It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas with stores filling their windows with festive offers and lights and tree beginning to appear.

Here we look at five festive market and events in and around Bolton. In the next few weeks there will be a whole host of events for you to enjoy and these are just a selection of some of the most popular family treats.

So whether it’s gift ideas or just good time you are looking for, you are sure to find something for your liking in and around town.

Bolton Handmade Christmas Market

Perfect for last minute gift ideas, the Handmade Christmas Market returns to Bolton’s Albert Halls on Monday, December 23. Running from 10am to 4pm, there will be handmade craft and artisan food stalls for you browse and there will also be live music to enjoy throughout the day. Held in splendid surroundings there’s also the added bonus that no matter the weather, you’ll keep dry.

Ramsbottom Festive Farmers’ Market

Stuck for a gift idea? Help could be at hand with a special seasonal version of the monthly farmers’ market.

Held on Sunday, December 8, the Civic Hall will host a number of craft stalls and there will also be producers displaying their wares on Market Street.

Traders offer a wide range of amazing handmade goods ranging from casks and cheeses to felted crafts and handmade soaps. You can eat your way around the market and enjoy a warm brew as you shop. The market runs from 9.30am until 2.30pm.

Bolton Hospice Christmas Fair

Held both inside the hospice on Chorley New Road and (weather permitting) in the grounds, the annual Christmas fair is one of the organisation’s most popular fundraising events. This year’s fair will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 11am and will feature a selection of stalls, games and crafts for all the family. Santa will also be there is his grotto and refreshments will be available.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Now in its 20th year and having established itself as one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe, more than 300 traders will be taking part in this year’s event which opened yesterday.

The market runs seven days a week until Saturday, December 21 (Albert Square will remain open until Sunday, December 22).

Situated at a variety of locations around the city centre including Market Street, King Street and St Ann’s Square.