There's not long to wait now until the city's popular Christmas Market is open for business, well and truly heralding the start of the festive season in Chester .

And what better way to get into the spirit of 'the most wonderful time of year' than by exploring the sprawling attraction which boasts more than 70 wooden chalets, all wrapped around a sparkling Christmas tree.

Organisers Marketing Cheshire say this year's market will be the biggest yet.

"We have always held the same vision for Chester Christmas Market – it is a boutique market, easy to navigate with quality produce," explained head of marketing Anna Williams.

"It needs to complement the characteristic Christmas shopping experience in Chester – that of excellent, niche products and with a strong local and independent slant."

So if you're planning a visit to the market this year, here's everything you need to know.

Chester Christmas Market

When does it start and what are its opening hours?

Its official first day is Friday (November 18), but organisers are working hard to get most of the stalls open for business by Thursday to coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on.

The market will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday, with late night shopping on Thursdays until 8pm and until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

The Real Ale Bar will be open during general market opening hours and late night opening from Thursday-Saturday until 9pm.

Where can I find it?

In the heart of the city centre, of course.

Town Hall Square will be transformed into our very own winter wonderland.

Will I be able to snap up any Christmas presents?

Absolutely!

There will be opportunities galore. Handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, personalised Christmas decorations, leather goods and pottery will all be on offer.

So make sure you come armed with your shopping list to pick up some stocking fillers and thoughtful gifts.

Will there be many local producers?

With more than 75% of the stall-holders based regionally, the team behind Chester’s Christmas Market is hoping it becomes the most regionally focused and quintessentially British Christmas market in the country.

Marketing Cheshire say they give local and regional stalls precedent over everything else and hope by 2020 to have a completely regional market that gives visitors an exclusive seasonal snap shot of North West artisan producers.

What if I get peckish?

Strolling around a Christmas market and soaking up the festive atmosphere can be hungry and thirsty work.

But don't fear, as there will be plenty to eat and drink at the market, not least the obligatory mulled wine as well as a some satisfying ales thanks to the return of the popular Real Ale Bar.

When does it all finish?

The last trading day will be Sunday, December 18 – a week before the big day.

Why so early?

Organisers say they have studied retail and shopping habits of consumers over the years, and have found that the last two weeks of November and first two weeks of December are the busiest for Christmas Market shopping. So those are the weeks they target, before shutting up shop before we head into Christmas week.