Yes it's August, yes we still have Halloween - but Christmas is still coming early.

Brown Thomas stores in Dublin, Cork and Limerick will officially open their Christmas markets this Thursday August 20th.

The retailer says a dedicated space in each store will be transformed, and filled with Christmas trees, decorations, crackers and festive food.

This year will also see themes for the different markets.

These will include 'Ice Palace', 'Venetian Winter', 'I Love Candy' and 'Santa's Journey'.

It's never too early...is it?