Some of the best Christmas markets around the world
There's nothing quite like a festive market to bring out the Christmas spirit in people.
While these events can be traced back to Vienna – the city's first recorded December market was in 1298 – the tradition has spread across the world over the centuries.
From Germany and Switzerland to Singapore and New York, it's difficult to find a coveted destination that doesn't hold an impressive annual market. In fact, some have grown so popular that they've become tourist attractions in their own right.
Here's a rundown of some of the top Christmas markets taking place around the world this year.
Ravenna Gorge, Germany
To attend this event, you must hike from Hinterzarten and travel to a valley on a journey that takes you through traditional black forest mills.
The entrance fee is $8.96 on arrival before 4pm and $12.21 on arrival from 4pm, Childrens entrance free with the exception of shuttle transfer being $3.26.
This market doesn't just sell food and handmade items but includes nativity trails, send postcards to Santa and play Market rallies where you can win small prizes.
Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium
Brussels really comes to life at Christmas time thanks to Winter Wonders, which is more akin to a festival than a market.
One of Belgium's biggest and most popular events, the annual extravaganza extends across the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine and Marche aux Poissons.
A light and sound show, ice skating and fairground rides are among the activities and places to enjoy, while visitors can also browse through about 200 or so chalets serving glühwein (mulled wine), Belgian beers and waffles and stare in wonder at the enormous Christmas tree erected in Grand Place.
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
The Estonian capital's annual affair is one of the more modern European Christmas markets.
Set inside Tallinn's Town Hall Square, it's packed full of stalls with traditional Estonian cuisine, artisan bread and handicrafts for sale.
On the entertainment front, there are carousels, a winter grotto and a Santa who rolls up on a sleigh complete with reindeer.
Visitors are also treated to regular performances by dance troupes and choirs.
But as with many such markets, the Christmas tree is the main event. Tallinn's tree has been displayed here since 1441.
Valkenburg, Netherlands
The markets in Valkenburg spread through multiple caves such as the Velvet cave, Municipal cave.
The Christmas markets in Valkenburg also provide smaller events such as 'Winter wonderland', which allows visitors to ride in a cable car to Limburg's Largest illuminated Christmas tree, parades, street theatres etc.
Christkindlesmarkt and Gendarmenmarkt, Germany
Open-air winter street markets have long been associated with Germany, and the European country is home to some of the oldest and most visited festive markets.
Capital city Berlin has around 80 of them, but Gendarmenmark is perhaps its most renowned.
Positioned between the Franzosischer Dom and Deutscher Dom, it's a maze of wooden huts with bratwurst, mulled wine and ginger bread for sale, along with special Christmas gifts. At night, visitors can enjoy nightly concerts with dance and musical performances.
Over in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, the famous Christkindlesmarkt has been around since the 16th century. During the Christmas period, around 200 stands are erected in the city's central market square, and the whole area is abuzz with activity.
The market usually draws in around 2 million people every year and is undoubtedly one of Nuremberg's annual highlights.
Krakow Christmas Market, Poland
Stretched across a huge section of Rynek Glowny, the Polish city's central square, Krakow Christmas Market is among the largest in Europe.
Historic landmark St. Mary's Basilica serves as a stunning backdrop to the yearly event, which has been around since the early 14th century, as does the Renaissance Cloth Hall.
Revelers can tuck into Polish delicacies such as kiełbasa (sausage), shop for handcrafted gifts or treats and take in live music from folk bands and carol singers.
The market also hosts a competition in which participants, including schoolchildren and local artists, create small Nativity scenes, or cribs. They are displayed at the statue of Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, situated in the square, before a winner is chosen.
The Distillery Winter Village, Toronto
Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, the Distillery Winter Village is an intimate and charming take on the traditional European festive market.
Held in the historic Distillery District, it features outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors, Christmas carol sing-a-longs, a gingerbread hunt and a 50-foot Christmas tree.
Visitors will be able to find everything from artisanal food, handcrafted gifts and festive drinks at the numerous stalls here.
St. Stephen's Basilica and Vörösmarty Square markets, Budapest, Hungary
Over a hundred stalls come together to sell Hungarian delicacies and handmade gifts. Admission is free to all events.
Various programs to join as there are folk, jazz, world music, soul, blues, crossover concerts offer entertainment on the centre stage between 5pm-9pm on weekdays, and between 4pm – 9pm on weekends.
It is located in Vörösmarty Square.
Edinburgh at Christmas, Scotland
From an ice rink to immersive light displays, the Scottish capital's historic city center is abuzz with festive markets and attractions throughout winter.
Over in popular urban park East Princes Street Garden, there's a traditional Christmas market with up to 70 stalls and a 46-meter tall Ferris wheel, the largest in the country.
Revelers are treated to spectacular views of the iconic Scott Monument, along with Edinburgh Castle, where the after-dark Castle of Light attraction will be held from late November to early January.
Meanwhile, a Christmas tree maze that features 450 illuminated trees can be found at St. Andrew Square Garden. Skaters might like a popular ice rink at George Street, one of the city's top shopping spots.
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