The best Christmas markets in the world
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland: This classic market is split into two different sections at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz and consists of nearly 200 decorated stalls selling Christmas spices, decorations and candles.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France: Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg Christmas Market lights up the city annually, with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and festive ornaments.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France: Extending over more than 10 locations, it features around 300 wooden chalet stalls selling everything from decorations to mulled wine.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria: There may be around 20 Christmas markets in the Austrian capital to choose from in a regular year, but the Viennese Dream Christmas Market is one of the city's oldest and most traditional events.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria: The magical spectacle includes a ferris wheel, illuminations and over 150 stalls offering up tasty treats and Christmas decorations and gifts.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium: A light and sound show, ice skating, and fairground rides are just some of the activities to choose from at this annual extravaganza.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium: Visitors can also browse through the many chalets that serve up glühwein, Belgian beers and all types of snacks.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Wenceslas Square Christmas market, Prague: Visitors can pick up handmade gifts and locals treats like klobása (Czech sausage) at Prague's Wenceslas Square Christmas market.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Old Town Square Christmas market, Prague: The festive market at the city's Old Town Square offers up non-stop entertainment, such as live shows, dance performances and creative workshops.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence: The best thing about this fabulous market transported from Germany to Italy is undoubtedly the beautiful backdrop supplied by Santa Croce's Franciscan Basilica.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence: The traditional fair is transported from Heidelberg, Germany to Florence every year.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Advent in Zagreb, Croatia: The Croatian capital was voted the "best Christmas market destination" in travel portal European Best Destinations' online poll a few years in a row largely thanks to this festive event.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Christmas in Tivoli, Denmark: This Danish amusement park and pleasure garden is a special place to visit year-round, but it's even more alluring at Christmas.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Christmas in Tivoli, Denmark: The beautiful grounds are filled with fairground rides, thousands of lights and a Santa's grotto.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia: Based in Tallinn's Town Hall Square, carousels and a winter grotto are among the many attractions at the Estonian capital's annual winter event.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia: Traditional Estonian cuisine, artisan bread and handicrafts is sold at its many festive stalls.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Skansen's Christmas Market, Stockholm: Located on the island of Djurgarden in the world's oldest open-air museum, Skansen is arguably the most traditional winter fair in Sweden.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki: Held in Helsinki's Senate Square, Tuomaan Markkinat is a wonderfully Scandinavian Christmas market, with a classic carousel as its center piece, along with dozens of stalls selling traditional Christmas delicacies and Finnish handicrafts.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Gendarmenmarkt, Germany: Based between the Franzosischer Dom and Deutscher Dom, Gendarmenmarkt is a maze of wooden huts with Bratwurst, mulled wine and ginger bread for sale, along with unique Christmas gifts.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Fira de Santa Llucia: Dating back to 1786, this market has grown from a one-day event to commemorate the feast day of Santa Llucia, which falls on December 13, to a three-week fair.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Fira de Santa Llucia: The bustling market, held outside Barcelona Cathedral, is separated into four sections, nativity and figurines, greenery and plants, crafts and simbombes.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany: This festive market has been around since the 16th century, drawing in around two million people every year.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Vorosmarty Square Christmas market: The highlights from this annual event in Vorosmarty Square usually include a giant advent calendar, with a new window display each day. However, the event may be different this year, as it's no longer being organized by the city.
The best Christmas markets in the world
The Distillery Winter Village, Toronto: Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, this annual event features outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors, a gingerbread hunt and a 50-foot Christmas tree.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York: With custom-designed kiosks and a 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink, this renowned open-air market is a fabulous sight to behold.
The best Christmas markets in the world
Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York: There are a vast number of eateries to choose from, along with an outdoor beer garden and a cocktail bar.
