THE BEST Christmas markets in the UK have been revealed.

The Brighton Christmas Market has been named fifth in the top ten Christmas markets across the country.

The list, compiled by travel site Big 7 Travel, ranked markets on seven factors including vendor variety, entertainment, local traditions and previous awards.

The Brighton Christmas Market opened for the first time on Friday, November 26.

EastEnders star Anita Dobson turned on the lights at the official opening of the Brighton Christmas Festival in Valley Gardens, Brighton.

The market, which has more than 80 stalls and attractions, will run until Friday, December 31.

The hand-built chalet stalls sell a variety of food and drink, arts and crafts, Christmas trees and souvenirs.

Local businesses taking part include Brighton Gin, Bluebird Vineyard Estates, Classic Truck Coffee Company, Trading Post Coffee Roasters, Pod Experiences, Brighton Beard Company and The Waffle Market.

The full list of the top ten Christmas markets in the UK is below:

1 - The Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace

2 - Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

3 - Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market

4 - Southampton Christmas Festival

5 - Brighton Christmas Festival

6 - Winchester Cathedral Market

7 - Manchester Christmas Markets

8 - St. Nicholas Fair in York

9 - East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market in Edinburgh

10 - Rochester Christmas Market

A Big 7 Travel spokesman said: “This year is set to bring a lot more cheer and festive spirit. Covid-19 might have cancelled Christmas last year, but we’re hurtling towards a bumper edition of festive fun this year to make up for it.

“Sadly, some Christmas markets have been cancelled but many of the nation's favourite markets are going ahead. Some of the larger fairs have introduced booking requirements, so be sure to check online before you go.

David Hill, founder of Hove-based E3 Events, which won a three-year contract from Brighton and Hove City Council to run the festival, said he has been staggered by the response so far.

"It’s an amazing day for Brighton and Hove,” he said. "Now we have got to make sure that Brighton and Hove celebrate Christmas in a way never seen before.

"Brighton Christmas Festival has been a huge project for the team, make no mistake about that, and we want everyone to join in.”

The Brighton Christmas Festival site extends south from St Peter’s Church, York Place, to the Victoria Fountain in Old Steine.

From Monday to Saturday, it will be open from 11am until 11pm. On Sundays it will be open from 11am to 6pm.

However, the site will be closed on Christmas Day.

There is no charge for admission to the festival site and tickets are not needed. However, some attractions and entertainment features within the festival will involve an admission charge.