be captivated by a Christmas market – all those tastes, aromas and inspirational gift ideas, just waiting to be explored. Here’s a rundown of Lancashire’s best.

10th November - 21st December
MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
One of the most anticipated Christmas markets will take over Manchester's city centre from early November. There are more than 300 yuletide stalls and chalets offering crafted seasonal gifts, from handmade jewellery to artisan leather bags. You can also enjoy the mouth-watering international food on offer, from Spanish paella to a more traditional hog roast. Delicious.
Albert Square and other areas around Manchester
www.visitmanchester.com

18th November - 23rd December
LIVERPOOL CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Mulled wine and other festive treats returns to Liverpool's Christmas Markets based at St George's Plateau and William Brown Street. and the North Entrance of St Georges Hall.
www.visitliverpool.com

26th November and 3rd & 10th December
CHRISTMAS ARTISAN FOOD & CRAFTS MARKET
Artisan Markets are running a trio of festive markets at Wyresdale Park in Scorton in November. and December. Alongside the wide range of stalls, the littles ones can take part in the Elf Trail and Santa visit.
artisanmarkets.co.uk

23rd November
ACCRINGTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Accrington Market Hall will be hosting a festive market taking place as part of the Accrington Christmas Light Switch On on Thursday 23rd November
www.amazingaccrington.co.uk

24th - 26th November
LANCASTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Lancaster Christmas Market will be held over three days at  Lancaster Brewery at Lancaster Leisure Park with top-quality food, drink, gifts, and fun.
www.facebook.com/events/173229309157109

25th - 26th November
CRAFTY VINTAGE FESTIVE MARKET
The Swan Hotel in Whalley will be brimming with gorgeous gifts, treats and eats from the finest collectors, creators and makers in the land over the last weekend in November.
www.facebook.com/craftyvintage

25th - 26th November and 2nd - 3rd, 9th - 10th and 16th - 17th December
BROCKHOLE CHRISTMAS ARTISAN MARKETS
For the four weekends in the run-up to Christmas, Brockholes Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of Preston will be hosting artisan businesses from around the North West in their floating village.
www.brockholes.org/events

30th November - 3rd December and 7th - 10th December
BEETHAM NURSERIES CHRISTMAS MARKET WEEKENDS
Beetham Nurseries have expanded their popular Christmas Markets Weekend to two this year. These free, four-day spectacular will see festive chalets housing fabulous local businesses, delicious food & drink, plenty of Christmas family fun and live music across the weekend.
www.beethamnurseries.co.uk

25th - 26th November
ULVERSTON DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
The Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Market and Festival brings with it a delightful host of events packed full of festivity. It attracts thousands of visitors to the traditional market town where they can soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era. Among a variety of events and entertainment, there will be costume competitions, horse drawn carriages and a Christmas market with unusual gifts and festive food.
dickensianfestival.co.uk

26th November
CHRISTMAS FAIR AT SAMLESBURY HALL
Wander through the Hall and browse a variety stalls displaying local products from across the county.
The Heritage Cafe will be open serving delicious Christmas Lunches. Mulled Wine will be available alongside plenty of mince pies, and hot turkey sandwiches.
www.samlesburyhall.co.uk

1st December
POULTON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
The lighting of the crib and Christmas tree in St Chad’s Church yard is added to by a range of festive market stalls selling locally made crafts, gifts, food and drink as well as fairground rides, live entertainment on stage.
www.facebook.com/PoultonChristmasFestival

3rd December
CROSTON VILLAGE CHRISTMAS FAIR
This year's village Christmas Fair is scheduled to take place on Sunday 3rd December. Updates provided on the facebook page.
www.facebook.com/crostonvillagefestivities

17th December
HOGHTON TOWER FARMERS MARKET
Hoghton Tower Farmers’ Market is held on the third Sunday of every month, as the final event takes place just a week before Christmas, you should be able to try some festive treats or find that last minute gift.
www.hoghtontower.co.uk/whats-on/farmers-market

This article first appeared in Lancashire Life