Lights twinkle in shop windows, a frost threatens to form and the whiff of mulled wine drifts from pub bars in Britain’s cosiest towns . Next week marks the thick of the festive countdown and, with it, a few more weekends in which to source unusual gifts and escape family commitments.

Ditching the car for a short, or scenic, train ride adds to the appeal of a mini-break. Here are five places that have perfected their seasonal celebrations and which can be reached by rail .

Arundel, West Sussex

This well-connected market town has a restored medieval castle, Georgian houses and a “Victorian Christmas” event on the first weekend of December that promises a lantern procession and carols. Gift shopping in Arundel might include rifling through vintage treasures at Arundel Antiques Centr

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