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 Austrian 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 CNN Travel’s rundown of some of the top Christmas markets taking place around the world this year:
Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria
With a reindeer train, a giant Ferris wheel and a giant Advent wreath, Vienna’s magical spectacle encapsulates the festive spirit fantastically.
Although the Austrian capital holds around 20 Christmas markets, Wiener Christkindlmarkt (or Rathausplatz) is one of its oldest and most traditional events.
The event, also known as Viennese Dream Christmas Market, is held in front of City Hall and features a 110-square-meter children’s ice rink. The famous Tree of Hearts, a giant maple tree decked out with hundreds of glittering hearts, is a favorite with visitors and a great photo opportunity.
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
It’s hard to find a destination that does Christmas better than Switzerland.
Most Swiss towns are taken over by festive markets at this time of year, and the atmosphere is incredible. Basel Christmas Market is the biggest and arguably the best around.
Separated into two sections, at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, it hosts around 150 decorated stalls selling everything from Christmas spices, decorations and candles.
Family attractions include the Christmas fairytale forest at Münsterplatz with activities such as gingerbread and candle decorating, a star-making workshop and a puppet show.
Attendees can take a walk up the stairwell of St. Martin’s tower for views of the lights illuminating the old town or sip on mulled wine at the 13-meter-high Christmas pyramid on Barfüsserplatz.
Basel Christmas Market opens on November 27 and is scheduled to run until December 23.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, Strasbourg’s began back in 1570, but has evolved considerably since then.
Spread over more than 10 locations, the hugely popular market lights up the city with thousands of twinkling lights and festive ornaments.
Drawing in over 2 million people a year, it features hundreds of wooden chalet stalls selling everything from decorations and presents to local Alsatian wine.
Place Kleber is probably its most popular spot thanks to the Great Christmas Tree. But visitors will be treated to countless magical sights while wandering through the city’s narrow alleyways and pretty squares.
Strasbourg Christmas Market begins on November 26 and closes on December 24.
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 open spaces of 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. Visitors can also browse through about 200 chalets serving glühwein (mulled wine), Belgian beers and waffles while staring in wonder at the enormous Christmas tree in Grand Place.
