If you really can't wait until Christmas, why not book a trip to one of Europe's festive markets? There are plenty within easy driving distance of the UK and they provide a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit before the real festivities begin.
Christmas markets are ideal places to find special gifts, stocking fillers and festive treats. Many also offer live music and other attractions such as skating rinks and children's entertainment.
To make sure your trip is an enjoyable one, take out AA European Breakdown Cover to help keep you on the road in Europe. You can save up to 30% when you buy online*.
Great deals are also available with AA Getaways. Get 3 nights for the price of 2 on driving trips to Boulogne and Calais, during the charming Christmas markets. If you'd prefer to plan your own, AA members get a discount on ferry crossings with P&O Ferries, Brittany Ferries and Stena Line.
If you'd rather take the train, AA Getaways has some great offers on Eurostar breaks to many European destinations.
8-31 December
Fashionable Antwerp offers a wonderful festive experience, with a Christmas market stretching across several squares in the city centre. Stock up on Christmas decorations and stocking fillers from the traditional wooden chalets while enjoying some tasty mulled wine.
Once you've exhausted the festive stalls of the Christmas market, Antwerp offers an excellent shopping experience for lovers of fashion and diamonds.
AA Getaways is offering 3 nights for 2 on Antwerp breaks.
23 November to 1 January
In the run-up to Christmas there's more to the Belgian city of Bruges than lager and lace. The main square is transformed into a winter wonderland of festive market stalls surrounding an ice rink. Browse the Christmas market for hand-made decorations and edible gifts before trying a local beer or two.
There are plenty of cobbled streets, shopping squares and boutique galleries to explore during daylight hours. And if it's traditional tourist trinkets you're after, look no further than Wollestraat.
Get 3 nights for 2 in Bruges with AA Getaways.
23 November to 6 December
St Baafsplein, in Ghent, hosts a Christmas spectacular in December. Enjoy the sound of a choir singing carols while you browse the chalets at the Christmas market and tuck into some festive food.
Away from the Christmas market, head to Vlaanderenstraat for the best boutiques, the Veldstraat area for department stores, or check out more unusual shops on Koestraat and Kalandestraat.
Visit AA Getaways to enjoy 3 nights for 2 in Ghent.
19 November to 30 December
Lille is the first Christmas market to open in France each year and its chalets offer original gifts, traditional toys, European specialities and more. There's also a fairground and children's entertainment to enjoy.
The city itself is a great shopping destination, with old cobbled streets, chic boutiques, the 100-unit Euralille shopping centre and the discount shops of the Rue Gambetta area. Rue du Faubourg des Postes has become a focal point for the fashion conscious, and is home to young up-and-coming designers selling their own creations.
AA Getaways is offering 3 nights for 1 in Lille.
20 November to 6 January
Traditional Christmas markets appear in several parts of Paris during the festive season, including the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, La Defénse and Place de la Trocadero.
Sample some vin chaud and enjoy a festive river cruise as darkness descends, to see Notre Dame illuminated from the Seine.
Getaways is offering 3 nights for 1 in Paris.
Visit AA Getaways for more fantastic Christmas Market ideas across Europe by rail and air, including Amsterdam, Cologne, Prague, Krakow and other destinations.
Save up to 30% on European breakdown cover*
* The discount is made up of 20% online discount plus a further 10% discount for AA members and any eligible AA customers. The discounts are only available online at www.theaa.com/europe.
We've put many of the European motoring must-haves into one convenient driving kit: the AA Euro Travel Kit.
