LONDON, November 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

December is almost here, so there is no escaping the festive feeling that comes with the lights, shopping and action up and down the UK high streets at this time of year! Whether the shopping has been done since the 2012 January sales, or consumers plan to wait until the very last minute to grab the most up to date deals, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in traditional Christmas spirit. Here's a guide to finding some of the best Christmas markets to get in the festive mood.

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Planning to stay close to home? The UK offers up a fantastic array of festive themed markets which allow consumers to indulge in traditionally made mulled wine, gingerbread treats and steaming hot chocolates whilst browsing homemade gifts and decorations. Visit the historic Nottingham market square for a traditional Tudor themed Christmas market featuring chalets full of traditional food and gifts,  and a singing snowman to create a Winter wonderland right in the heart of the city.

Further south there is the hugely popular Bath Christmas market, with carol singing and festive entertainment in addition to over 140 traditional stalls; this market is sure to satisfy every Christmas shopper! For a more European theme without leaving the country, the Leeds Christkindelmarkt sets the perfect scene for a traditional European Christmas; not only can consumers choose from a huge variety of hand crafted toys and jewellery on the stalls, but the market offers an incredible opportunity to sample authentic German food and drink whilst browsing!

Thinking of heading abroad for festivities this year? Grab a big suitcase ready to fill with some of the most exciting and unique gifts available from Europe's most wonderful cities. There are over 2,500 markets alone in Germany, with the Nuremberg and Dresden being the most famous (and oldest) of the traditional markets. Other popular locations include Vienna, Prague, Bruge, Lille and Tallinn to gain a truly warming and traditional festive feeling!

Travel light and for less by logging on to http://www.sportsdirect.com right now to get incredible deals on the latest luggage sets. Stay up to date with online Christmas offers too on the official Facebook and Twitter pages.

Note to editors:

For more information please contact Emma Parker, Emma.Parker@sportsdirect.com - +44(0)8703339413